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“Can I tell you something in confidence?”
“Sure. I’ll just put on my big brother hat.”
He gestured as if settling an enormous cowboy hat on his head.
“Stop it!” I laughed.
“I’m serious. What is it, Odie?”
“I have a stupid crush on someone. Turns out he’s Wyatt Worthington?—”
“The billionaire?”
“Yes. I ran into him in town. He didn’t know who I was back then. And he’s… well, I find him utterly charming. Anyhow, we escaped together. Karin nearly skinned me alive over it. She threatened to tell Alex. I swear I’m not acting out. This isn’t mania?—”
He smiled. “No, it’s just a crush. On a man much too old for you.”
“You should talk!”
Rick chuckled. “Perhaps. Don’t worry. I won’t say it. It’s okay. I see all your work and how hard you try to stay healthy, Odette. I know what it is like to be the flake. My only excuse was I am stubborn and often selfish.”
“I disagree,” I said. “Not about the stubborn bit, but the selfish one. Maybe you were. I don’t know. But now… you’re only going to take care of us. It takes someone lovely to take on four sisters and a perfect dad to manage this chaos.”
“I’m touched you think that, Odette. My point, though, is it’s unfair that you constantly beat yourself up over it. I get it. I was labelled the fuckup. I’d know.”
Rick smiled kindly, knowing what really worried me. His voice softened, “You aren’t your dad, Odie. Alexandra and I aren’t Celeste. We aren’t here to torture or judge you. I know it’s hard sometimes, but let that go and live. What is it you want out of life, sweetheart?”
“I want respect,” I said. “I want to be loveable—admirable.”
“You are, Odie,” Rick assured. “You are always loveable and very admirable. I am sorry you don’t always see that. You will someday.”
“But will I ever meet someone who feels that way?”
“I think you will,” Rick said. “If I could find the person who saw the good in me, I have hope for you.”
“I’ve settled on being the family spinster,” I sighed.
“Come on, you got a billionaire to follow you… where did you go? Should I ask?”
I laughed. “It wasn’t too sinister. We went to Keys.”
“Ah, that’s on-brand.”
I snickered.
“Well, he chased you there, Odette. You charmed him. I think it’s good for you. He’d be stupid not to see how smart and kind you are. Give yourself some credit.”
I wished I could believe Rick.
“Overall, other than the boy—man—you found, how did it go?”
“Really great,” I answered. “I felt good. Can I tell you another secret?”
Rick smiled. “Anything, kid.”
“I want to prove my worth to Alexandra. I want this Vision 360 patronage to be mine. I know I can help her.”
“I can try to put in a good word—maybe point it out?”