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Ok.
I almost laugh. All that for two measly letters?
Why did you want to meet?
I show her my message and she immediately ducks her head to type her own. Her fingers fly over the keyboard and it’s like watching a machine.
I want to make a deal.
Before that, how did you get my number? And why are you here by yourself? Didn’t your uncle send someone to help you pack and get ready to leave?
Her expression when she reads my message can only be described as ‘mad science-y’. An eyebrow pops and she carefully types a reply.
Uncle Dare isn’t coming back. He always does this. He’s never in one place for long.
My heart burns like it stepped off a volcano and straight into lava.
So it’s true. Dare is packing up and leaving without even telling me.
I shake my head and type something, erase it and type again.
How can I help you?
I don’t want to move. I’m supposed to go to the farmhouse next week.
My eyes meet hers and, for the first time, I see beyond the ruffles, designer shoes, and fluffed blonde hair to the little girl underneath.
Why don’t you talk to your uncle and tell him that?My smile, when I show her the note, is kind.He adores you.
He won’t listen to me. But he’ll listen to you.
That’s not exactly true.
Talia motions to one of the guards. He stomps up the platform, approaches our chosen merry-go-round and drops a bag at my feet.
I almost fall off the horse when I see the jewels glittering within the bag.
What on earth?
Talia, where did you get all that jewelry?
They’re my mom’s. Now they’re yours if you let me stay here with you.
I blink and blink. My eyes roam her face. Those big blue eyes. That button nose. The appearance of a child and the mind of a mafia don.
I don’t want your jewelry.
What do you want then?
She looks so serious, so earnest, that it feels like I’m staring at the female version of Dare Sullivan. Her thumbs move quickly as she types:
Let me stay with you and I’ll make sure Uncle Dare never forgets you. I’ll mention you every time he calls me.
Her little head bob is endearing.
I smile.
I appreciate that, but your uncle is your guardian and if he’s moving away permanently, then you should go with him. Your mom would want that.