Page 164 of Lavish

Miles and I finished renovating Mrs. Fontaine’s property before my official sabbatical from King Developments, just a little bit ahead of schedule and under budget. It was a miracle I couldn’t explain.

It felt good to be able to shove it back in Mama’s face, even if she hadn’t fully wanted to be proud of me. All evidence from Jenese had been burned in the fire. And Dante kept his word—nothing came out of it. No one came looking for Jenese or Victor. Not to speak ill of the dead, but I was glad to be rid of her.

Dante was able to give us some insights into the schemes Victor and Jenese had been running all across the country. The Harrington estate, if they sold it, would have continued to fund their lifestyle. I didn’t know what to do with it; Erik transferred the property into my name and out of King Developments. I think when I was ready to get back to work, it could be a challenge.

Only months into my sabbatical, I didn't want to return to work. Miles was in the midst of opening his own real estate company, and I loved seeing him talk passionately about it. Even when he suggested the unexpected.

“Why don’t we start a company? Together?”

It was a little scary to think, especially since we’d both only worked for our family’s companies all our lives.

To have a company of our own? Building something with Miles that was all mine would be a different kind of fulfillment.

“I can’t have a martini?” I asked Gigi.

“No. You are routine and rhythm, and if you don’t stick to that, the world is liable to combust.”

Noelle laughed behind her champagne flute filled with mimosa. “Gigi, stop being dramatic. This is a new Serena. We have to get used to it.”

Itwasa new me. I’d become hyperfocused on trying hobbies.Apparently, there was a lot you could do when you weren’t working twelve-hour days.

I’d tried hiking, which wasn’t for me. I didn’t have the patience for crochet. I attempted bedazzling at the request of Gigi. My verdict on video games was no to the gore but yes to the cozy farming.

All of it was meaningless, which was hard for me to grasp, but it felt good to do something and not have life-or-death stakes.

“I can’t handle it,” Gigi said, shaking her head. Walter in her purse next to her barked. “Who will I fight with now?”

“Nothing stays the same,” Laurene said, gently rocking Daisy. My niece’s eyes were wide open, taking in the world.

“Speaking of that, how’s it been?” I asked Laurene, nodding to the baby.

Our relationship had improved greatly. Laurene called more, even if it was about the most mundane stuff. Sometimes I went over to her house just to hang out. Even Gigi and Erik would come along, Daddy, too, when he was feeling up to it.

Only Mama hadn’t come.

I hadn’t reached out like I said. I got a call from her once, but no phone call since. I wasn’t holding my breath.

“Daisy doesn’t want to sleep through the night and keeps Mommy and Daddy up, hmm? You like that,” Laurene cooed, tickling Daisy’s chubby cheek. Daisy cracked up laughing, gums on full display, little fists waving in triumph.

“Well, it’s her world, you just livin’ in it. You better give her whatever she want,” Gigi said, matter-of-fact, leaning back with a smirk. “Or face Auntie Gigi’s wrath!”

I could already see it—Daisy and Gigi, hell on wheels, the minute Daisy learned how to talk and walk.

“You’re the reason she’s spoiled,” I told Gigi, shaking my head.

“Ain’t no shame in my game.” Gigi shot me a grin and reached into her oversized purse, digging with purpose. “I’m not one to gossip, but did y’all hear what happen between Mama and Audrey?”

I glanced at Laurene, who also looked curious. Noelle was the first to lean in.

“What happened?”

Gigi smacked her lips. “Well, I went over there ’cause I was gonna ask Daddy for money. But when I got there, I saw Audrey’s car outside. Which is weird. When was the last time Mama talked to Audrey?—”

I snapped my fingers. “Get to the point, G.”

“Don’t rush me.” Gigi rolled her eyes at me. “They were out on the patio, just the two of them.Talking.I may have even heard alaugh.When does Mama laugh?”

I didn’t tell them what Daddy told me about getting them together. I guess he was successful.