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“Thank you for co with me”

“Of course, babe You’ll be attendingnext week It’s the least I could do”

We lock arms and stroll up the sandstone ay to the massive two story home My father’s always been wealthy, and unafraid to spend that money on comforts I knock on the door and wait Karen opens the door, polished in her navy blue maxi dress that shows off her tan Her silver hair is pulled back froh cheekbones, and warm blue eyes

“Oliver, we are so happy you’ve co lady with you Please come in” She ushers us inside

“George, Oliver is here,” she calls

“Thanks for having us, Karen This is irlfriend, Quinn Quinn, this is my step-mother, Karen”

“It’s so lovely to meet you, dear,” Karen says as she shakes Quinn’s hand

“Likewise,” Quinn replies with a smile

“Oliver”

I look over Karen’s shoulder and aze There’s a warmth I’m afraid to trust My father’s always seee people, but he’s always been the type to plan things Is this a chance at a real reconciliation or an angle he’s working? Quinn nudges me in the side with her elbow

“Hey, Dad This is ht her”

“Of course not Welcome to our home, Quinn” He steps forward and shakes her hand

“Thank you, Mr Hemnway”

“Please, call e” He flashes a confident smile and kisses the back of her hand The petty part of ets better with ti I inherited from him

“I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I s, bacon, toas