“Access to the most judgmental eight-year-old I’ve ever heard described.”
Kellen laughed.
“She is nine next month.”
“Even worse.”
He considered.
Then:
“You want to come?”
Serafina blinked.
He enjoyed surprising her.
“To Marcus’s?”
“No.”
“Our place.”
Her expression changed.
Kellen immediately regretted the invitation.
Not because he did not want her there.
Because he did.
Too much.
He added:
“You don’t have to.”
Serafina looked toward him.
“I’d like to.”
Their apartment was exactly what Kellen feared she would see.
Small.
Second floor.
Old carpet.
Kitchen table with one wobbling leg.
Amara’s science project taking up half the living room.
Laundry on a chair.
Serafina entered carrying pizza and a bottle of sparkling water that probably cost more than the pizza.
Amara opened the door.
She stared.
“You’re the fancy road lady.”
Kellen closed his eyes.
“Amara.”
Serafina smiled.
“That’s me.”
“You changed hats.”
“I did.”
“Why?”
“I own more than one.”
Amara considered this.
“Dad owns one.”
“Thank you.”
“It smells weird.”
Kellen pointed toward the table.
“Sit.”
Dinner went better than expected.
Which terrified him.
Amara asked Serafina:
“Are you actually a billionaire?”
Kellen nearly dropped his slice.
“Who told you?”
“You did.”
“I did not.”
“You said she owned Vale.”
“I said she worked there.”
“You said ownership.”
Serafina covered a smile.
Amara looked toward her.
“Are you?”
Serafina answered:
“Technically.”
“How much is a billion?”
“Too much.”
“Can you buy a zoo?”
“Probably.”
“Would you?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Animals deserve better than my schedule.”
Amara nodded.
“Good answer.”
Kellen stared.
“Is this an interview?”
“Yes.”
Serafina whispered:
“I’m nervous.”
Amara continued:
“Do you have kids?”
“No.”
“Do you want them?”
Kellen almost inhaled pizza.
“Okay.”
“New subject.”
Serafina laughed.
Amara shrugged.
“I’m asking.”
Serafina looked toward the child.
“I don’t know.”
Amara accepted that.
Then:
“Do you like my dad?”
Kellen stood.
“Dessert.”
“There is no dessert.”
“I’m going to invent some.”
Serafina’s cheeks reddened.
Amara looked delighted.
Kellen went into the kitchen.
He heard Serafina whisper:
“You’re dangerous.”
Amara answered: