Becoming Us(10)

I’ve thought about meeting Royce’s kids, my half-sisters, but I think it’s probably better if I don’t. Sadie already doesn’t like me and given what I’ve heard about her and her sisters, I don’t think we’d get along. And I know I wouldn’t get along with Victoria. She’s just another version of Katherine.

My phone rings. It’s still in my backpack. Garret reaches over and hands it to me. It’s Grace.

“Hi, Grace.”

Garret is looking at me like I shouldn’t be talking to her. Does he think I can’t trust Grace now? I’m not sure what he’s thinking, but he’s motioning me to put the phone on speaker, so I do.

“Jade, honey, are you okay?” Grace’s voice is full of concern.

“Yes, I’m fine.”

“I just spoke with William. He said he met you earlier.”

“He was at my school. He just showed up there.”

“I have to apologize for him. I had no idea he was spying on you like that. It didn’t even occur to me that he would discover the trust fund. But I should’ve known when William was going through Arlin’s financials that he would find out about it. I’m so sorry, Jade. William should’ve come to me before he even considered doing something like that.”

“It’s okay.”

“No. It’s not at all okay. And I told him that. He may be a grown man, but I’m still his mother and I scolded him for his actions.”

I cover my mouth as I laugh. Leave it to Grace to make me laugh at a time like this. I love my grandma.

“You didn’t need to do that, Grace.”

“You’re part of our family and he shouldn’t treat you like you’re not.”

“I don’t think he believes I’m family. I tried to explain everything to him but I think he was too shocked to accept it.”

“He needs to get over it. You’re his niece, and if he doesn’t treat you as such, he’ll have to deal with his mother.”

I almost laugh again. I see Garret smiling.

“So what did William say to you?” I ask Grace.

“He asked me about Royce and your mother.” She sighs. “I know it’s difficult for William to hear those things about his brother and I know he’ll need time to accept it, but I won’t let him take his anger with Royce out on you. I explained to William how you had a very difficult childhood and how Royce was the reason for that. I also explained that when Arlin and I met you, we vowed to support you in any way we could and the trust fund was one way of doing that. Then I told him what a wonderful young woman you are and I encouraged him to get to know you, if you agree to it.”

“I do want to get to know him.” Garret’s motioning me to let him talk. “Grace, do you mind if I put you on speaker? Garret wants to say something.”

“Of course. Go ahead.”

I pretend to, since she’s already on speaker.

“Hi, Grace,” Garret says.

“Hello, Garret. William said you were there as well today.”

“Yes, and I assumed he’d call you to check our story. I told my dad that William might be calling him, too.”

“He called Pearce right after he called me. He’s very worried about your father.”

“He is? Why?”

“He’s concerned your father might tell the organization the truth about Royce, which as you know, would mean William would be punished. I told him your father wouldn’t do that, at least I hope he wouldn’t, especially given what Arlin did for you last spring.”

“No, my dad would never do that. He doesn’t want anyone getting hurt here. That’s why I wanted to talk to you. My dad’s worried William might put Jade in danger. If he found out she was at my house the day Royce—”

“I didn’t tell him about that day. And I’m not going to. But even if he knew Jade was there, he wouldn’t tell the members.”

“Are you sure? I mean, I’m not trying to say anything bad about William but you can never be too careful.”

“I know what you’re thinking, Garret. And I understand your concerns. But Royce and William are not the same. Arlin and I both knew Royce had problems. We knew that for years. But William doesn’t struggle with the issues his brother had. He’s nothing like Royce. He would never harm Jade.”

Garret doesn’t respond. Neither do I. I’m not sure if I believe her.

“Jade, are you fearful of William?” Grace asks. “Be honest with me.”

“Um, yeah, kind of. I don’t want to be, but I don’t know him well enough to say that I trust him.”

“I understand. Would you feel better if I were there the next time you and William meet?”