Tough Shit (Rejects Paradise 1)

Even though we all know there wasn’t much to set up, the boys all grin proudly. I adore the way Mom likes to make them feel loved for doing something for us out of the kindness of their little overprotective hearts.

“It was no problem,” Eli says. “You know we’d drop anything to make sure you guys had everything you needed.”

Mom smiles across at him, her pride and love beaming through her eyes. “Thank you, sweetheart. I really do appreciate it. To be honest, I don’t think the old bat was ever planning on moving out of here.” She glances around, taking it all in before bringing her gaze back to me “It really is nice here. We’ve struck a good deal,” she says. “Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely loved my room in the main house but it’s nice to have our own space to relax and be ourselves. Staying in that room for the last few days was so …”

“Hotel like?” I offer when she can’t seem to find the word.

“Exactly,” she says, pointing across at me. “In here, we get to be just us.”

I smile across at her and it hits me just how much she’s loving it here. She’s thriving in her new job, loving the lifestyle, and making new friends. For once in her life, people other than her family are needing her, appreciating her, and valuing her time and she absolutely loves it. I just hope I’m not going to lose her to this world.

I slide my half-eaten bowl over to Kairo knowing he’ll want to eat it despite the two bowls he’s already chowed down. I push up from the table and make my way to the kitchen to dish up dinner for mom.

“How’s the new job going?” Sebastian asks, sitting up on the kitchen counter.

Mom sighs, leaning back on the couch. “It’s great. Better than I thought it was going to be but it’s exhausting. It’s got long hours and it’s going to take me a little while to adjust to it. The Carringtons are great hosts. I was expecting them to be like the snobby rich people you see on TV, but Charles is great and a very generous man. He gives me a great rate and makes sure his staff are well cared for, Ocean too. I’m not so sure about Colton though, I haven’t really had a chance to get to know him yet but I’m sure that will come. My feet though,” she chuckles, leaning over and giving them a rub. “They’ve been aching with having to be on them all day long. I wasn’t quite expecting that.”

“I bet,” I tell her, walking across the room and handing over her dinner. “Have you got the same shift tomorrow or do you get a break?”

“I’ve got a half-day tomorrow,” she explains. “Charles is flying out at 4 am for a business meeting across the country and won’t be requiring the staff on hand until the afternoon. Though the maids will still have to come in at their usual time and do their thing. After all, we have that big party to prepare for on Saturday. Friday is going to be insane with preparations. Maryne has been giving me the rundown on how it’s all going to work.”

“Wait,” I say, my brows furrowed. “What party? I haven’t heard about a party.”

“Oh, you haven’t?” she questions, her eyes beaming with excitement. “It’s going to be amazing, like one of those grand parties you see in the movies. Apparently, it’s some kind of tradition that Charles’ ex-wife started some good ten years ago. They were so successful that even after she left, they’ve continued the tradition. There’s a theme and all. This one is going to be black and white and I think they’re planning a masquerade ball for next month’s party. The best of the best are going to be there in gowns and tuxedos.”

My eyes brim with wonder. “Are you kidding me?” I screech, hardly able to sit still as I picture an elegant party held in one of the ballrooms, complete with decorations, chandeliers, champagne, and everyone having an amazing time. “That sounds incredible.”

“It will be but it’s also going to be a massive job. Maryne has been going crazy with scheduling and event planning. I was thinking I could give her a hand in the morning. I’ve always been good with that sort of thing and it beats sitting around in here doing nothing while you’re at school.”

“Great idea. I’m sure she’ll be grateful for any help she can get,” I say, pressing my lips into a firm line and trying to work out how to word this next question. “So, this party …” I start. “Is it like, invitation only, or could I maybe … you know, sneak in?”