Graduation and Gifts (Untouchable Book 8) by Heather Long (ebook reader play store .txt) 📗

That goal alone made working through everything else worth it.

Chapter Eleven

Everybody Wants to Rule the World

Frankie

The group session went way better than I’d expected. Even with the guys being wildly competitive and making little digs at each other, Erin seemed to like them. Well, like might not be the word. We had a brief talk at the end without the guys, and she applauded me on the communication and openness we demonstrated.

“Even with all the one-upping they’re doing?” Don’t get me wrong, I adored them, and that behavior had always been a part of their charm. It was normal for them, but it had been absent for a while.

“They hold genuine affection for each other, and they are all very much bonded in their desire to protect and take care of you,” Erin said with a smile. “I’d be more worried if they didn’t have that kind of a relationship. It shows just how relaxed they are with each other. That’s wonderful. But let me ask you that same question—how do you feel about the competitiveness?”

“For the most part, it’s them,” I admitted with a little sigh, then grinned. “Teasing and ragging each other has always been part of their charm. Usually, they reserve it for video games.” I rolled my eyes and then laughed. “But it happens other times too. It’s just been a while. So maybe you’re right—maybe they are relaxing too.”

“Remember, if you’re worried or have questions, ask them. Don’t assume.”

“Oh no, I won’t be assuming again.” I knew better now. The previous summer had been a very uncomfortable lesson on that subject.

“Good. I have a couple of questions for you. You don’t have to answer me now, but I want to give you time to think about it.”

“All right.”

“Question number one, do you feel like you want to continue therapy once you get to New York?”

I hesitated. I actually hadn’t thought about that.

“Question number two, if you feel like you should continue and would like some references, I actually have three or four recommendations for you.”

Erin was the best.

“Do you think I need more therapy?” Despite my initial leeriness about seeing a shrink or even admitting that I had any kind of problem, I’d found a strong ally in Erin.

“That’s a question only you can answer. That’s why I want you to think about it. Okay?”

I grinned at her. “Okay.”

The guys were quiet after therapy, but Jake and Coop were both planning to do some deliveries. I debated it, but Archie caught my eye and raised his brows in question. He wanted to talk to me, and I’d been somewhat avoiding the financial discussions for the last few days.

I wanted to groan, but that wasn’t fair to him. Ian glanced between us, then dropped a kiss on my lips before he left us alone.

“I promise,” Archie said as he tugged me toward the sofa, “it’s not as bad as you’re thinking.”

Making a face, I dropped onto the sofa next to him and sighed. “Archie, you’re going to ask me what I want to do with all of it, and my answer hasn’t changed. It didn’t change when we had breakfast with our grandparents… Also, how weird is that to say ‘our’ grandparents?”

An indulgent smile creased his face. “I know, babe, and it’s kind of cool to say it. Grandpa Ted adores you already. But you knew that.”

Eyes rolling, I couldn’t help but grin. “I like him too. Even if he makes me want to ask him dozens of questions.”

Archie chuckled. “Fair. Now…” He covered my hands with his. “You have no idea what to do with the trust fund or how to assess your current financial standing, particularly in light of the Standish stock.”

“First of all, the Standish stock should be yours.”

“Edward gave it to you.”

“Because he thought I was his daughter.” Another shudder of revulsion went through me. I never wanted to live through those days again. It had been such a hellish time.

“Hey,” Archie squeezed my hands. “When he gave you those stocks, he knew you weren’t his daughter.”

Head tilted back, I sighed. “That makes it worse somehow.”

“I don’t know, it makes me think he’s human, which has been in doubt for a long time.”

Cutting a look at him, I frowned. “I am still surprised he came to graduation.” We hadn’t discussed Maddy’s presence there, and frankly, I was quite content to continue ignoring it.

“Honestly, I was more surprised by Muriel.” Archie shrugged. “Then again, I made it clear I was done with her, and she’s taking it seriously. A part of her probably doesn’t want to be cut off from potential future funds, though I imagine the divorce will leave her with a tidy sum.”

Disgust curled through me. I hated his parents so much. “But Edward being there didn’t surprise you?”

“No, he’s already made a couple of moves to try and test the waters where a relationship with me is concerned.”

I narrowed my eyes.

“Down, beautiful girl,” he soothed, going so far as to lift my hand to kiss it gently. “Edward has a lot to answer for, but I put my need for their approval to bed a long time ago. If he wants to make an effort now, I’m inclined to allow it. That doesn’t mean I trust it, nor am I going out of my way regarding it.”

“Still…”

“Still, you want to protect me, and I love you for it.” Another kiss to my palm. “This is not about that. This is about sorting out your finances so you’re comfortable with them. I don’t know if you’re aware of just how much money you came into.”

A sigh rippled through me, and I fell back against the sofa. “I looked at the numbers the other day when you guys were killing each other in that new version of Halo.”

“It wasn’t Halo, but I get it.” Archie leaned into the sofa next to me. He sat sideways so he could stare down at my face. I loved