Theo: Thanks. You’re the best.
I set my phone down and looked at Charlotte, who was now carefully pressing tiny plastic molds into the sand.
“Okay,” I said. “We have five more minutes to play with the sand, and then we need to go upstairs to pack for your sleepover at your grandma and grandpa’s house tonight.”
Her head popped up immediately. “I get my suitcase.”
“Already?” I laughed, scrambling to stand as she slid off her chair and bolted toward the stairs. Apparently, she didn’t need a transition time when something fun like a weekend at her grandparents’ house was in store.
“Race you!” she shouted.
“Hey!” I called after her, grabbing my phone and following. “I needed a head start.”
She was already halfway up the stairs when I reached the bottom.
And just like that, we were off to pack for Manhattan.
I checkedthe time on my phone for what had to be the sixth time in three minutes.
5:26.
Theo had texted earlier that he’d try to get home around five thirty so he could be there to greet the Vanderbilts himself.
Which I was very grateful for.
I was usually pretty good with strangers. I could charm a room if I needed to. But the Vanderbilts felt different. Wealthy. Polished. The kind of people who noticed if you used the wrong fork.
So, the closer it got to five thirty, the more nervous I became that Theo had gotten stuck in traffic.
Meanwhile, Charlotte was leaning against the back of the couch, face pressed to the gap in the curtains as she peered out the window.
“They’re going to be here so soon,” she whispered, practically vibrating.
A white car slowed as it drove past the house.
My stomach dipped.
“Is that them?” I asked, stepping closer to the window. “What color car do your grandparents have?”
Charlotte shrugged. “I don’t know.”
Helpful.
I held my breath as the car paused for a second, my mind already racing through polite introductions and hoping I didn’t accidentally say something stupid.
But then the vehicle kept moving, clearly just checking house numbers, and drove away.
I exhaled.
Okay.
A few minutes later, another car turned onto the street.
A Black Volvo.
Theo.
I let out another breath, this one heavier with relief. Good.