Chapter 33 Immeasurably #2
We stroll through Aether Plaza, stopping at multicoloured market stalls to buy treats and zareth nectar.
As we walk down bright streets and taste the sweetness of pollen in the back of our throats, transparent walkways veined with filaments stretch out overhead.
Everywhere we go, people share meals, drinks and company.
There are performances in almost every district we pass through, each like a small city. It’s incredible.
I get Hina’s call while we’re having a picnic in one of the domed gardens. I start pacing in a tight circle as we get through the niceties—I like her, but I can’t wait to be done with all this. My bank account can’t wait to be done with all this.
“So, the items of interest I need to go over with you,” she starts. “Mr Gryphon has arranged a trust in Harvey’s name in which he’ll deposit an annual sum until Harvey turns twenty-five. He—”
I splutter. Tanisira shoots me a look, but I wave it off. “What?”
“He’ll—”
“No, I heard that. Why? In exchange for what?”
“Nothing. Mr Gryphon has stipulated that when Harvey turns twenty-five, if he so wishes, a quarter of the company will be transferred into his name. He’s not obligated to accept this; the money’s not a condition, and it will not affect his inheritance.”
At this point, I’m staring at Vee like a lunatic, although I’m not really seeing him. “Inheritance? He has an inheritance? Dominik has never mentioned that.”
“Unfortunately, I wasn’t given information about that as it’s independent of you. You are, however, the trustee of this fund until Harvey turns eighteen. You’ll need to sign some papers first.”
“Did he say why he’s doing this?” I ask, pitch way higher than it normally is, but I am shocked.
“Just that it’s what Harvey is entitled to.”
“Oh. And how much is he putting in this fund? Is it enough for Vee to study wherever he wants?”
How much will he have access to? I can try my hardest to raise a responsible teenager, but you give any eighteen-year-old a shit ton of money, and they’re gonna do some stupid shit. I would have done some stupid shit.
Hina tells me a number that has more zeroes than I’ve ever seen, and I nearly fall over. Oh, he’s gonna do some stupid shit. It’s enough for him to study wherever he wants, alright; it’s enough for him to buy the university outright.
“The last thing I need to discuss with you is the manor.”
My stomach drops. Please tell me this man didn’t also give his son a house. I know it’s the most ridiculous thing to complain about, but there are only bad memories associated with that manor. And Vee’s ten.
“Go on.”
“Mr Gryphon has offered this: sign the house over to you and pay to have it shipped to a location of your choosing or sell it in your name.”
“What the actual fuck?” People stare, Tanisira amongst them. Turning away, I bury my chin deep into my chest and whisper into the slate. “Is he dying or something?”
“Not that I’m aware of,” Hina replies, sounding amused. “Which would you prefer?”
I would prefer for Dominik to do something in proportion for once.
Still, I’m a single mother who’s worked her arse off for a decade and the prospect of coming into money isn’t something I’m going to turn my nose up at, ever.
I’m just deeply shocked Dominik would do this in my name.
I thought he’d hate me now. Want to get back at me.
Instead… I think he’s trying to be better.
I hate it. I hate it because I finally decided to cut the toxicity out of my life, and he turns around and does this. It’s not going to bring us back if that’s what he thinks. I will take the money, though. I’m not a martyr. Not anymore.
I tell Hina to sell the house, and she agrees that would be the best choice for me, which I take to mean she’d have suggested anyone else keep it. I agree to have the legal documents signed and sent back to her by the morning, and hang up, dazed.
“Did what I think just happened, happen?” Tanisira asks.
I meet her shocked gaze, and nod.
Vee bounces on his heels. “What? What happened?”
I stick to vague for now. We’re long overdue a proper conversation, and I plan to sit down with him for one later. “Your father’s given you some money, and he’s going to sell the manor for us. He’s trying to make amends.”
“Oh,” Vee says, face scrunched up. “That’s good, right? He wants to be good.”
“Yeah. We’ll see how it develops.”
“I think he’ll be better.” Vee sounds assured in the way only a preteen can.
“You can’t know that for sure,” I say, teasing him slightly.
“Well, I said Tani was gonna be your girlfriend, and you didn’t believe me, but now look.”
“Excuse me, no, you didn’t. You said she already was, and she was not.”
“Whatever,” my intrepid spawn says. “James will be so jealous when I tell him I have two mums. His parents are so boring.”
I burst into laughter and Tanisira joins in, shoulders shaking. My little millionaire takes off ahead, angling his arms so that light shining through the panes makes colourful patterns against his skin. Tanisira carries his coat in one hand, and the other settles on my hip.
“Has he just married us without our consent?” she asks.
“I think so.” I stop walking, turn into her body and loop my arms around her neck. “I don’t want to get married, just so you’re aware.”
She smiles, sending unbridled joy through me. “Presumptuous of you.”
“Well, I’m irresistible; just look at Dominik.”
“I’d rather look at you.” Tanisira presses her thumb into the corner of my mouth. “I’m along for the ride, no matter where it takes us.”
“So…” I drag the word out, barely holding back giggles. “One could call you a stowaway.”
She rolls her eyes and starts walking away, and I feel so unbelievably happy I have to take a moment to pinch myself.