Page 14 of Made in Malice
“We are too, Nova, more than you know.” Astrid is smiling again, which makes me feel better. “Is your room okay? Do you have everything you need?”
“Yes, everything is…more than I could ever ask for.” It takes me a moment to come up with the right words.
“Wonderful. I called Tabby. She’ll be by tomorrow to get your measurements.”
“Measurements for what?” Please do not tell me Cadieux has a uniform. It’s a college, not a high school.
“So she’ll know your size, dear. She’s been my shopper for years, and I trust her implicitly. She’ll take care of everything you need.”
“You mean clothes?” I want to make sure we’re on the same page.
“Yes, and anything else, like shoes and bags.”
“I brought my things,” I tell her, but she must know, because someone had to give the okay for the luggage, right?
“Of course, dear, I just want to make sure you have what you need. I thought you might need a few other options for the weather and school events, but if you don’t want to see what she has to say, I’ll respect your wishes.”
Dang it, when she says it like that, I feel bad for rejecting her kind offer, and it’s probably better if I do have some nicer stuff. “You’re right, I could probably use a few things. Thank you for thinking of it.”
Her smile is wide when she responds. “Certainly, I’m so happy you’re here.”
“Me too,” I answer automatically, but there’s some truth to my words.
The conversation slips into more mundane topics. Astrid asks for more details about my flight, how I like South Carolina so far, and what I think of my room and the house. I answer everything dutifully, but I’m really dying to ask more about my parents and what they could possibly need from me like Alden implied.
When dessert is served, I allow myself one more burning question. “Do you know anything about my dad’s family?”
Astrid’s lips purse the tiniest bit before she thins them, however it’s Rory who answers. “His mother died of cancer while he was a senior in high school, and I do not believe his father was ever in the picture.”
It’s sad, but it’s actually kind of comforting to know not everything my parents told me was a lie. “Thank you.” I let him hear and see how grateful I am for the information.
“Do you need Bridgit to show you back to your room? I’m sure you’re tired,” Astrid asks after only taking a small bite or two of her tiny cake.
“I think I can find it, unless…unless you don’t want me wandering around?” I make sure they hear it for the question it is.
“Explore, this is your home,” she replies. “And if you ever need me, I’m usually in the north wing in the evening, or you can just ask one of the staff to find me. I’ll make sure you have my numbers too.”
“Okay,” I agree softly, feeling slightly better knowing that they don’t expect me to stay holed up in my room like a prisoner.
I start to push back from the table to rise when Rory adds, “Please notify Alden if you plan on leaving the house so he can be with you.” His words remind me of my escort.
“Why does he need to be with me?” I’m not expecting him to come right out and say it’s because they want to make sure I don’t take off like my mom did, but he catches me way off guard when he replies.
“It’s for your own safety.”
“From what?” I press.
“He’s being overprotective.” Astrid waves her hand good-naturedly at her husband, dismissing his worry.
Rory ignores her. “I can ensure your welfare here and at the school, but Alden will make sure you are protected when I can’t.”
It’s almost on my tongue to ask from what, but Astrid catches my attention and rolls her eyes as if to say, please just indulge him.
“Okay,” I agree, still unclear of his motives.
“Sleep well, Nova. I’ll look forward to tomorrow.” Astrid lays her hand over Rory’s and gives his fingers a soft squeeze while speaking to me. “If you’re up for it, I’d love to take you on a tour of the college.”
“I would love that.” I don’t have to fake my enthusiasm. I can’t wait to get a look at the school.