by Dakota Lee
I came across that name during my brief rabbit hole search of Arthurian legend. “Like the knight from the round table?”
“Mm-hmm.” She picks retrieves a tube of paper from the side of the couch and unrolls it across our knees. “These are the Bendevires. Of course names change as the women get married and I believe one whole generation was only women. One of the other daughters married into the Lan Bel Anons family and moved out west.” She taps her finger against the paper. “But this line. They stayed here for many generations, eventually helping to found the town… Camelot Court, before the Summer lineage took over and we know what happened then.”
I narrow my gaze at her. The conniving old geezer. “So you knew what I meant the first time I said those words.”
“Until that day, I hadn’t heard the town referred to as Camelot Court, in quite some time. It’s used more so as a derision of the founding families and how much they’ll stretch the truth for notoriety. Rumor has hit, a few of the men used to boast they could prove they were direct descendants of the so-called knights of the round table.” She rolls her eyes. “Men, and their fish stories.”
I chuckle because that’s basically the same thing.
“The name Kingsley Court was eventually adopted and with the growth came the division of city lines and income limits, with the wealthiest families remaining in The Hollows.”
My head is spinning. If any of this is true, then how can I have a family line out there that’s never reached out to any of us? I know dad was an only child but he has cousins and other aunts and uncles. None of us know anything about the Summers and Bendevires. I don’t know what kind of family can let a kid go and pretend she never existed for hundreds of years, and I’m not sure I’d want to be a part of it if I did.
Roff enters the room carrying an envelope on a tray. He bends at the waist, offering it to me. “What’s this?”
“A copy of Bartholemew Summer’s will.”
“And why would I need this?”
“Read it dear.”
I skim through the legalese at the beginning because the whole sound mind part of it is suspect after learning what I have about his family. I finally get to the part I think Pepper’s referring to. “Upon the occasion of the heirs twenty-first birthday, they shall inherit their portion of the company distributed equitably among all living descendants in that line.” I look up at her and shrug.
She’s got that look on her face she gets when she’s teaching me chess. “Everything I’ve heard about Elijah says he was an unforgiving man, and a ruthless tycoon. The company, ECS Enterprises is thriving. I haven’t done the math, in quite some time, but last I checked it was worth 3.2 billion.”
“For the company?”
The tea cup stops halfway to her mouth. “For your share of the company.”
ECS Enterprises? The global shipping company? No. None of this is right. “There has to be some mistake. Daniella said Bartholemew was an actor.”
“He was for a time, but he was also Elijah Summer’s only male heir. Elijah meant to erase his daughter Imogen from the family line. I think this was Bartholemew’s way of ensuring that didn’t happen.”
“Yet it did.”
She gives me disapproving frown. She hates when I go worse case scenario. “That is true, Jordanna, and here we are correcting it, which is why time is of the essence.”
“Because my twenty-first birthday is four months from now.”
“Exactly, and if we don’t trigger this clause in the will by then, you and your sister forfeit your rights to it because it’s sat dormant for so long.”
“What happens then? It goes to charity?”
“It goes to the descendent from an extended branch of your family tree, and trust me dear, you don’t want that to happen.”
“Why not? What makes me any more entitled to it than they are?”
“They’re power hungry and ruthless and don’t deserve your inheritance.”
“Sounds like you know them personally.”
“I do, as do you.”
She hands me another sheet of paper, and my world shifts. Again. But this time things are so much clearer. “Now it makes sense.”
Pepper nods. “I thought it would.”
Forty
Jordanna
Since I got back from Italy, Logan and I have settled into a comfortable routine. We’re fighting less. Laughing more, and I’ve been painting. We’re a couple, in every sense of the word. We just got back from dinner, and decided to walk through campus. We’re not the only ones taking advantage of the warmer temps.
“Does that bother you?” I ask, watching Hal and Bella cross the street ahead of us.
“Not at all,” he says, kissing where our hands are linked. “It’s like you said, the pursuit of power corrupts, and one thing I never want is to lose my soul or my chance to be with you just to stay in control for another year.”
“So you gave up your throne and your friends for me?”
“I gave them up for us. And were they really my friends if they were forcing me to choose?”
“For many years, or so I’m told.” I say dryly.
“You just met Noel, what? Seven months ago, and he was willing to put aside years of rivalry because he cares about what’s important to you. That’s what friends do. They don’t make you choose between the people you love for some twisted game.”
“What’s wrong?” He asks, turning to look at me since I’ve stopped walking. Plus, I’m sure I’m staring at him like he’s a creature from the deep.
“You said the L word.”
“I’ve said it before.”
“I know, but hearing you say it when we’re standing in the middle of the street, with people walking by, takes some getting used to.”
He pulls me into his arms, wrapping me in a warm hug. “Baby, get used to hearing it for a very long time.”
“How long is that?”
He shrugs. “At least the weekend.”
I give him a playful swat. “Oh, the definition of long term for you. The weekend. I feel so special.”
“You are, and if you play your cards right, I might still be saying it in grad school.”
“Might?” I inspect my nails like I’m bored. “Who says I’ll be open to hearing it in grad school?”
“What do I need to do to get you onboard with that idea?”
I grab his hand, pulling him down the street towards my dorm. “I can think of a few things.”
* * *
He loves me. He has said it before, but the words take on a whole new meaning since he’s no longer in charge at VDU. Logan had so many chances to walk away and could’ve fought for his seat, but he gave it up. Willingly. To be with me. It’s what I’ve been working towards, and now I’m wondering if this was the right move.
After learning Elijah Summer rejected his daughter because the man she loved didn’t fit his requirement, I have a better understanding of just how big of a decision it was for Logan. My original thoughts about power haven’t changed. It seduces and corrupts. I now have a completed file on Logan and his friends that gives me the power I need to make sure they can never hurt me again. After my talk with Pepper, the final piece of my plan has finally come together. The outlines were rough, full of erasure marks and false starts, but the finished product is a thing of beauty. Only, I’m not so sure I should do to him what he did to me.
I slipped up when I came back from Italy. In the car, locked into that moment with him, after hearing him say he wants to move in together. It was everything I’d ever wanted from him and in the heat of the moment; I forgot that none of this is real and I told him I love him.
It was the one thing I had left that I hadn’t given to him, and now he has that too. It was wrong and it shouldn’t have happened. Not because I didn’t mean it. In that moment, I did, just like I did all those times before.
But in this world, love isn’t enough. It wasn’t then and it won’t be now. The only thing they understand and
respect is winning.
“Everything okay, baby?”
I lock my phone, placing it back on my dresser, and stretch out on the bed, curling into Logan’s side. My heart flutters the way it does whenever I’m close to him. I ignore its erratic beat, forcing myself to breathe normally. His hand settles on my back, pulling me even closer, and he kisses my forehead. I inhale the scent of him, relaxing into his hold.
“Everything’s perfect.”
Logan
I can’t think. I’m supposed to be having an intelligent conversation with the recruiter for the first round of interviews for my summer internship, and I can’t string two sentences together, because Jordanna is sucking me off.
“Your resume is very impressive, Mr. McKay. I’m pleased to see you haven’t just limited your time working for your father’s company.”
“Yes, I think. It’s. Important to. Mmm. Branch. Out.”
“As do, I. I can’t tell you how many times we see applications from people with little to no experience. And you run the school paper?”
“It’s been. So good. A great experience. I’m looking forward to seeing how much. More. I can do before it’s over.”
“Motivation. We like that. Sometimes people let their foot off the gas in their last year.”
“Not me. I plan to keep going. I’m so close.”
“Yes. Perfect. Well, the purpose of today’s call was to let you know we received your application and to clear up any questions we may have had. Now, unless you have any questions for me?”
“You’ve answered all of it.”
“Perfect, then we’ll be in touch.”
“Yes.” I grunt, letting the phone fall to the bed. I fist the sheet as I rock into her mouth. Not knowing whether the recruiter is still on the other end of the line. “Jordy, fuck baby, you suck me so good.”
She fondles my balls and sucks harder. I’m done. “Jordy,” I croak. She looks up, meeting my eyes. Then ducks her head back down, finishing me off. She scrambles up my body and kisses me. She’s swallowed most of it, but a few drops linger on her tongue. Fuck. I don’t go around tasting myself, but me on her tongue is a heady combination.
We break apart, but I keep her close, our foreheads touching. “I’m so fucking in love with you.”
“I know. I love you, too.”
She offers the words so freely now. I never thought she would again, and I don’t even pretend like I’m strong or stoic or unaffected by her words. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before and on some level, I know I never will, again. She’s met my family, and I’ve given up ruling the school. She’s the most important person in the world to me.
We’re together and stronger than ever.
I’m running late for meeting up with Jordy. The jeweler went down to the wire, and traffic was hell getting back to campus with the summer crowd already showing up. I have just enough time to shower and pick her up for dinner. I’m so fucking nervous. I hope she likes it.
An unwelcome visitor is waiting outside my door. “I don’t have time today Isabelle.”
“I suggest you make time, before you rush off to the sickeningly sweet evening you have planned with the charity case.”
“Watch your fucking mouth, and my plans don’t concern you.”
She scans the room like she’s looking for something. I found her cute little mini camera weeks ago. It’s why Jordy and I started spending more time at our studio.
“You’re right. Generally they don’t, but as your friend, the horrible mistake you’re about to make, does.”
She’s got a weird concept of friendship if she thinks that’s what we are. “The only mistake I ever made, was allowing myself to be bored enough to play around with you. I’m out of the game. I’ve been out. The school is yours, and I’m not interested in whatever shit you’ve got going on. Whatever scheme you’re hatching, take it up with Frankie, Hal, or Olivia.”
I’m out, and Tabitha’s been blowing her off. Frankie and Hal, love the position of power being near Bella brings, and of course Bella’s adding more people to her team. I head to the bathroom to get undressed. Bella and I are beyond that whole game where I strip to get a reaction out of her.
“Your perfect little gem isn’t as innocent as she pretends to be.” She says to my back.
I turn to face her. “You act like I don’t know this. I was there. I took that from her.”
“And what is she taking from you? Your friends. Your status. And now, your dignity. Jordanna’s been making a fool of you.”
I stare at her, seeing all of her. Beautiful. Flawless. Evil, cold-hearted bitch. “Caring about someone isn’t foolish, and it doesn’t make me weak. I understand that you’ve never had one human emotion in your fucked up life for anyone but yourself. But, Jordanna and I are together. I made my choice. I’m fine with it. You own the school. You should be happy with how things turned out.”
“This is about to be printed in the Kingsley Tribune. It’s an article about the secret life of Logan McKay. Golden boy with tar in his veins, and tells how the school fosters a system of corruption and greed that encourages the student body to humiliate and degrade one another. And you, are the leader at the top of it all. Talk about embarrassing. Do you think your dad’s competitors will snatch up shares of the company when his stockholders start dumping them once this scandal hits?”
I read the pages she hands me. I’ve edited this type of detail and prose all semester, so I recognize Jordy’s writing. But, No. This can’t be right. I know in the beginning we were all convinced that this is who she was. But I know her. The real her. She’s an artist. All heart and soul. Sensitive and caring, and she wouldn’t do this. She turned her step father in, because it was the right thing to do, and the only way to help other people. Publishing this would be vindictive and cruel.
“I can see you don’t believe me. Check it out for yourself.” She says, thrusting her phone at me.
* * *
Summer’s ringtone slices through the air. Jordanna’s voice drifts closer to the camera when she answers it. “Hey. I know, I know. But it’s been hard to find a moment when I could get free to chat. Yes, because I’m spending time with him. Listen, I’m not alone right now. I’ll call you later, okay?”
It’s pretty obvious who bugged Noel’s room. Wherever the camera is, it has a full view of the space. I’m fixated on Jordanna stretched across the bed like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
“I can’t believe you’re falling for his shit again.” Sterling says, tossing a golf ball in the air.
“I’m not falling for anything. That part of me that was so fucking clueless last semester is gone. My eyes are wide open and I know exactly what I’m doing.”
“Does he know?”
“If he did, do you think things would’ve gotten as far as they have?”
“No,” Noel says. “He would’ve put an end to this shit a long time ago.”
“Right, and that would ruin everything. So as long as I have him on the hook, I can go and come as I please without making him suspicious.”
Noel’s laugh travels up and down the vocal scales in maniacal tones. “When I see the look on their faces when they find out.”
“We just need to keep this a secret for a little longer.” Jordanna says, dropping her voice. “Promise me you won’t ruin this, Noel.”
“For you Jordy, I promise to be on my best behavior, just as long as I’m there to watch the big reveal.”
Sterling chuckles and says, “Me too, babe. I wanna record this shit. I know it’ll get way more hits on Prospectus than what he did to you.”
“No,” She says, moving Sterling’s hands off her ass. “What?” She asks after a small pause.
Noel shrugs his shoulder. “Are you sure your feelings aren’t real?”
“Everything I feel is real, but I’m not letting my emotions cloud my judgement. You just make sure you hold up your end of the deal when it’s time.”
“I’m a man of
my word. Everything’s already in place.”
“Good.”
Sterling laughs, again. “And when this is done, the real fun begins.”
Forty-One
Jordanna
They’re sitting at their usual table in the cafe, stoic faces pointed at me. Even Tabby looks pissed to see me. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?” I look around for my boyfriend, their former King. “Where’s Logan?”
“What do you care?” He asks, from behind me.
I take in his bloodshot eyes and shadowed jaw. “Are you drunk, at three in the afternoon?”
“Are you a hoe all times of the day?” Bella counters.
Hal and Frankie snicker, like they know something I don’t. “If anyone’s giving off hoe vibes, Bella, it’s you.”
“Oh, so what do you call fucking three guys at the same time?”
“You’re bringing up last year’s lie? God, get new material.” I turn to Logan. “Come on, let’s go get some food in you.” I say, holding out my hand.
“He’s not going anywhere with you.” Tabitha snarls, getting to her feet and guiding Logan to a seat.
It’s weird for him not to sit at the head of their group, yet thrilling because I’m the reason he’s no longer there. “What’s going on, Logan?” I ask, ignoring the hostility in Tabitha’s voice.
Bella answers instead. “What’s going on is he knows you’ve been playing him this whole time, and before you fix your mouth to lie, Charity, we have video evidence of your conversation with Noel and Sterling.”
Logan pulls a flask out of the pocket of his hoody and guzzles it like a baby on a bottle. He lowers it, swiping his hand over his mouth. Bella continues doing all the talking. “Where is Sterling with the video camera, anyway? Or was your plan revealed prematurely? Oops.”
Logan is not the victim here. I found the camera in my room three nights ago. Just as I was letting my guard down and allowing myself to love him again. He hasn’t changed at all, he just got better at hiding his shit. Bella thinks she’s outed me, and ruined my plans. Now that I no longer have to pretend, it's like a weight's been lifted off my shoulders. Living a double life is tiresome. How the hell do spies do it? My eyes meet his, but I refuse to look away. I can't worry about the pain I see in his eyes. After all, he didn't give a shit about the pain in mine.
