Ransom beat the wrap...so to speak. He's out of prison after almost four years to find himself close to broke and with no family, except for the daughter of his nanny who loved and raised him. It's definitely a new world. When a previously undiscove...
I am nervous. I enter some of my work at Avalon, one of two art galleries in Jamaica Plains. I even did a couple of pieces for fall, with park landscapes and such, something for over a fireplace. No one is talking to me, and it makes me panic. I used to be one of the main people here, but as memory unclouds, I remember I had an entourage back then, and a limo...and usually a night at a VIP section in a club.
"Hey, Ran."
I look over and see one of my old friends from college, Sam Silveri. He and I shared a lot of adventures and conquests, sometimes at the same time with the right bottle of whiskey. "Sam, hey!" We share a hug. "How've you been?"
"Head of Cybersecurity at the Tower," he smiles.
"Congrats, I knew you'd make it," I smile back, and lean in to say, "Nothing like a college hacker to protect the big corporations."
He shares a chuckle with me. "I know, right? It's like going from being the Joker to Batman."
Being comic book fans back then, we shared a laugh.
"Heard you're getting married."
"Yeah, I am."
"To the nanny's daughter?" His look was one of disbelief.
"She and I have been friends almost our whole lives," I shrug. "and we have been there for each other when no one else was." I try to keep my tone light, knowing that he was definitely someone who didn't visit or contact me till now.
"Okay, but—"
"I love her."
"I know you're grateful, but what about Fiona?"
I exhale heavily. "What about her?"
"She is really upset about this."
"She'll get over it."
"And the country club?"
"I don't think they want felons there, Sam."
"But your family is still in, and you are not removed from the list."
I shake my head, deciding not to hope. "A mere oversight. Give it time."
"Marrying someone like her—"
"Ransom?"
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Lady is dressed like the consummate artist, in a black top that is short in front and lands at the hip with asymmetrical tail in back, landing at her ankles. Even in jeans and high boots, she looks like she's buying or selling art. I admire how people notice her smooth and graceful movements as she comes to me. I immediately pull her at my side.
"Hey," I force a small chuckle. "Just talked you up."
"Hey," Her smile brightens in greeting, but her look is questioning. "Sam, isn't it?"
His hands go in his pockets as he widens his smile. "Yes, wow, you remember me."
"I remember all of Ransóm's friends," she says smoothly. 'How are you?"
