A few years later, when Lauren and I were freshmen in college, we came home to quite the surprise. His dad and my mom were together! Our parents were nervous to tell us, especially Lauren's dad because her mom died during childbirth, but we were only upset that it didn't happen when we were younger. We were, and are happy for our parents, and always viewed ourselves as sisters anyway. And that is how my best friend became my step-sister .
When I became well known, my father tried to get more involved in my life. I keep him at arms length, but he is my father. So when he suggested that I should get married, that it would look good for business, I considered it. He was right on that one, I've lost quite a few deals and had to do more than my fair share of hostel takeovers that would've been a lot easier if I was a family woman. It was hard enough in the beginning to prove myself because of how young I was, now that I'm 30 they want to see a married women with 2.5 kids.
I couldn't do anything about my age, but I can do something about my marital status.
That is where Tatiana Callaway comes in.
Tia is the daughter of a friend of Elena's, who also happens to be the daughter of a very influential business man in Portland. She is just two years younger than me.
I know she's more interested in being with me for my name and money, what I can offer her, than for me, but she knows the part to play and plays it well. No scandals. No drama. All smiles. Our proposal was more of a business arrangement than anything, it was done with lawyers and our parents; her father and mine, in the room. I didn't get down on one knee, profess my love for her, it wasn't romantic at all.
