had he known?
I had never told him about the hospital bills.
Never told him about my student loans.
Never told him how many nights I stayed awake wondering whether my family would have enough money for my brother’s next treatment.
Apparently, he had known anyway.
Mr. Abernathy removed another document from the folder.
“This is the final instruction.”
Patrice’s face tightened.
“What instruction?”
The lawyer looked directly at me.
“Mr. Booker established a trust.”
My heart stopped.
“For whom?”
He smiled gently.
“For you.”
The room erupted.
“What?!”
“That can’t be right!”
Patrice stood abruptly.
“Dad would never do that!”
The lawyer calmly raised one hand.
“Your father specifically anticipated that reaction.”
He picked up another sheet.
“He left detailed instructions regarding the trust.”
Patrice stared at him.
“What did he leave her?”
Mr. Abernathy looked at me.
“Your grandfather,” he said softly, “left you his house.”
I couldn’t
