LOGINI can hardly believe it. Before my friends can say anything else, I squeal and throw my arms around them both, jumping up and down. Liam and Brian and the twins are the one major thing I’ve missed dearly since leaving Bo’Arrocan, and to find that they’re finally considering living in Ordan full time
“On schedule, believe it or not,” I reply. “The Bo’Arrocan branch is finally running smoothly, and the Ordan location just graduated its first class of seniors. Six of them got full scholarships to prestigious art schools.”“That’s amazing, Iris.” Alice squeezes my arm. “You’ve created something tru
IrisFive Years Later…“Fifty years of marriage, and they still make each other laugh like that,” Arthur says, appearing at my side with two glasses of champagne. He hands me one and clinks his against it, and we watch as my parents twirl on the lawn, my mom throwing her head back at something my fa
“Gee. Thanks,” I manage to laugh weakly. “I’ll see you all next week.”“You most certainly will not,” Arthur, Hunter, and Alice all say in unison, making me roll my eyes.Outside, Arthur’s car is waiting, parked haphazardly half on the curb. He must have driven like a maniac to get here so quickly f
IrisEight months later…“And that’s why the colors on this side of the color wheel are considered ‘cool’ colors,” I explain to the class of children sitting in a semicircle around me. “They remind us of water, ice, and the sky.”I’m demonstrating on a large color wheel chart when a sharp pain rips
And through it all, Augustine’s breathing grows slower, shallower.Then, quietly and calmly, she goes.Her hand turns limp in mine. The steady beeping of the heart monitor flatlines. The doctor steps forward, checks for a pulse, then shakes her head.“Time of death, 10:47 AM,” she says quietly.I br
I quickly reposition my king out of danger. “I just feel so out of my league.”My mother sighs softly. “Iris, you have to think of this world of wealth, status, and influence as one big chess match. And remember that everyone plays differently.”She gestures to the board between us. “Some play with
IrisI watch Miles from the wrought-iron patio table where my mother, Arthur, and I are having Saturday afternoon tea. He’s running around the lawn, giggling as he chases butterflies, his dark hair catching the sunlight. Every now and then, he squeals with delight when one lands on his outstretched
“That’s the spirit,” Veronica says brightly. “I’d be happy to share our donor database with you. Many of them are enthusiastic about arts education.”I jot down notes as Veronica continues outlining what the partnership would entail. Despite the higher financial bar, working with her established cha
IrisAs I take a seat all the way at the other end of the long glass conference table, I can’t help but feel a little awkward. The distance between us feels like miles. Does Veronica really need to seat us so far apart?But I keep my expression serene and don’t mention it, refusing to show discomfor







