Star Promise Read Online Free PDF

grandfather had given her, and Adam wasn’t making it easy for her.
    She wanted him to take her back to the store he’d carried her out of mid-tantrum the day before, and her pleas were falling on deaf ears.
    “I will spend my money nicely,” she assured him.
    Adam stood and picked up his empty coffee mug. “Not happening, Bridge.” He leaned down and kissed her as he passed her. “You chose to be a brat. You don’t get two bites of the apple.”
    She twisted in her chair to look at him. “I love apples,” she countered.
    I laughed, but Bridget wasn’t seeing the funny side. She was too busy plotting her next move. “I’ll make a deal, Daddy.” I wasn’t surprised by her offer. Bridget and Adam liked to make deals. It was their thing.
    Adam drew out her agony by making her wait for an answer. He poured another cup of coffee and sat back down at the table before uttering a word. “I’m listening,” he said finally.
    “I’ll spend my money nicely and that’s the deal.”
    Her smug tone was a little premature. Her father’s stance didn’t waver.
    “Your negotiation skills need some work, Bridget,” he replied. “Revise your offer and get back to me.”
    Bridget pointed her spoon at him. “I will,” she declared.
    As entertaining as breakfast wheeling and dealing was, it didn’t last long. Adam left for work, Mrs Brown turned up to watch Bridget, and I made my way to a very familiar address on Fifth Avenue.
    ***
    Fiona was expecting the delivery of the artwork Jean-Luc had bought, but she was not expecting me to deliver it. “Have you been demoted, darling?” She wasn’t even kidding. She looked truly looked concerned.
    “No.” I huffed out the word in a laugh. “I just wanted to bring it over myself.”
    Her frown made way for a bright smile and open arms. “Come,” she urged, waving me through the door. “It’s lovely to see you.”
    I set the picture on the table in the foyer and offered to unwrap it. “Do you want to see it? He chose well.”
    Fiona grabbed my hand and spun me to face her. “No, darling,” she replied looking me up and down. “I’d rather look at you. You always look so beautiful when you make an effort.”
    I dropped my head, glancing down at my outfit. I didn’t think there was anything particularly special about the pale blue dress I was wearing until I remembered that she’d bought it for me. “It’s one of my favourites,” I lied.
    Her face lit up. “I adore shopping for you – and for Bridget.”
    A braver woman might’ve taken the opportunity to air her grievances regarding excessive gift-giving, but I wasn’t brave. I smiled and thanked her instead.
    “Come,” she said, leading me toward the stairs. “I have something to show you – a gift for my granddaughter.”
    A hundred excuses for not accepting it ran through my mind as I followed her, but none were polite enough to say out loud.
    “She really doesn’t need any more presents,” I said gently. “Maybe you should keep it until her birthday.”
    The queen spun to face me. “Nonsense. Her birthday has only just passed.”
    “Which is exactly why you shouldn’t be buying her gifts.”
    Fiona frowned, but wasn’t angry. I’d hurt her feelings, which was ten times harder to deal with. “She’s the only grandchild I have,” she said pitifully. “Please don’t taint that with rules.”
    “I won’t,” I mumbled. I’d let Adam do it.
    Fiona led me into her bedroom and disappeared inside her massive walk-in closet. I remained near the doorway, unsure of what to do. The only thing that dulled the awkwardness was the fact that she kept talking.
    “Bridget’s going to love this,” she predicted, from somewhere deep in the closet. “I’ve had it on order for weeks.”
    I felt like closing the door and locking her in; I could use the time alone to bounce on the massive four-poster bed. The thing was magnificent. Thankfully I managed to hold myself back.
    “I’m sure she’ll love