Thank you to everybody who read or reviewed the last chapter. You are absolutely fabulous.
Sorry, I was supposed to upload this yesterday, but I got distracted by writing new chapters.
A few notes, please assume that the text messages between DJ and Breanna are translations of the original text messages from French. It makes perfect sense that they would text message each other in French, not English. A teenager has to have some secrets from his guardians. Even if he's sharing those secrets with his mom's ex-girlfriend, who happens to be the mother of his new half-sister. I haven't had a French class in close to three decades, so I remember very little, and I feel this is the best way to address that. I could've used the translation software like I occasionally do for Spanish. However, I can understand enough Spanish to know when it's going off the rails, but I can't do that for French.
Warning: Underage drinking (for DJ. I looked up 2010 drinking laws in France. At 16, it's legal for Justin to consume alcohol, but he's not allowed to purchase it.) Also, allusions to DJ's toxic/abusive family dynamic with his grandparents. Finally implied under sexting. However, I am never going to write those conversations out in part because they're underage.
It was very common back in the day for ABC shows to do a Disney episode. So I decided that we are going to have one at Disney Paris. Blame it on me watching the Imaginaires documentary.
Chapter 43: Disney Paris Does Not Make Everything Better.
July 16, 2010
Midafternoon Paris time
Fashion King: Hey, I just wanted to let you know that we have arrived in Paris safely.
Austin: That's good.
Fashion King: We will be staying at DJ's house tonight before traveling to the resort tomorrow.
Austin: I guess that makes sense. DJ probably needs to grab some stuff.
Fashion King: Yes, DJ is gonna spend the afternoon packing while I'm doing work stuff.
Austin: I thought this was a vacation?
Fashion King: I'm going to get to spend the afternoon at the Mode Paris offices. Which is better than Disneyland for me. Also, we are having dinner with the new EIC. Which I am ridiculously excited for. Apparently, she's DJ's godmother.
Fashion King: It's like I'm now related to all the best people. It's fabulous.
Austin: That sounds like fun. That seems more interesting than today's meet the new editor meeting. I have to be there in five minutes. Cory told me I'm actually going to mostly be working with him now.
Fashion King: That's too bad because Cory is the best from what I've heard. Why are you getting more people, though? I thought the Hudson transplants arrived right when I left.
Austin: I did tell you about the homophobic asshole I was working with?
Fashion King: Yes. I'm surprised he survived during Monique's rain.
Austin: So is Monique, actually. But she's blaming the infamous Damien. Anyway, I also told Antonella, who told her aunt. Sorry, I forgot to mention he was escorted out by security earlier this week. You were distracting.
Fashion King: I enjoy distracting you. Although apparently, DJ could hear me through the wall. I am very thankful Daniel and Betty don't understand French that well yet.
Austin: We're meeting his replacement, a.k.a. my new boss.
Fashion King: You didn't send me the video. You're supposed to send me a video of this sort of thing. In that case, it's good that the new guy will be your boss because he can't be any worse.
Austin: Sorry, I wasn't even here. I was downstairs working on the black-and-white ball with Matt. You remember all those emails I sent you last week about tableware choices? That was what we were working on.
Fashion King: I guess I can forgive you just this once. Hey, I have to leave for the meeting. I'll text you later to let you know how dinner goes.
Cxxx
Several hours later
Fashion King: All Mode offices apparently look alike or at least like how Mode New York looked before the renovations. Apparently, Amanda's mom had a thing for uniformity.
Austin: The Player offices look almost like the Mode offices. The only differences are the color schemes and the layout of the furniture. So this does not surprise me. Antonella says Monique will change everything eventually because she's tired of "working at a place that looks like a TV show with no budget."
Fashion King: Thank God. I like unique things. Daniel is planning to do something similar to the office is here. I think there's going to be some downsizing due to the new telework policies being institute across the board. Which silver lining means some renovations too.
Fashion King: But regardless of the familiar, it was beautiful. I wish we had more time before leaving for dinner. I only got to spend 30 minutes in the closet. It's like Candyland. Daniel would only let me take one pair of shoes.
Austin: I'm sure you'll get to go back eventually. Has dinner already happened yet?
Fashion King: Yes, I'm texting from the car on the way back. I was invited to come back for fashion week in September. Unfortunately, I can't because I have to be back in New York for school and for the ball. Daniel is going to talk to my mom and see if I can come back in February. My school schedule is going to be more flexible now doing the Academy.
Austin: That is true. Although I hate for you to be gone longer than you need to be.
Fashion King: I do too. I'm hoping we get to spend our school days together. Is your mom letting you do Mode Academy with Antonella and me?
Austin: Monique invited my mom and stepdad to brunch at her restaurant Sunday. My father never says no to free food. She says she's going to try to sell them on Mode Academy one more time.
Fashion King: Good. We are at the house. If you don't hear from me for a few minutes, that's why.
XXXX
About an hour later
Pretty boyfriend: That's OK because I had a meeting with my new boss, and I think he would frown upon me texting you.
Pretty boyfriend: Guess who is the new managing editor at Player?
Justin: I have no idea unless Monique got mad at Megan again and sent her back. I know Mode has more people now since they took the Hudson fashion team in.
Pretty boyfriend: This wouldn't be as horrible now that we have consolidated with Hudson. We're doing more upscale and less stripper trucker content.
Justin: I would enjoy stripper truck rallies more if they wore better outfits.
Pretty boyfriend: It still amazes me that you're the bi one in this relationship. No, it's not Megan. She's back in Monique's good graces for calling Matt and idiot. She's actually doing more higher-level stuff to give Marc some breathing room with the new baby.
Justin: I think I have a video of her calling him that. My love of a good outfit does not influence who I'm attracted to. It actually enhances it. Just like your love of sports doesn't make you straight. I wonder if you got into it for the guys in short basketball shorts.
Pretty boyfriend: I do love men in short basketball shorts. Also, I enjoy all the bodybuilding related sports.
Pretty boyfriend: Matt is the new managing editor and my boss.
Justin: Yep, Monique is definitely still going with it as a punishment, just a different person. I expect you to torture accordingly. Amanda is still hurt and angry at him.
Pretty boyfriend: Actually, I think this is a reward, sort of. Why it's a reward, I don't know. Although Matt is happy to be out of the parenting magazine. According to him, Monique rescued him before he could completely go down the parenting rabbit hole.
Justin: I know that Daniel, Amanda, and Marc are in that right now. We're having a baby proofing expert come to the house next week. I don't know why Matt would still be there since he's not going to be a dad.
Justin: DJ just called me an idiot in French. Or maybe he called Matt that. I think he's reading over my shoulder.
Pretty boyfriend: I don't know why Matt is going down the rabbit hole. Antonella told me baby proofing experts were at Mode today. Also, her aunt is starting down the parenting rabbit hole too. Do you know about the nursery downstairs?
Justin: Marc sent me pictures. Also, I helped him pick the new color scheme. It looks fabulous.
Pretty boyfriend: I'm not surprised at all that you helped. It looks good, though.
Justin: DJ just threaten to take my phone away because he wants to go to sleep.
Pretty boyfriend: Are you guys sharing a room?
Justin: Yes, because Betty and Daniel do not want anybody to sleep in Alexis's bedroom. So I am on an air mattress in DJ's room.
Pretty boyfriend: At least you got an air mattress. I've ended up on the floor a few times when visiting my stepdad's family.
Justin: This is true. I'll text you tomorrow.
Xxx
"You're always on the phone with your boyfriend," DJ remarked as he began to help Justin set up the air mattress.
"Not always." DJ just glares at him for a moment.
"Yes, I talked to Austin a lot. I just miss him, and I really wish he could be here." He also wished he could get Austin far away from his stepdad.
"I'm sure you do." DJ just smirked at him as he turned the pump on for the air mattress.
"Don't give me that look. We haven't had sex. There's more to our relationship than just that." Justin argued.
"The walls are thin, and you are very loud." Justin may have pick something up for himself when Amanda picked up Marc and Cliff's baby shower present, but he 16, and his boyfriend is an ocean away.
"Well, I'm 16, and that's normal because I've heard you too." DJ just shrugged. He's French and a Mead, so nothing embarrasses him. "Austin and I have only been really dating since April. We are not even to the full phone sex stage yet. It's been an intense couple of months."
But he feels like they're inching closer after some of the recent calls. Unfortunately, the time zone difference messes things up a little bit. As well as the fact that Daniel doesn't want Austin calling Justin from his personal cell phone. They may have broken that rule once or twice for reasons. Hopefully, the bill won't be that high.
"Definitely."
"I'm sorry I kept you up being on the phone. I thought if I text, it won't bother you." Justin apologize.
"It wouldn't have if you weren't laying on my bed," DJ said, pointing to Justin, who was still on the bed.
"Valid point."
"We need to set up your air mattress so you can rest. I'm probably not gonna go to sleep anyway. There are extra linens in the closet." Justin decided to go get them. Thankfully Alexis had taste, and he found something blue and silky.
"Sheets acquired," Justin said as he walked back into the room and started to put them on the freshly blown up air mattress. "You're worried about meeting with your grandparents?" Justin asked as they worked.
"Yes. I'm worried my grandparents are going to try to take me away."
"They're going to have to deal with Uncle Daniel's lawyers. Considering what they did to Jade's mom, I think everything will be OK."
"Daniel let me go before. What's to say he won't do it again, especially with the babies coming." DJ said bitterly.
"Only because that's what he thought you wanted. Trust me, if he knew what things were really like, he wouldn't have let you go. He was a mess for weeks after you left." Justin explained.
"But the twins are coming, so I don't matter." DJ lamented as he laid back down on his own bed now that they were done making up the air mattress.
"Daniel has a big heart. He's not going to pick one or the other." Justin argued.
"I hope you're right." DJ sighed.
"Do you want to play a game?" Justin asked. He wanted to get DJ's mine off for tomorrow, so he'll fall asleep.
"20 questions?" DJ suggested.
"OK, although this isn't as fun without alcohol." He did go to a few parties before becoming a complete pariah at his old school. He wasn't even on speaking terms with most of his old friends. The combination of him moving away and coming out put an end to a lot of casual acquaintances. It's OK; he still has his other friends.
"Check the mini-fridge," DJ suggested pointing to the fridge that was under DJ's desk. Justin found an interesting mix of good chocolate, wine, and bottled water.
"You are my favorite cousin."
"I am your only cousin." DJ tossed a pillow at him.
"I have your sister now too. I claim you both. But you give me alcohol, so you're the favorite." DJ smiled at that.
Zxxx
Way too early in the morning Paris time (8:45 AM)
July 17, 2010
Fashion King: Never drink a bottle of wine and play 20 questions with your cousin, especially when you have to wake up to go to Disneyland at like 9 AM. Even more so when you already drank a little at dinner because France.
Austin: Poor baby. Send me pictures. Although don't expect a response from me for at least seven hours. I'm going to bed.
Fashion King: I really hate the time difference right now, and it's an hour later here in France. Expect snarky messages from me throughout the day.
Fashion King: Despite having a severe headache right now, I have a better understanding of why DJ really doesn't want to go to Disney Paris today. His grandparents are horrible people.
Fashion King: We are stopping for breakfast at DJs favorite café before leaving the city.
XXXX
About seven hours later.
Sort of stepson: I hate my grandparents. I'm not going back there.
Breanna: You're going back there over my dead body. Trust me, you are not going back there. My lawyers are scarier than their lawyers. Also, I am a French citizen. That's actually going to help if we have to go to court. What did they do?
Sort of stepson: I didn't think you would already be up. I needed to vent to somebody, not Justin or Austin, for that matter.
Breanna: Your sister was really upset that you got to go to Disney Paris, so she is going to Cedar Point this weekend, again. Good thing I got season passes. It is just me, her, and Jordan this time.
Sort of stepson: Mom isn't up to it yet?
Breanna: No. Jordan's mom will come and hang out with Alexis while we're gone, but I think we're bringing her back something that may or may not be on the approved food list. I'm sure it will be fried and has sugar on it, but I think just one time won't hurt.
Sort of stepson: I wish you and her were here.
Breanna: I wish I was there too. After your mom is done with treatment in November, we are considering moving to Paris. That way, we can all at least be in the same country. Or in countries next door to each other if you want to keep living in London with Daniel and Betty.
Sort of stepson: It's an option?
Breanna: DJ, you're 15. You get to decide where you want to live and who you want to live with.
Sort of stepson: I don't think my grandparents agree with you. They want me in boarding school in France. They believe it will be less of a transition later on.
Breanna: That is not what they said, was it?
Sort of stepson: They said it would be easier so I wouldn't have to transfer after Alexis dies.
Breanna: I fucking hate your grandparents.
Sort of stepson: I do too.
Breanna: What do you want? Would you prefer a boarding school or day school in London?
Sort of stepson: I want to do what Justin and Antonella are doing but just here in London. I like writing. I really hate most of my classmates.
Breanna: The magazine industry is in your DNA because you are a Mead. Tutoring would also let you work ahead, and I'm sure we can find somebody who can teach you in both English and French.
Sort of stepson: I told them that, and now they're fighting with Daniel.
Breanna: Which is why you're texting me?
Sort of stepson: I don't want to go back. I don't want to be with them.
Breanna: You won't be. I promise you won't have to go back there.
Sort of stepson: But what if mom dies?
Breanna: I'm not going to lie and say that's not on the table because, well, you've already buried one mother because cancer sucks. But Alexis and me are trying as hard as possible to make sure it doesn't happen again.
Sort of stepson: And if it does?
Breanna: I told you you're my daughter's brother, which means that you're my kid too. I will take care of you. Daniel and Betty will also take care of you.
Sort of stepson: But the babies are coming soon, and they'll be his.
Breanna: Daniel really doesn't give a fuck about DNA. Regardless he adores you. You're his kid too. I know he would love it if you stayed in London even after we moved back to Paris.
Sort of stepson: It did before.
Breanna: Not the way that you think it did. He didn't know how bad your grandparents were at the time, either.
Sort of stepson: Neither did I. It didn't get really bad until I came back. They just wanted me for the money. They still just want me for the trust fund and the modeling money.
Breanna: I don't doubt that. If it's money that they want to leave you alone, I'll take care of it. Your trust fund is nothing compared to my net worth.
Sort of stepson: You don't have to pay them off.
Breanna: I will if I have to. The other issue preventing Daniel from keeping you before was legalities. Just being your uncle would have prevented Daniel from getting custody of you at the time because international custody laws are bull shit. However, under different circumstances, he wouldn't have such an issue.
Sort of stepson: You mean if my mother died?
Breanna: I didn't want to phrase it that way. Remember, we're trying to be positive.
Sort of stepson: I am having trouble being positive.
Breanna: Understandable. How about you just go hide in Tomorrow Land with Justin? Just get away from your grandparents for a while.
Sort of stepson: It's Discovery Land here, and we're already hiding there. I wish I brought wine. They changed the laws last year, and I can't purchase alcohol until I'm 18.
Breanna: May I suggest chocolate in a pinch. Also, go easy on the drinking. There is a history of alcoholism in the family.
Sort of stepson: I'm aware. Justin got me something Mickey Mouse shape covered in chocolate.
Breanna: That will work. We'll talk more later.
Cxx
Elsewhere in the Magic Kingdom a few hours later
Fashion King: I am ridiculously thankful that my biological father's family wanted nothing to do with me at all.
Austin: Biological family can be very overrated. Although so are stepfathers. George is such a dick. Actually, his whole family is just horrible.
Fashion King: Is your stepdad still being an asshole?
Austin: Yes, another setup today. Thankfully I could get out of it because I had to work with Matt on a project out of the house.
Fashion King: Yay for weekend work assignments.
Austin: Especially when the project is just going to different restaurants and eating food. We're doing profiles on a few up-and-coming chefs in New York. We have to try the food. We are also considering showcasing a few of them at the Black-And-White ball.
Fashion King: Mode doesn't have that many assignments like that. Although Aunt Betty did get to review a hotel once. I can't remember if trying the room service menu was part of it.
Austin: You can't truly review a hotel without trying room service.
Fashion King: This is true.
Austin: Why are you happy that you never met your biological father's parents?
Fashion King. I've met them, but they just never tried to get custody of me and use me as a bargaining chip for more money. It's one of the advantages of only recently being in a higher income bracket. DJ's grandparents are just awful. Being at Disney Paris did not make things better.
Austin: Do I even want to ask?
Fashion King: No, you don't. You should probably text DJ, though. He needs somebody to commiserate with that is used to fucked up families. I've been informed that despite the biological father who wanted nothing to do with me until he started fucking my mom again and was murdered before we could actually fix our relationship, I have a pretty decent family.
Austin: Whatever DJ said, he probably didn't mean. He was just upset.
Fashion King: Upset and a little inebriated at the time, which means he did mean it. This happened last night during 20 questions. He just said the quiet part out loud. I'm trying not to take it personally. Thanks to drunk 20 questions, I know DJ is worried that they will try to take him from London, especially if Alexis dies.
Austin: How sick is DJ's mom?
Fashion King: Very sick. Let me put it this way, Alexis has the same thing that killed her father three years ago. So it makes sense it's a concern, and it was made worse by the grandparents mentioning it. They want Daniel to send DJ back to his boarding school in France. That way, when Alexis dies, they won't have to pull him out of school in London.
Austin: Didn't DJ absolutely hate it there? Also, how can anybody be that heartless? That was cruel.
Fashion King: Yes, which might be why DJ ran away on school field trips twice to Uncle Daniel. DJ likes working for Aunt Betty, so he wants to do Mode academy like I am doing.
Austin: Even though he won't be actually working for Mead publications?
Fashion King: Yes. The grandparents, on the other hand, are completely against that. Also, they don't want him working anywhere that isn't modeling. [Rolling eyes emoji]
Austin: They want him back in France even though it would be at boarding school?
Fashion King: Because they want him around to do modeling jobs even though DJ hates modeling. DJ isn't their grandchild; he's a commodity. They treated his mom the same way.
Austin: That's extremely fucked up.
Fashion King: Daniel and Betty are trying to work out some sort of compromise with the grandparents. There was a lot of cursing in multiple languages. I'm still surprised Disney security wasn't called in.
Austin: I am not surprised things went that badly.
Fashion King: At that point, I got DJ the hell out of there. He didn't need that.
Austin: That's always a good tactic.
Fashion King: We're currently avoiding them hiding in Discovery Land and plan to stay there until Betty retrieves us. It's already been a few hours.
Austin: I hope the hiding goes well.
Fashion King: DJ now has more fudge, so I think it will be OK. Although he is lamenting that I'm too young to buy alcohol.
Xxx
Morning in New York, July 18, 2010
Wayward nephew: The Cedar Point pictures are adorable. Even though I still find it strange that you and Jordan are best friends. Before Lexis was born, you two were at each other's throats.
Breanna: Grief is weird. It is possible to bond and stop hating someone when you're grieving the same significant other. Especially when you were under the impression they died by suicide, not freak ski accident because their father was a prick. It is also nice to have someone to talk to when said significant other returns from the dead after successfully transitioning.
Wayward nephew: I don't doubt that.
Breanna: It was good for us just to hang out at the park today. Things with Alexis have been exhausting, so the break was helpful.
Wayward nephew: I'm glad you had a break. I hate to add one more thing, but you should know that Victoria knows I'm staying at your apartment.
Breanna: I'm not surprised. You couldn't hide from her forever. I wouldn't be surprised if she had a private investigator watching you. Probably to make sure Amanda is staying away.
Wayward nephew: I know she has a private investigator watching me because she showed me pictures of Austin and me working together yesterday. We are doing background research for a top chefs article and looking for a few chefs to highlight at the ball.
Wayward nephew: Thankfully, I convinced her that I had no idea he was Tiffany's son because of the new last name and everything else. I also lied and told her that Austin is just 15. I think she believed me, but I'm still concerned.
Breanna: I feel like that article might be better for the food magazine, but what do I know. Also, I'm going to call Monique and asked that Austin be added to her list of people being protected by security.
Wayward nephew: I'll do it in a few minutes. You don't need to. You have so much you are already working on.
Breanna: Thank you.
Wayward nephew: Also, occasionally, we do things outside of our genre. Although Player does lots of business profile pieces now. So, this isn't too unusual. Honestly, I was glad to get Austin away from another forced blind date that awaited him this afternoon.
Breanna: Note to self, call Tiffany and make her fill out paperwork to ensure the stepdad doesn't get custody of Austin if your mom does her thing. Which I'm even more worried about now. The fact she has investigators watching you is just creepy.
Wayward nephew: I'm also concerned. I'm actually going to arrange security for myself and talk to Daniel about getting someone for Amanda. I am sure he will make contact tomorrow because it's a baby checkup day.
Breanna: Good idea. Definitely talk to Daniel.
Wayward nephew: Heads up, I am planning to come out in the October issue of Player. This may be another reason why I should get protection because mom will not be happy.
Breanna: Is this revenge for your mom spying on you?
Wayward nephew: Actually, No. After speaking to Austin and realizing how much his stepfather's actions hurt him, I realized I need to set a good example for him. I don't want to hide parts of myself.
Breanna: This is true.
Wayward nephew: Besides, my new direct boss Cory thinks that it's a good idea. I trust his judgment. He's nice and apparently really good at his job.
Breanna: Is he cute and single?
Wayward nephew: I don't think I'm going to be dating for a very long time. After my last relationship ended partially because of my mom ruining it.
Breanna: I'm so happy you said partially. Although you still didn't answer my question, Matthew.
Wayward nephew: Yes, and yes.
Breanna: I think we talked about before that it is really over with Amanda right now. If you meet a really nice, cute guy, go for it.
Wayward nephew: I will take that under advisement.
XXXX
Late evening London time. (Or really just an hour later. Time differences are weird like that.)
Fashion King: Hey, I just want to let you know I'm back in London.
Austin: I've heard. DJ actually texted me on the ride back from the airport. Your uncle successfully got his grandparents to agree for him to do the London version of Mode academy. He was ridiculously excited about it.
Fashion King: Daniel lied and told them that DJ could do some modeling work if he wanted to. They'll do anything for more money. [Angry emoji]
Austin: I'm perfectly OK with exploiting greed. This is how Monique got me into Mode academy.
Fashion King: Your mother said yes, finally?
Austin: My stepfather agreed to once he found out how much money I would be making, in addition to the full-ride scholarship.
Fashion King: Yes, it really does pay well. The scholarship is probably just for you. That may be because Monique and Daniel will be paying for college for Antonella and me, respectively.
Austin: It must be nice to have a rich family. I actually didn't realize how much we are being paid. All my checks are going into the family bank account. The stepdad has me on a strict allowance, and that's got even worse recently. His job has cut back hours lately, so he feels I need to help contribute.
Fashion King: Daniel started my college fun the first time I interned at Mode. I think that's when he decided that I would be the one to take over. It's a family business thing. The goal is for me to finish high school in the next year and then start college a year early. I'm probably going to double major in business and journalism.
Austin: Still nice, though.
Fashion King: How did yesterday go with Matt?
Austin: Pretty good, actually. The food was good, and he's not a complete idiot. We have at least two chefs we want to invite to create signature dishes for the black-and-white ball.
Austin: Also, I did ask him for help with dealing with my stepdad.
Fashion King: Did he actually give you any good advice?
Austin: To not go along with the manipulation. Matt said that for too long, he let his mother dictate how he lived his life until it was way too late. He doesn't want me to do that. So I am now free to use Matt as an excuse anytime I need to avoid a date set up.
Fashion King: At least you have an out.
Austin: Also, I have a video call tomorrow with his aunt.
Fashion King: She is the best. DJ really wants her to become his future stepmom. I think I might be recruited for matchmaking purposes if Alexis makes a full recovery.
Austin: Somebody deserves a good stepparent.
Fashion King: I do have Bobby, and he gets me condoms and a copy of Idiots Guide To Sexuality. Although I'm thankful, he didn't take me to a sex shop like Amanda. That would be too embarrassing.
Austin: I like your stepdad. Although it is a shame that you're in another country for another month. I kind of want to see what you picked up with Amanda in person.
Fashion King: I'll be back after Labor Day for the ball. Although I will say if it wasn't for the black-and-white ball, I would stay for Paris fashion week.
Austin: I think you'll miss New York September fashion week. Especially because I know you will be writing this year.
Fashion King: Oh, I can't wait for you to do your first fashion week.
Austin: That's not going to be a problem with me at Player.
Fashion King: No. You're my boyfriend. You have to come with me to all the shows.
Austin: I have no say in this?
Fashion King: Not at all.
XXXX
Unknown number: Hey, this is Matt. I got a new phone number because my mom is unhinged. She's having me followed by a private investigator.
Monique: I am well aware. I guess that means more security for you and for Austin.
Matt: You should know Tiffany just called me to convince me to get Austin out of Mode Academy.
Monique: Why would she do that?
Matt: More threats from my mom in Rose form.
Monique: She's getting so predictable.
Matt: You should know that Tiffany is worried that George is just going to take all of the money that Austin is making under the guise of financial issues.
Monique: Did she actually say it that way?
Matt: Not directly, but she did mention that George is so happy that Austin is making so much. Because now he doesn't have to worry about the reduction in both their hours. He can also get a new phone for himself. Tiffany also mentioned George refuse to allow Austin to get a separate bank account.
Monique: Oh, that is definitely not happening. I could understand needing Austin to help out, but you explain these things.
Matt: Also, my mom is having me followed. They might actually be having financial problems because of her.
Monique: OK, we will have an emergency meeting here in 30 minutes. What time is it in London?
Matt: Technically, it's tomorrow there.
Monique: OK, I will send Daniel a message first to see if he can join us, but I'll get Hilda and Marc here.
Matt: No, Marc. We should not be in a room together.
Monique: Yes, Marc. You're going to have to get over what's going on between you two.
Matt: He doesn't need to be there for this. Marc needs to focus on his daughter. Also, I assume you're planning to tell whoever's there that Austin is my brother. If you do that you might have to explain about the babies.
Monique: And you're OK with Hilda knowing that but not Marc?
Matt: Hilda won't tell Amanda. Marc would.
Monique: Point.
Matt: Also, I'm worried that by being his boyfriend, Justin can become collateral damage. So Hilda should be part of this conversation.
Monique: Another good point. Although we need somebody that thinks on your mom's level. If I can't bring Marc into this conspiracy, we will need someone else.
Matt: You could call Wilhelmina in. Remember, I am being followed by a private investigator, and I just had to get a burn phone to contact you.
Monique: Change of plans. We're going to the restaurant. Be ready to meet in the private room in 30.
Matt: I'll be there.
To be continued…