TONY
A faint tickle on my ankle alerted me to Esmeralda's presence. The tiny spider scurried up my leg, her eight legs moving in perfect synchronization.
"Tony," she chittered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've got news."
I held out my palm, allowing her to crawl onto my hand. Her multiple eyes glinted in the sunlight as she settled into place. "Did you find the book in Father's study?"
Esmeralda's front legs twitched in a distinctly negative gesture. "Couldn't. Your father and that woman—the stepmom of the girl you fancy—they entered unexpectedly. And listen: this isn't just some casual housewarming. That woman's in there right now, trying to ensure the arrangement of your potential union with her daughter."
I let out a long, slow breath. My shoulders sagged as Father's voice e
