Chapter 13: A Crazy Family

"As you may have heard," Sylvia said, "Byron recently had a bad breakup. It really took him by surprise. I don't know for sure, but I have the feeling Nova was the woman he wanted to marry. Byron has always been a little bit depressive, but this was... really bad. He pretends like nothing is wrong, but I know..." There was a tearful note in the woman's voice, and Emily felt a rush of sympathy. "I know he's still not over it. He's so distressed."

"I'm so sorry," Emily said. She thought back to Byron's sad looks. Was that because of Nova Summers? "It must be hard for you, not being able to help."

"That's the thing," Sylvia said, "Maybe I can help. This might sound a little odd, but hear me out."

"Okay..."

"How would you like to date my son?"

"I would like to, but..." Emily sensed there was something more.

"I just need to be sure he's with someone who is not going to break his heart. You have to promise that you'll never break up with him. I can pay you. Ten thousand a month."

"No