The Life List Read Online Free

located in Chicago’s coveted Gold Coast neighborhood, is a showpiece. My mother, the daughter of a steelworker, used to tease that she was like Louise Jefferson, having “moved on up” from her hometown of Gary, Indiana. I wish my father had lived long enough to witness the spectacular transformation of the house—and the woman—I felt he’d always underestimated.
    “Are you sure she was of sound mind when she made this will?” Joad asks.
    I see something conspiratorial in the attorney’s grin. “Oh, she was of sound mind, all right. Let me assure you, your mother knew exactly what she was doing. In fact, I’ve never seen such elaborate planning.”
    “Let’s continue,” Catherine says, ever the manager. “We’ll deal with the house on our own time.”
    Mr. Midar clears his throat. “Okay, shall we move on to Bohlinger Cosmetics now?”
    My head throbs and I feel four pairs of eyes on me. Yesterday’s scene resurfaces and I’m frozen with panic. What kind of CEO gets drunk at her mother’s funeral luncheon? I don’t deserve this honor. But it’s too late now. Like an actress nominated for an Academy Award, I try to make my face a picture of neutrality. Catherine sits with her pen poised, waiting to take down every last detail of the business offering. I’d better get used to it. Subordinateor not, the woman’s going to keep watch on me for the rest of my career.
    “All of my shares of Bohlinger Cosmetics, as well as the title of chief executive officer, will go to my daughter—”
    Act naturally. Keep your eyes off Catherine .
    “—in-law,” I hear, as if I’m hallucinating. “Catherine Humphries-Bohlinger.”

CHAPTER TWO

    “ W hat the hell?” I ask aloud. In a flash, I realize I’ve lost the damn Oscar, and to my horror I’m not the least bit gracious. In fact, I’m unabashedly pissed.
    Midar looks at me over his tortoiseshell frames. “I’m sorry? Would you like me to repeat that?”
    “Y-yes,” I stammer, my eyes traveling from one family member to the next, hoping for a show of support. Jay’s eyes are sympathetic, but Joad can’t even look at me. He’s doodling on his legal pad, his jaw twitching manically. And Catherine, well, she really could have been an actress, because the look of incredulity on her face is completely believable.
    Mr. Midar leans nearer to me and speaks deliberately, as if I’m his infirm old grandmother. “Your mother’s shares of Bohlinger Cosmetics will go to your sister-in-law, Catherine.” He holds out the official document for me to see. “You’ll each get a copy of this, but you’re welcome to read mine now.”
    I scowl and wave him off, trying my damnedest to breathe. “No. Thank you,” I manage. “Continue. Please. I’m sorry.” I slouch into my chair and bite my lip to keep it from trembling. There must be a mistake. I … I’ve worked so hard. I wanted to make her proud. Did Catherine set me up? No, she’d never be that cruel.
    “That about wraps up this part of the process,” he tells us. “I do have one private matter to discuss with Brett.” He looks at me. “Do you have time now, or shall we arrange to meet another day?”
    I’m lost in a fog, struggling to make my way out. “Today’s fine,” someone says in a voice that sounds like mine.
    “Okay, then.” He scans the faces at the table. “Any questions before we adjourn?”
    “We’re all set,” Joad says. He rises from his chair and searches for the door like a prisoner going for the break.
    Catherine checks her phone for messages and Jay rushes to Midar, full of gratitude. He glances at me but quickly averts his eyes. My bro feels sheepish, no doubt. And I feel sick. The only one familiar to me is Shelley, with her unruly brown curls and soft gray eyes. She opens her arms and pulls me into a hug. Not even Shelley knows what to say to me.
    In turns, my sibs shake Mr. Midar’s hand while I sit silent in my chair like the naughty student who’s been kept