Edgar Poe

Maci 💋 My POV November 6, 2026 New York City | Our Last Full Day Duke got a woman's phone number yesterday. Mia spent the morning flirting with a handsome tour guide, Jenny got invited on a date without even trying, and all four of us ended up modeling at a Mary Jane's @mjcromwell01 studio. Then Mia decided we needed to go dancing. By midnight, my feet hurt, Jenny was laughing at something she refused to explain, and Duke was rethinking his career choices. And.... HE won our flirting competition. I'm still annoyed about that. 😂 It started Thursday morning over breakfast. After @AnaDivincienzo 's 6:30 a.m. modeling emergency, the rest of us eventually found our way to the kitchen. Mia ( @thonlymiamonroe ) was still discussing Ana's strawberry demonstration from the night before. "I think Ana cheats." "At what?" Jenny ( @JennyDmond ) asked. "Flirting. She knows exactly what she's doing." "So do you," I said. Soooo, somewhere during breakfast, we agreed to a competition. Whoever could get a someone to ask for your number AND invite you on a date would win. Mia insisted a kiss should count double. I told her she was not allowed to ambush strangers. She called me boring. We'd arranged a private guide for Lower Manhattan and the Staten Island Ferry. His name was Nico. Late twenties, nice hair, handsome, with a lovely smile and enough confidence to handle three women. Mia liked him immediately. "Found one," she whispered. "Mia, he's working." "So am I." Jenny started laughing. The ferry was wonderful. Cool November air, the Manhattan skyline behind us, and the Statue of Liberty coming into view. Mia was having an ongoing disagreement with the wind. She had Duke took twenty plus photographs of her. She approved two. Then Nico began explaining the history of the harbor. Mia waited until he finished. "Where would you take a girl on a first date?" "Depends on the girl." "What about me?" He glanced at Duke. "Would he be coming?" Mia looked offended. "He's not my bodyguard!" Duke folded his arms. "I carry her shopping bags." Nico nodded. "That's a serious commitment." Jenny nearly folded in half laughing. Mia informed us that Nico was playing hard to get. Meanwhile, Jenny had been asking him about his family and his grandparents' experiences in New York. They ended up talking for quite a while. Nico kept finding reasons to continue their conversation. When we returned to Manhattan, he asked Jenny how much longer she was staying. "We leave tomorrow." "That's unfortunate. I was hoping I could take you for coffee." Jenny blinked. "Me?" "Yeah, you." I looked at Mia. Mia looked at Jenny. "YOU DIDN'T EVEN FLIRT!" Jenny's cheeks turned pink. "I was just talking to him!" "THAT'S WORSE!" Nico gave Jenny his number. She accepted it. Mia demanded a full investigation and insisted that the tour guide didn’t count. Earlier, I had spoken with @AnaDivincienzo , who was modeling at her friend Mary Jane's studio. Mary Jane had agreed to let us join them for a photo shoot. We arrived at Mary Jane's studio that afternoon, and Ana greeted us between her professional sessions. She hugged Jenny. "You actually came!" Then she looked at Mia. "Did you behave today?" Mia pointed at Jenny. "She stole my man." "I DID NOT!" Ana looked at me. "As of today, Jenny is dangerous now," I explained. Ana kissed Jenny's cheek. "I'm so proud." The next couple of hours were ridiculous. Mia took modeling very seriously until a handsome male model joined us. Ana was helping her with a pose. "Mia, look at the camera." "I am!" "You're looking at him." "He's standing next to the camera!" "He's six feet away from it." Jenny sat beside me, laughing into her hand. The poor man was a good sport. He even helped Mia with a few poses, which did absolutely nothing for her concentration. She is so boy crazy. Jenny was wonderful. Mary Jane had her walk naturally toward the camera. Her hair fell across one shoulder, and when the photograph appeared on the monitor, we all stopped. She looked stunning. Mia stared at it. "Okay, that's annoying." Jenny laughed and hugged her. Then it was my turn. Ana, Mia, and Jenny spent several minutes discussing my wardrobe while I stood there. "Something different," Ana suggested. "Something dangerous," Mia added. Jenny tilted her head. "Something Edgar would notice." I looked at her. "Jenny." She smiled. "What?" I'm beginning to regret teaching these women anything. We eventually did individual photographs and several together. At one point, Mary Jane asked us to look serious. Mia whispered something about Nico. Jenny snorted. Ana started laughing. I followed. Mary Jane lowered her camera. "Girls." We apologized. Nobody meant it. By evening, we were back at the penthouse. Ana was spending the evening with Patrick, so it was just Mia, Jenny, and me. We had dinner, showered, and started getting ready to go dancing. Jenny was doing her makeup when Mia appeared in the doorway wearing a dress that made me raise an eyebrow. "Absolutely not." "What?" "Mia." "It's New York!" Jenny started laughing. We eventually agreed that all three of us looked wonderful. Duke was waiting downstairs. When he saw us, he looked at his watch. "Are we ready?" "Yes," I said. Mia smiled. "Depends. Are you?" He sighed. We found a wonderful club downtown with a great dance floor and a talented DJ. The music was loud, the crowd was fun, and we danced until our feet hurt. Mia made friends with approximately half the room. Jenny surprised me again. She was completely comfortable dancing, laughing, and enjoying herself. At one point, a handsome young man asked her to dance. She looked at Mia. Mia looked at me. I smiled. "Go." She did. Mia leaned toward me. "She's getting dangerous." "Clearly." Then someone asked Mia to dance. She looked absolutely delighted. And for a while, I just enjoyed watching them. These two have become so comfortable with me, and with each other, that the teasing never seems to stop. I love that. I had to slap a man who needed reminding that this is MY body, and nobody gets to touch it without my permission. Thank God Duke was there. We finally returned to the penthouse close to midnight. Shoes came off immediately. Mia collapsed onto the sofa. Jenny was still laughing about something that happened on the dance floor. Then Duke's phone vibrated. "Who's that?" "A woman I met on the ferry." All three of us turned. "What woman?" I asked. "We talked while you ladies were taking pictures." Jenny sat forward. "And?" "She gave me her number. Asked if I'd like dinner next time I'm in New York." Mia sat up. "DUKE!" He looked at her. "What?" "YOU WON!" "Didn't know I was playing." I nearly fell off the sofa. Mia demanded a rematch. Jenny has officially declared herself undefeated, and the tour guide totally counts. Duke went back to what he was doing. --- My favorite part of Thursday wasn't the ferry, the flirting, the modeling, or even dancing. Mary Jane caught one photograph of the four of us between poses. Jenny was fixing my hair. Mia was laughing at something Ana had said, and Ana had her arm around me. Nobody was looking at the camera. I've asked Mary Jane for a print. I want to remember us exactly that way. And now, if you'll excuse me, Jenny is looking at Nico's number again, Mia wants to see the studio photographs... AGAIN. - Maci 💋 P.S. @AnaDivincienzo , your flirting lessons have officially become a public safety concern. And @enchantedhottie , yes, I behaved. #MyPOV #nyc Video by #Grok and me. My biggest challenge is getting Grok to have the right person say the right lines. Grok thinks the script is more of a suggestion than an instruction and randomly reassigns dialogue. Sooo much for directing a video. @FunAva007 @EdgerPoe516859 @kristin_md2b @Susan_B_PhD @seanachiejimK @TravisNei @WeHaveHope231 @TheTigreTwins @Jagsfan67 @JenneCameron @danielthedadtn @AlvinMaxMaxwell @AndyKnightII @Tattdwolf52

My Queen's past time @enchantedhottie

For my Spencer, @enchantedhottie ❤ Before I Do You have seen me at my worst, when pride spoke louder than love, when I was difficult to understand, and harder still to hold. Yet you looked beyond it all, and found the heart I rarely let others see. And I have seen yours, beautiful, fierce, sometimes wounded, and loved you even more for trusting me with it. Somewhere between our laughter and tears, two hearts found a rhythm, until I couldn’t find where mine ended and yours began. Seven months, my love, and I’m still falling. When I say I do, I won’t be making my first promise. I’ll simply be speaking aloud what my heart has known all along. It’s you. Always you. With all my love - E

I think the premise deserves a closer look. First, you're assuming that people of extraordinary wealth aren't already investing in solutions. Many are. Through foundations, research, technology, infrastructure, and private investment. Some of those efforts are making meaningful differences. Others have created profitable businesses along the way. There's nothing inherently wrong with that. But I think there's a bigger issue here. Human problems rarely exist in isolation. What we identify as a problem is often a symptom of something much deeper. Climate change involves technology, energy infrastructure, economics, policy, consumption, and, perhaps most importantly, human behavior. You can't simply write a sufficiently large check and expect billions of people to change how they live, work, consume, or think. Money can create opportunities, accelerate innovation, and remove barriers. It cannot purchase lasting behavioral change. Look at Elon Musk. Whatever anyone thinks of him personally, his investments in electric vehicles, energy storage, manufacturing, and space technology have helped create industries, jobs, and capabilities that didn't previously exist at this scale. That's a different approach to making an impact than simply writing a check to an organization. I also believe we sometimes make solutions more expensive and less accessible through the very policies intended to encourage them. And here's where I'd challenge the premise: Who gets to decide what constitutes the greatest contribution? Is it funding a program that addresses today's visible symptoms, or investing in technology and infrastructure that might fundamentally change the problem over the next 30 years? I'd rather teach someone how to fish than give them a fish. And I'd rather invest in changing the conditions that created a problem than spend a lifetime paying to manage its consequences. Wealth doesn't automatically make someone wise, generous, or visionary. But neither does it make someone indifferent. Perhaps the better question isn't why a billionaire hasn't single-handedly saved humanity. It's whether we're measuring meaningful contributions by the size of the check, the visibility of the gesture, or the lasting impact of what gets built.

I know you like to be on top - @enchantedhottie

Maci 💋 My POV ❤️ Thursday, November 5, 2026 Manhattan, New York At 6:30 this morning, Ana @AnaDivincienzo sat straight up in my bed and screamed. “WHAT TIME IS IT?!” Jenny @jennyDmond nearly jumped out of her skin. Mia @thonlymiamonroe pulled the covers over her head. “Six-thirty,” I mumbled. “I HAVE A PHOTO SHOOT!” “What time?” “TEN!” “Ana, sweetheart. That's three and a half hours from now.” “Where are my clothes?” I looked at Jenny. Jenny looked at me. Mia started laughing under the covers. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how four perfectly respectable young women began their Thursday morning in Manhattan. We'd all slept in my oversized king bed. What were four girls doing in bed together? Sleeping, eventually. 😉 But I'm getting ahead of myself. ❤️ Yesterday morning, Jenny and I headed into Manhattan for work. We have a company office here, and Jenny was fascinated by the idea. “Wait. Edgar has an office in Manhattan just for when he comes to town?” “Not just Edgar. Our people use it when they're working on deals in the area.” “Isn't that expensive?” “Yes and no.” She gave me that look. I laughed. “It's connected to our home-office systems and servers. When we're buying or selling a business around here, our team has everything they need. Edgar's closed some of the company's biggest deals in these rooms.” Jenny looked around again. “So this is where the really serious stuff happens?” “Sometimes. Other times it's just people arguing over spreadsheets.” We had a productive morning. Jenny asks thoughtful questions, and I love that she doesn't pretend to understand something when she doesn't. Then, just before lunch, she asked a much more interesting question. “What are we doing tonight?” “Going back to Greenwich?” She looked disappointed. “Or,” I said, “we could do some Christmas shopping.” That got her attention. Within 15 minutes, we'd gone from shopping to dinner, and from dinner to spending the night at my family's penthouse overlooking Central Park. Jenny called Mia. I called Daddy. And our perfectly ordinary Wednesday began going in a different direction. ❤️ Mia had spent the day exploring Manhattan with Duke. For anyone who hasn't met Duke, he's my bodyguard. 6' 5", built like a tank, and looks capable of eating an elephant for breakfast. He's also remarkably patient. Which is fortunate, because Mia had decided he was her personal shopping assistant. When we met them, Duke was carrying enough bags to open a small department store. “Maci! Guess what happened!” A woman in one of the stores had mistaken him for a professional athlete and asked for a picture. Mia had enthusiastically encouraged it. Mia also informed us that he'd frightened a rude customer service person simply by turning around. “I didn't do anything,” he protested. “Exactly!” Mia said. I love that girl. ❤️ Christmas shopping was wonderful. Jenny takes her time choosing things. Mia falls in love with something, discovers it comes in another color, and immediately has a new problem. We bought gifts, tried on clothes, and laughed far too loudly in one fitting room. I found something for Edgar. No details. He reads this. By late afternoon, we were at the penthouse. Mia went straight to the windows. “Oh, Maci.” Jenny joined her, looking out over Central Park. I stood behind them for a moment. I've been coming here since I was little. Daddy working, Mama getting ready for dinner, me curled up with a book. To me, it's always been another home. Watching the girls discover it made me smile. Then Mia turned around. “Okay. Which bedroom has the biggest bathtub?” Naturally. ❤️ Daddy belongs to a private dining club nearby, so we dressed up and went out for dinner. Ana @AnaDivincienzo joined us too. I loved seeing the girls enjoy themselves. Jenny looked beautiful, and Mia spent half the evening trying to convince us that one of the waiters was flirting with her. He was. We talked about Christmas, our families, work, and the things we're hoping to do next year. At one point, Jenny asked whether I'd always imagined my life turning out this way. I thought about that. “No. Not even close.” “Does that bother you?” “Sometimes. But there are people in my life now I wouldn't trade for the plans I used to have.” She smiled at me. I think she understood. ❤️ Back at the penthouse, we changed into comfortable clothes, and put on music. We started in the living room and eventually migrated to my bedroom. There were questions. Confessions. Some absolutely terrible advice, mostly from Mia. And one question about Edgar that I'm still not answering publicly. Nice try, girls. 💋 But there was something I loved about last night. Non of the girls felt they needed to impress anyone. We could be silly, affectionate, curious, and occasionally a little wicked without worrying about how we sounded. I think women need that. Friends who can laugh at you without making you feel foolish. Friends who will tell you when you're being ridiculous. Friends who can ask an embarrassing question and trust that the answer won't become tomorrow's gossip. We talked until well past midnight. 💋 💋 💋 Which brings us back to Ana's 6:30 a.m. emergency. She's now getting ready for her photo shoot. She's taking this modeling opportunity seriously, and I'm proud of her. Even if she nearly gave three women heart attacks before sunrise. Jenny's drinking coffee beside me. Mia wants breakfast. And I have a feeling Duke is downstairs praying for a quieter assignment today. Before we fell asleep last night, Jenny reached over and squeezed my hand. “I'm glad we stayed.” “Me too.” It was a wonderful evening. Nothing we needed to plan weeks in advance. Just a decision to spend a little more time together. I really loved seeing Ana again. I think we should do that more often. Now, I need coffee, a shower, and an apology from Ana. Although knowing her, she'll tell us the screaming was good practice for getting up early. - Maci 💋❤️ Video by me and #Grok. Thank God for iMovie! It lets me edit out, or at least attempt to hide, some of the duplicates and other weirdness my clearly drugged-up Grok produces. @enchantedhottie @FunAva007 @EdgerPoe516859 @kristin_md2b @mjcromwell01 @Susan_B_PhD @seanachiejimK @TravisNei @WeHaveHope231 @TheTigreTwins @Jagsfan67 @JenneCameron @danielthedadtn @AlvinMaxMaxwell @AndyKnightII @Tattdwolf52

Maci 💋 My POV ❤️ November 4, 2026 Greenwich, Connecticut “Did your father ever catch you doing something you weren't supposed to?” I turned toward Mia @thonlymiamonroe . We were tucked beneath blankets in a horse-drawn carriage, enjoying hot chocolate and the midnight beauty of Central Park. “Why would you assume I ever misbehaved?” Jenny @jennyDmond smiled. “We've been reading your diaries.” Fair point. “Oh, sweetheart. Daddy has caught me doing plenty of things.” Mia leaned closer. “LIKE WHAT?” I looked at Jenny. “See what you've started?” And that, my friends, was how a lovely evening became an interrogation of my teenage love life. But first, yesterday morning. We slept in and enjoyed a wonderful breakfast overlooking the gardens. Our chef had prepared everything beautifully, and the staff attended to us as they always have. Breakfast at my parents' house can feel like dining in a fine restaurant. Someone pulls out your chair, remembers your coffee, and anticipates what you need. I know what you're thinking. But growing up, I genuinely thought this was normal. Jenny still thanks everyone repeatedly. “Sweetheart, they're going to think you're evaluating their performance.” She laughed. Several staff members have known me since childhood. They're practically family, and I love watching them fuss over the girls. Edgar called during breakfast with some work for Jenny and me. He wanted us at his small Manhattan office Wednesday. Mia whispered, “Does that man ever stop working?” “Occasionally. Under very specific circumstances.” She grinned. I'll leave that there. 😂 Jenny had been trying on bikinis from our shopping trip. One looked particularly gorgeous. “Jenny, darling, that one is dangerous.” She laughed, turning toward the mirror. I love seeing her confidence grow. Meanwhile, Mia disappeared into the gardens. Our grounds are extensive, with winding paths, fountains, courtyards, and a maze. The autumn colors are breathtaking. I found her near the hedges. “Why didn't you tell me all this was back here?” “I thought you'd enjoy exploring.” “I DID. But I got lost!” I took her hand. “Come on, sweetheart. Let's get you home.” Daddy had arranged wonderful seats for & Juliet on Broadway that evening. He made a few calls. Daddy knows people. ❤️ We headed into Manhattan for dinner before the seven o'clock performance. New York is extraordinary, but exhausting. The traffic, horns, sirens, crowds, street vendors, and smells! Some delightful, others best experienced while holding your breath. People from nearly every culture and faith share these streets. That diversity makes the city fascinating. But the contrasts are impossible to ignore. Extraordinary wealth alongside people sleeping on sidewalks. It's a different world from Aspen, Jackson, or the quiet waters surrounding the St. Mary. Duke accompanied us, naturally. He's my shadow in the city. A mountain of a man, exceptionally capable, and genuinely kind. Mia has made it her mission to make him laugh. She succeeded twice yesterday! I believe Spencer @enchantedhottie was the last person to manage that. 😂 & Juliet was wonderful. The story imagines Juliet surviving Shakespeare's tragedy and deciding what happens next. Clever, romantic, funny, with terrific music. Jenny sat between us. Mia had questions. Lots of them. Fortunately, she whispered. At one point, I was watching her expressions more than the stage. Her delight was infectious. Afterward, the girls wanted a carriage ride through Central Park. I hadn't done that in years. The November air was chilly, so we snuggled beneath blankets with hot chocolate. It was lovely. Until Mia started asking questions. “Did Christopher ever bring you here?” “Yes.” “Did he kiss you?” “Yes, Mia.” “Was it romantic?” “At sixteen, I thought practically everything he did was romantic.” Jenny laughed. “Even that first kiss?” “WE ARE NOT DISCUSSING THAT AGAIN!” Then came the question about Daddy catching me with boys. I told them about one young man visiting when Daddy returned home unexpectedly. Nothing scandalous happened. But Daddy asked him several perfectly polite questions. The poor boy looked like he'd wandered into an executive interview without a resume. Jenny nearly spilled her hot chocolate. “Your dad sounds terrifying!” “He can be. Especially when he thinks someone is wasting his daughter's time.” Mia wanted to know whether I'd ever planned a romantic evening that ended disastrously. “Oh, yes.” “WHAT HAPPENED?” I smiled. “That story requires more courage than I have tonight.” They protested. Honestly, it felt like Truth or Dare without the dare, and it was always my turn! Eventually, I reclaimed the conversation. “Ladies, my turn.” I asked Mia about Jack. She tried looking casual. Adorable. Then I turned toward Jenny. “And how are you doing, sweetheart?” She knew what I meant. I'm not sharing the details of her experience with that young man. That's her story. But a man who pursues a woman, earns her trust, gets what he wants, and then treats her poorly deserves very little respect. I put my arm around Jenny. “You deserved better. You know that?” She nodded. “Good.” Our Queen has mentioned a possible mission involving this situation. I'd love that assignment. Daddy taught me patience, preparation, and the value of asking the right questions. I rather enjoy dealing with arrogant people who underestimate me. Later, walking through Manhattan, we witnessed what appeared to be a mugging farther down the street. Duke (my body guard) immediately moved us away and alerted the authorities. Mia grew quiet. New York has extraordinary beauty, but not everything we encounter is beautiful. By the time we reached our car, I was exhausted. Thank goodness for drivers. We arrived home around one. Jenny wasn't tired. Mia wanted food. “Girls, I adore you, but I'm going to bed!” They laughed. -- And now it's this morning. We've finished breakfast, and the girls have already enjoyed our indoor pool. Jenny wore that gorgeous new bikini. She looked fabulous. We're heading into Manhattan shortly. Jenny and I have work at Edgar's office, while Duke is taking Mia exploring. That should be entertaining. I love having these girls here. They make me laugh, challenge me, and remind me of things I'd forgotten about growing up. And I love sharing this part of my life with them. We have a few more days together, and there are still places to explore and stories to tell. Although I may hide those diaries. There are a few stories I'm not ready to share. Love you all. ❤️ - Maci 💋 #MyPOV #NYC #friends Video courtesy of yours truly and #Grok. Mia, sweetheart, I apologize. Grok decided you needed a breast reduction and a whole new face every few frames. I swear, I had nothing to do with either decision! nitter.cf/TheEdgerPoe/status/211… @FunAva007 @AnaDivincienzo @EdgerPoe516859 @kristin_md2b @mjcromwell01 @Susan_B_PhD @seanachiejimK @TravisNei @WeHaveHope231 @TheTigreTwins @Jagsfan67 @JenneCameron @danielthedadtn @AlvinMaxMaxwell @AndyKnightII @Tattdwolf52

For the record, she absolutely bites! Hmmm... speaking of which, I'm getting a little hungry myself.

Maci 💋 My POV November 3, 2026 Greenwich, Connecticut “MACI! WHO IS CHRISTOPHER?” Oh, Lord. I knew that voice. Jenny had found something. I was sitting at my old desk when I turned around and saw @jennyDmond on my childhood bed, holding a little brown leather diary I hadn't opened in years. @thonlymiamonroe was beside her, surrounded by photographs. “Where did you find that?” “Your bottom drawer.” “Which was closed.” Jenny smiled. “Not locked.” Mia held up a photograph. “Is THIS Christopher?” I recognized him immediately. “Yes.” “He's cute!” “He was.” Jenny looked down at the diary. “MACI! You wrote that you wanted to MARRY him!” “I was sixteen, Jenny.” “You underlined it. Twice!” I walked toward the bed. “Give me that.” She pulled it away. “Ohhhh! And who's Andrew?” I love these girls. I really do. But at that moment, I was reconsidering several decisions. --- Let me back up. Sunday evening, after our wonderful weekend at the castle in Italy, we had dinner with Mom and Dad here in Greenwich. Edgar and @enchantedhottie left afterward for Chicago. Those two have been particularly affectionate lately. Spencer kept finding little reasons to touch him. Edgar kept leaning over to say something that made her smile. Jenny noticed. “Are they always like that?” “Not always.” She looked at me. “Okay. Quite often.” They're supposed to be "working" while in Chicago. Before she left, Spencer gave Jenny and me a few things to take care of. (Jenny works for both Spencer and Edgar.) She was very sweet about it. Which means she smiled beautifully while making it perfectly clear what she expected. I know that smile. I rather like that smile. I'm also smart enough to get the work done. --- Monday morning, Ava, Kristin, and Isabella headed out. @FunAva007 has an exam Wednesday, and the poor girl is having a difficult time accepting that college continues even when she's been having adventures in Italy. She FaceTimed me three times yesterday. The first two calls concerned things she'd left at the castle. The third was considerably more dramatic. “MACIIII! I'm so screwed.” I looked at her on screen. “What did you do?” “I have a test tomorrow, and I haven't studied.” “Ava...” “I KNOW! Don't start!” “So why are you calling me?” “Because I need emotional support!” “Then go study.” She stared at me. “Wow. You're actually terrible at this.” I started laughing. “I'm serious! I miss you guys.” “I miss you too, sweetheart.” “Okay, well... can you stay on FaceTime while I study?” Of course I said yes. Ava also mentioned that Isabella had been sharing some rather personal stories about Edgar with her and @kristin_md2b. Now, if you know Isabella, you know that's significant. She's intelligent, proper, reserved, and very selective about what she shares. For her to open up to Ava and Kristin says something about how comfortable she's becoming with them. Naturally, I wanted details. Ava refused. “It's sister information.” “I'm your sister!” “Not THIS information.” Little brat. I love her. 😂 --- Anyway, I took Jenny and Mia shopping yesterday afternoon. My treat. Jenny kept checking prices, which I finally put a stop to. Mia needed no such instruction. That girl can turn a dressing room into a social event. We had a wonderful afternoon. ---- @AnaDivincienzo checked in, too. She's been doing some modeling, and she's genuinely good at it. I told her she has a natural ability to make a camera pay attention. She said she already knew. Of course she did. She's Ana. --- We came home for dinner with Mom and Dad. Dad has taken quite an interest in Mia. He finds her endlessly entertaining. He asks her questions just to hear what she'll say. At one point, Mom looked across the table. “Be nice.” “I AM being nice!” Mia was laughing. Dad asked another question. Mom gave him that look. He stopped. For approximately thirty seconds. We also discussed our annual family christmas gala. I've invited all the girls this year, and Mom is already planning. Dad announced that he wanted Mia seated near him. Mom said she'd think about it, I'm fairly certain she's protecting the other guests. --- After dinner, we went upstairs to my childhood bedroom. Mom has kept nearly everything exactly as I left it. My books, photographs, fencing medals, and apparently every embarrassing thing I ever wrote about a boy. Jenny discovered the medals first. “Wait. You actually won fencing tournaments?” “A few. I was pretty good.” Mia picked up an old photograph of me in my fencing uniform. “You look dangerous!” “I was, sweetheart.” 😂 That led to questions about my education, including the etiquette and finishing-school lessons I had growing up. Mia wanted to know if they taught me how to flirt. “No. That came naturally.” Jenny laughed. “Of course it did.” Then she found my diaries. Oh, Lord. Christopher was my first serious boyfriend. Handsome, athletic, charming, and entirely too aware of it. I was sixteen and absolutely smitten. Jenny found the entry about our first kiss. “Was he any good?” Mia asked. “Not as good as he thought.” “Poor Christopher!” “Poor ME!” We actually bumped noses. Twice! And afterward, he told me I was a wonderful kisser. I remember thinking, How would you know? I barely did anything! But I adored that boy. I used to get butterflies just hearing his voice. Apparently, I also wrote that I intended to marry him. Jenny was delighted. Mia wanted to know if he was still handsome. I told her that was completely beside the point. Naturally, she wanted to see more photographs. Then we found Andrew. “This one's cute. What happened?” “He thought so, too.” Jenny nearly fell over laughing. Andrew was a little older, terribly charming, and very good at making a girl feel special. Unfortunately, he was also quite impressed with himself. I liked him, though. We had some wonderful times together, and I learned a few things about relationships that have stayed with me. Then Mia asked something that made me stop laughing. “Which one did you actually love?” I looked at her. Jenny stopped turning pages. “I thought I loved Christopher. And I cared about Andrew. But I was young. I don't think I understood love nearly as well as I thought I did.” Jenny smiled. “Did you ever really fall in love?” I laughed softly. “Oh, yes.” Mia looked at me. “Edgar?” I nodded. They both know how much I love him. And they know how much I love Spencer. But last night, sitting on my old bed with those two girls, I told them a little more about what I'd once imagined my future would look like. Some of it was funny. Some of it was personal. And some of it was harder to talk about than I expected. Mia reached over and took my hand at one point. Sweet girl. ❤️ We talked for quite a while. About boys, first kisses, falling in love, and how differently things can turn out from what we once imagined. Less than a year ago, I thought I had a pretty clear idea of where my life was going. Today, I'm not nearly as certain. And I'm perfectly happy with that. I love the people in my life. I love what I'm studying and the work I hope to do. I have a place where I belong, and I'm excited about what comes next. I still have plenty to figure out. I'm only twenty-four. I hope I do! Eventually, Jenny went back to reading, and Mia resumed judging my former boyfriends. Having Jenny and Mia here has become something special. I love watching them get comfortable in my home. I love hearing them laugh together. And I love that they feel close enough to tease me about things I once thought were terribly important. They're staying in my room for the next few days, which means we'll probably be up talking far later than we should. I'm looking forward to it. Although I'm beginning to suspect the girls are more interested in my teenage love life than in getting any sleep. And we haven't even opened the other drawers. Before bed, I looked at Jenny. “One day, I'm going to find your old diaries.” She smiled. “I don't keep diaries.” Smart girl. I turned to Mia. She looked genuinely concerned. “Don't even think about it, Maci.” Oh, sweetheart. Now I'm definitely thinking about it. And as for the rest of those diaries? I might share a few more stories. Or I might decide some things are better left between three girls having a wonderful time together. We'll see. 💋 One more thing. After our conversation last night, I spent some time thinking about what I've learned about men, relationships, and what actually matters to me. So I wrote something a little more personal today. It's called “I Wanted a Man I Could Admire: What Growing Up Wealthy Taught Me About Men, Love, and What Really Matters.” It's partly about my experiences, but I also wanted to share a few things that might be helpful to men who wonder what women like me actually want. And perhaps to women who are still figuring that out for themselves. I certainly am. If you're curious, I'd love for you to read it. ❤️ - Maci 💋--> @EdgerPoe516859 #MyPOV #GIRLFRIENDS #1stLOVE Video by credit hungry #Grok and me. I don't have enough tokens to make it Wed.... @mjcromwell01 @Susan_B_PhD @seanachiejimK @TravisNei @WeHaveHope231 @TheTigreTwins @Jagsfan67 @JenneCameron @danielthedadtn @AlvinMaxMaxwell @AndyKnightII @Tattdwolf52

I wrote the words, but hearing them in your voice is something else entirely.

Maci 💋 My POV @EdgerPoe516859 Monday, November 2 Greenwich, Connecticut Yesterday began with two elderly Italian women whispering about a ghost and ended with me nearly crying in my parents' drawing room. Quite a Sunday. Edgar and I went to Mass in the little village near our castle. It was All Saints' Day, and the church was beautiful. Old stone, worn floors, and people who have probably been attending Mass there for generations. As we approached, two women were watching us. “La Sposa,” one whispered. The Bride. Yes, THAT bride. The one Mia, @thonlymiamonroe, dressed as on Halloween. Except Mia was still down on the hillside road when another woman appeared in the castle's upper window. Edgar saw her. I saw her. Neither of us knows who she was. Naturally, the entire village seems to have an opinion. After Mass, we had coffee and doughnuts with the parishioners. One woman asked whether we'd heard anything unusual at the castle. Edgar said, “Quite a few unusual things.” I'm fairly certain he meant Ava. 😂 By 12:30, we were on the plane heading for Connecticut. Mia was still defending her performance as a ghost bride. Ava @FunAva007 was convinced we'd witnessed an actual haunting. Kristin @kristin_md2b was reading a medical textbook that looked terrifying enough to qualify as a Halloween decoration. And Edgar was working. I asked whether we'd survive eight hours together. “Have you met my sister?” he asked. “I HEARD THAT!” Ava yelled. “You were supposed to.” These two. ❤️ We arrived in Greenwich in time for dinner with my parents, and that's where the day took a turn I wasn't expecting. If you'd like to read the full story, including what happened at dinner and why I got emotional, it's here: nitter.cf/TheEdgerPoe/status/211… Mom had everyone together. Spencer @enchantedhottie, Ana, Patrick, Erica, Isabella, Ava, Mia, Jenny @jennyDmond, Kristin, Edgar, and me. And within minutes, Spencer had completely taken over my father. I'm not exaggerating. She was sitting beside him, laughing, holding his arm, and getting every bit of his attention. I finally asked, “Dad, remember your actual daughter?” “Of course, sweetheart.” Then he turned right back to Spencer. I looked at Edgar. “I've been replaced.” He laughed. “Rather quickly, too.” I may never forgive either of them. 😂❤️ After dinner, I showed Isabella, Patrick, and Erica around the house. Patrick loved the library. Isabella was interested in Dad's art collection. Erica wants a proper tour of the gardens when it's daylight. Later, everyone gathered in the drawing room. I stood near the doorway with a glass of water, watching them. And something hit me. Almost everyone in that room was there because years ago, I fell in love with Edgar. I spent nearly a year figuring out how to get into his study group. I thought I was being very clever about it. I also thought that one day, I might be the woman he asked to marry him. Instead, he fell in love with Spencer. I won't pretend that was easy. But look what happened. Ava became my little sister in every way that matters. Ana became family. Jenny, Mia, Patrick, Erica, Isabella... all these wonderful, complicated people became part of my life. And Spencer. I looked across the room at her, laughing with my father, completely comfortable in the home where I grew up. There was a time when I thought she had taken the future I wanted. Now I can't imagine my future without her. That's when my eyes started watering. Edgar noticed, of course. He came over and stood beside me. “You okay?” I looked around the room again. “Better than okay.” He smiled. And that was all I needed. Edgar and Spencer left for Chicago late last night. Ava, Kristin, and Isabella are getting ready to leave today. Dad has already asked when Spencer is coming back. I really am going to have to talk to him. 😂 As for our castle ghost, I'm not finished with her. But this morning, I'm thinking about something else. I spent a year trying to find a way to sit beside one boy. I thought I knew exactly what I wanted. Turns out, I had no idea how much more life had waiting for me. And I wouldn't trade any of them. ❤️ - Maci 💋 #MyPOV #Family #Love Video by me and #Grok. I'm pretty sure Grok hates me. At this point, I'd actually feel better knowing it's personal rather than finding out everyone has to put up with this nonsense. These are some of the wonderful people in Spencer’s circle! Go check them out and show them a little love! ❤️ @enchantedhottie @FunAva007 @AnaDivincienzo @EdgerPoe516859 @kristin_md2b @mjcromwell01 @Susan_B_PhD @jennyDmond @thonlymiamonroe @seanachiejimK @TravisNei @WeHaveHope231 @TheTigreTwins @Jagsfan67 @JenneCameron @danielthedadtn @AlvinMaxMaxwell @AndyKnightII @Tattdwolf52

DENVER WINS!!!!!!!