Page 57 of Twisted Lies

“People are resourceful when they need money,” she replies, “but don’t want to put in the hours to earn it. This dress would look lovely on you.” The simple dress is on the Nordstrom website for less than two hundred dollars. It’s a simple black dress with a boat-neck collar and a low back.

My gaze is glued to it. “That’s pretty classy.”

“Did your father give you a credit card?” she asks.

“No, but he put money in my account,” I reply, “I had to explain to him that I was paying rent.”

Harmon shakes her head, adding the dress to the cart. “You mean the rent fairy didn’t pay it for you?”

We look at shoes and purses, all in black. It’s hard to tell what they would actually look like, but I have time to exchange them if I need to.

“I figured out the numbers I would need to start my business,” I tell her as we gaze at the screen.

“Good. And do you have people to help you?”

“I think I do,” I reply.

Harmon hits enter, and the purchases are confirmed for delivery in two days.

“I want you to have fun while Bryce Shelton learns a lesson.” She reaches out and hugs me. I sink into the hug, thinking about how much I miss being held like this. Holding onto Mom when I needed to feel that it would be okay.

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