Page 54 of 4-Ever

“Double whiskey, neat this time. And make it a real double,” Dallas demanded. “And a glass of sparkling water.”

“Gotta keep hydrated,” I muttered.

“It’s for Ciara,” Dallas explained. “She doesn’t drink.”

“Since when?” I scoffed and looked at my sister.

“Oh, just recently,” she whispered, rubbing her hands together. “It’s fine. Better for my health.”

“I reminded her that she’s almost thirty.” Dallas raised one eyebrow. “Gotta cut that shit out if you want to stay prime, right babe?”

Prime? Who the fuck was this douchebag?

“As long as it’s her decision,” I bit out.

It had no effect on Dallas, he just grunted and glanced around the room.

I needed that second drink. Right fucking now.

When I glanced at Faise, the look he gave me said he was just as worried as I was about this dickhead Ciara was dating. And her sudden change in behavior. Since when did she let someone else tell her what to do?

“I need to hit the head,” Dallas announced and stood up.

“Back of the room to the left,” I offered.

“I’ll be back in a few, stay here.” Dallas commanded and squeezed Ciara’s shoulder, then walked away.

“What the hell’s going on, Ci?” I asked her as soon as Dallas was out of earshot.

“What do you mean?”

“Why are you letting that guy talk down to you like that? And why’ve you stopped calling me? That’s what I mean.”

“I told you, I’ve been busy,” Ciara replied but refused to meet my eyes.

“Too busy for family?”

She gripped her hands together tightly. “Dallas keeps telling me I need to be more independent. I’m too reliant on you and Mom.”

“That’s ridiculous. We’re not just siblings, we’re friends. That’s only normal. And you’re plenty independent. You live in a different city, and you have your own life.”

Ciara bit her lower lip and let out a shaky sigh.

“You’re acting nervous, and it’s not like you. And he’s talking out of his ass. So, tell me the truth. What’s going on?” I asked again.

“I can’t.” Ciara shook her head. “Please, Ro. Not now.”

“What about Mom? She hasn’t heard from you in weeks either.”

Ciara still wouldn’t look me in the eye. I was so frustrated I wanted to scream.

Until Faise leaned forward. “Ciara’s here for a couple of days, right? You have plenty of time to catch up.”

I reluctantly nodded, despite my gut telling me to push my sister for answers. Then I spotted Brodie stalking towards us.

“Hey, Ro, Evert wants you for a photo op with Averell and Jesse.”

Great.

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