Page 14 of Shameless Expectations

“Thank you!”

Monti hung up and blew out a breath as she fell flat on her back and stared at the ceiling in her van again. What was she doing? Going back into that house, that prison of a house, to help someone who was so resistant to help wasn’t going to accomplish anything. But she would do anything for Fallon, especially when she used that tone.

Her phone buzzed in her hand, and when she picked it up, there was a text from Fallon.

Fallon: It’s 4:45.

“Shit.”

Fallon had done that one on purpose. Monti scrambled out of the bed, slipped her sandals on, and got behind the wheel. It was going to take her twenty minutes just to get out of the city, and another ten to get to Athena’s mansion on the hill. She clenched her jaw, not doubting that Fallon had already planned for that when she’d called, knowing that Monti wouldn’t make it before five.

Damn her sister for having this figured out.

Monti arrived at fifteen after. The gates automatically closed behind her as she drove toward the front of the house and parked exactly where she had the time before. She had no supplies for this. Fallon knew that. She had oils, yes, but nothing else.

Rubbing her clammy hands over her thighs, Monti prepared herself. Athena was a closed book, yet there had been brief windows to see inside, though it was clearly out of necessity and not because Athena had willingly revealed those things. Monti centered herself with a quick meditation. She had to go into this with her mind open and ready for whatever Athena was going to share with her.

When Monti opened her eyes, Fallon was at the front door, arms crossed, and giving her a serious look. She was out of time. Climbing from the van, Monti started for the door and rubbed her hands along her thighs. She was wearing yoga pants today, having come from doing some exercise at a park. It was probably for the better since she didn’t have pockets to accidentally flip Athena out.

Perhaps if she came back again, she would make sure to dress in yoga pants.

“She’s waiting for you.” Fallon didn’t seem all that happy.

“Has the boss been taking her lack of sleep out on her employees?”

Fallon’s sharp look confirmed her suspicion. Monti swallowed hard. She hadn’t meant to poke the bear, but she certainly had. She had to get better at this living-in-peace thing. One year on the road and she hadn’t managed it, despite the fact that she truly did love living without responsibilities. It had taken a whole year for her to realize that those weren’t the issue at hand.

“A few hours is all I’m asking for.”

“I’ll do my best, but if she’s not ready for it, then it’ll never work.”

“Ready for what?” Fallon rubbed her lips together as they stopped outside the library door.

“To work on the problem.”

“What’s the problem?”

Monti shrugged. She didn’t honestly know, but even if she did, she wasn’t going to tell Fallon. That was for Athena only to disclose, whenever she was ready.

“Fine. Don’t tell me.”

“You know I can’t.”

“I know. I just wish…” Fallon sighed heavily, looking directly at the door, her face falling. “I just wish I knew how to help her better.”

“It’s not your job.”

“Maybe not.” Fallon put her hand on the knob. “You ready?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be…I think.”

Walking in, Monti was greeted with Athena standing at the farthest bookshelf. She pulled one book and then another, stacking them before rolling her neck and her shoulders. She was exhausted to the point she was barely upright. Her body listed from side to side as she attempted to grab the next book.

“I’d feel better if you sat down so you didn’t fall over.”

“I won’t fall,” Athena muttered.

“Could have fooled me.” Monti moved to the chair she’d sat in before, wanting to give Athena the advantage of sitting where she preferred.

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