Page 24 of Risking Immortality

“Agreed. We can use the time to watch her a little closer.”

“That is creepy as hell, Lucille.”

“And yet we still have to do it. Do you think you’re going to be alright, being so close to her but—”

“Not being able to touch her?” Lucille nods at me. “I have no choice, sister.”

After a few more protests from my mother, I finally escape to Insomnia. The club is dark for another few hours. Erin will be inside though, setting up. I want to go to her immediately, but I don’t. Instead, I slip in undetected with Lucille and head to my apartment. We unpack what we have and then set about organizing my belongings to be shipped. I have no idea how long I will have to stay here.

“Get dressed. We’re going downstairs,” Lucille instructs from the doorway to my bedroom.

“I’m beat.” My words fall on deaf ears. Lucille strides in and goes straight to my closet, picking out my blood-red corset and black fitted pants.

“Get dressed,” she demands. We stay frozen, staring at each other in a silent battle of wills. I clamp my jaw, knowing I’m about to concede defeat.

“Fine.”

“You have ten minutes.”

Already I regret my choice of housemate. Still, I get myself ready with a couple of minutes to spare. The three-inch heels I choose make me feel strong. I’m going to tower over most people, and that’s what I need. Some form of control and power.

We descend the private stairs and enter the club. The crowd is vast, and the air is electric. I scan the area, happy there are no problems. The bar is busy, so I leave Lucille by herself to help out. Of course Erin is serving. I try my best to act like there is no big deal. Slipping behind the bar, I take orders.

The ache in my stomach is there, but I know the moment Erin spots me because the ache turns into a ripple once again. That means she is looking at me. That means she is feeling strong, caring emotions. That means there is hope!

Eleven

“Are you ready?” Lucille asks for the tenth time. My answer is a resounding no. For over a week I have been working closely with Erin. Always the professional as my insides sear in pain. But I know I have to take my time. Making sure Erin is comfortable around me is essential.

We’ve shared some laughs and worked several packed evenings behind the bar together, which was an outstanding success. Insomnia is my flagship club, and it shows. It’s the hottest place in Los Angeles.

Lucille has been abnormally patient with me. I expected her to bulldoze her way into my affairs, but I have been proven wrong. She’s even fielded calls and visits from my mother and Marcus.

That is, until this evening. Sitting with a glass of wine on the balcony, I’m surprised by Lucille’s presence. She is supposed to be visiting her husband and son. Yet, she isn’t. She’s here, scowling at me.

“I’m not ready. It’s too soon.” Approaching Erin and asking her out formally is eating away at my conscience. She is still with Mack, and they seem to be doing well.

“Tough, times up,” Lucille growls. “I know you are in constant pain, Amelia; you don’t think I see your face twitch in agony?”

“I’m fine.” I’m not. As the days pass by, the pain in my abdomen is getting worse.

“No, you’re not. It’s time to make a move.”

“Not yet,” I hiss.

“Okay.” Turning, Lucille leaves me. I am completely perplexed. Lucille never agrees so easily. Idiot!

Slamming down my wine, I chase after Lucille. As I thought, she’s heading downstairs. Barging through the door, I see her approach Erin. “God damn it, Lucille,” I growl, marching over to them.

Slowing my pace, I try to calm my murderous feelings towards my sister. “So Erin,” I hear Lucille say. “Are you and Mack exclusive?”

“Oh, um—”

“You do not have to answer that, Erin. Please excuse my sister.”

“I’m only asking,” Lucille sighs.

“It’s okay, um, we’ve been seeing each other for a few weeks. But we haven’t had the conversation about exclusivity yet.”

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