Page 166 of Power Play

“Let me know when. I’ll get you all seats.” I look at my sister and hold out my arms. “Come here, you drunk idiot.”

“I love you, Li,” she says. “And don’t forget what we talked about. Otherwise I’ll kick your ass.”

“I won’t. But let’s stop talking before you say something you shouldn’t.” I kiss the top of her head and hand her off to her husband. “Your threats always mean so much to me.”

With another round of Alana’s tears we finally escape, the lobby quiet as we make our way to elevators.

“Wow. Is that what I was like when I was drunk that night a couple years ago in Canada? When you tucked me in?”

“Yup.”

“And I didn’t drive you insane?”

“Nope.”

“Really?” Piper looks up at me. “I guess you weren’t kidding about tolerating me.”

“No,” I say. Our eyes meet, and it feels like someone stuck their hand in my chest and ripped out my heart. “I haven’t been kidding about anything.”

FORTY-FOUR

PIPER

Me

Can we go back to Spain?

It’s too cold here.

Liam

I don’t have another sister getting married.

Maybe I could find one?

Me

No one could replace Alana, but the sooner the better.

Liam

I know I said I love my job, but it was really fucking nice to have a few days off.

Me

It was, wasn’t it?

Are you getting back into the swing of things?

Liam

Three days back, and it feels like weeks.

What are you doing tonight?

Me

Hanging with the girls!

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