Page 29 of Ruthless Lullaby

Betty's eyebrows raise. "That quickly? I hope he’ll pay you well."

I nod. "Better than you might think."

Betty raises her eyebrows. "Okay, and when is this lucrative gig?"

"Tonight."

"Tonight?" Betty's eyes widen in surprise. "Talk about a short notice!"

"I know, right? It's some kind of private event, taking place at another venue, in SoHo. Kevin didn’t give me much detail, but I start at ten." I glance at the time. "Speaking of which, I need to start getting ready."

Betty whistles low. "Private gig, great money, cloak of secrecy around the details... sounds pretty sketchy if you ask me."

I shrug. "Maybe. But I can't afford to be picky now, Bets."

Betty studies me for a moment, then nods in resignation. "You're right, babe. When desperation hits, you gotta do what you gotta do. Just be careful, okay? Text me when you get there and when you leave."

"Thanks, Bets, I will. And hey, aren't you proud of me?"

“The hell I am!” Betty returns my smile. “That's my quick-thinking, hustling bestie. If anyone can knock 'em dead, it's you." She pulls me into another fierce hug. "Hey, I'm here for you, whatever comes next, alright? Just promise me you'll start applying for some well-paid corporate jobs instead of getting stuck in a shady bar, singing for drunk millionaires who want to fuck you just because you have a nice voice."

“Don’t forget my killer tits,” I tease, and Betty immediately bursts out laughing.

“I love you, girl,” she comes in for another bear hug.

"I love you too, Bets.” I return the hug. “And thank you. For everything. Honestly, I don't know what I'd do without you." I glance at the time. "Jesus, I need to start getting ready or Kevin will have my head."

Betty nods, standing up. "Alright, Miss Pop Star. Let's get you dolled up for this mysterious gig of yours, then. Where's that knock-'em-dead outfit you mentioned earlier?"

As we walk to my room giggling, I just can't help but feel thankful for having Betty as my best friend.

You can’t put a price on a friendship like this.

It’s worth more than the fattest paycheck in the world.

Chapter Thirteen

Mindy

The next two hours just fly by.

I carefully curl my hair and put on my makeup, lost in my own thoughts. Betty has gone out, leaving me alone with my preparations. Once my makeup is done, I take a moment to look in the mirror. I'm quite pleased with the results. I expected a lot worse, given the mess I’ve become lately.

"Sassy," I mumble to myself. Just one final step: slipping into the shimmering skirt-and-top suit and I'll be ready for tonight's mystery job that will hopefully solve my financial problems. Well, some of them.

I quickly scan the address that Kevin had sent over. Of course, the event is in SoHo, Manhattan - where else would it be? A gig that pays fifty grand for just a few hours of work can only happen in the city's most expensive neighborhood. I still have a little less than an hour before my Uber arrives to whisk me away to the venue.

A loud knock at the door stops my train of thought. It can only be Betty- the girl has the habit of forgetting her keys. Without bothering to put on any clothes, I head to the door wearing just my bra and panties.

"Seriously, Bets? You need to remember to take your keys," I grumble as I swing open the door. But to my surprise, it is not Betty standing in the doorway. "Alexis? Um… are youokay?" I ask, furrowing my brow at my sister's unexpected presence. She seems to have this nearly uncanny ability of showing up at the most inconvenient times.

My sister looks like she’s just been through hell. Her hair is tousled, her pupils are dilated, and she has the appearance of someone who hasn't slept for days.

“Are you going to invite me in, sis?” she asks, her speech a bit slurred. Her eyes travel down on my body. "Looks like you've put on some weight, Mindy." She drops herself on the couch. "Are you going on a date with someone who fancies curvy girls?"

Typical Alexis. I know she’s provoking me and I choose to ignore her comment. Instead, I return to the beauty table, pretending to continue my makeup as if I hadn't already finished.

"I don't have a lot of time, sis, so tell me in a few short sentences why you're visiting me out of the blue."

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