Page 29 of Golden Rule

“Welcome,” Scar says. “And lucky for you, I’ll have all the time in the world to help with the move and whatever else you’ll need. School’s almost done, and seeing how I have yet to hear back about the internship… I’ve got nothing but time.”

She forces a smile, but it’s steeped in bitterness. She’s been so touchy about getting snubbed by PinnacleNorth MarketingGroup—Cypress Pointe’s most prestigious firm. So touchy, in fact, that it goes in one ear and out the other when I point out her many other options.

“Wait… you’re looking for an internship?” Joss stops in the middle of reapplying her lipstick.

Scar’s brow gathers. “I am. Why? Have you heard of an opening somewhere?”

“Sure have. With me,” Joss explains. “Granted, PR isn’t your degree focus, but I think there’s still a lot you could learn. Plus, wouldn’t hurt networking with pro athletes, would it? I’ve got quite a few high-end clients.”

Scar takes that in, seeming to slowly think of all the possibilities. Then, when she almost knocks her drink over, I think it’s safe to say she’s excited.

“Seriously?”

Joss nods. “With all the shit happening right now—the drama with the guys, house hunting, planning the wedding—I’m desperate for help.”

Scarlet lets out a screech, earning herself a stern look from the three snobs seated at the next table. “OMG! Yes! I’m in!”

“Then, it’s settled. You’ll be with me,” Joss says. “And who knows, you might find that you like the PR direction. Hell, you might like it better than whatever else you had in mind.”

Scar nods and shrugs. “I’m open to that.”

And just like that, my sister’s no longer moping over PinnacleNorth. Because she’s just landed a badass internship with a badass PR rep.

“Shit, we have to go,” Joss says, glancing at the time on her phone.

I do the same, realizing we’ve cut it a little closer than we meant to. “Well, duty calls.”

I try not to glance toward Lexi, but I can’t help it, knowing she’s aware of where Joss and I are headed—to our first Empress Circle meeting.

With Tiffany.

A deep sigh lifts my shoulders. This shit’s been so hard, finding a balance.

“Have fun!”

I arch a brow at Jules’s enthusiastic comment. “Yeah, probably not. We got to meet a few of the wives at the team facility today, and it wasn’t the warmest welcome.”

Joss laughs a little. “To hell with warm. I would’ve settled for chilly. Those bitches were downright brisk.”

“Did they at least introduce themselves?”

I shrug my shoulders while answering Dez’s question. “Barely.”

“Damn.”

Complaining won’t change anything, so I switch the subject, making the most out of being here with my girls.

“Selfie before we go?” is my half-assed attempt at saving the moment.

“Yep, and tag us when you post it,” Lexi reminds me.

“Of course.”

We stand, gathering near our table, earning ourselves another hard glare from the trio of ladies who probably wish they’d sat on the other side of the restaurant. A second later, we pose and smile, then with one click, our time together has officially come to an end.

Per Lexi’s request, I quickly tag them all in the pic. Joss grabs her purse, and I note that the look on her face mirrors how I feel.

“We should get a move on. Tiffany just texted that she’s ready.”

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