Page 27 of Restorations

Bless her. She’s so kind. “Lola . . .”

She has her mind set though. “No. Look, I'm trying not to meddle much. You guys are adults, and I’m not your parent, but don’t ever belittle yourself. Don’t call yourself a whore or a slut or anything like that. Ever.” Her eyes portray how strongly she feels about this. “As far as I'm concerned, you’re my sister, and I’ll be damned if I let anyone talk bad about my family.”

I smile at that. I’ve never had anyone be so fiercely protective of me. “Still . . . I mean, you’ve only been with one man in your whole life. I can’t even say that about today.”

That makes her laugh, which is totally unexpected. Then of course, I end up laughing too but only briefly.

“Viv, you know how I feel about you and Asher, but it’s not up to me or anyone else. You guys have to work this out.” The last year has been an incredible one for Lola. She’s changed a lot, allowing the burden on her shoulders to lessen, letting go slightly. And it’s been beautiful to watch. “Still . . .” I look directly at her, waiting for her to tell me to stay away from him. “You aren’t committed to Sawyer, and you aren’t committed to Asher. You’re a free woman until some asshole steps up and claims your whole heart.”

I nearly choke on a sob creeping up in my throat. “You may be my favorite human ever.”

She laughs and pulls me into a comforting side hug, making me feel safe in a way I've never felt. The truth is, I've never been openly loved. Lola gives it so freely and so does her mother. “Right back at you.” I lean my head on her shoulder. “I didn’t have sex with anyone before Hayden because I didn’t want to. It wasmychoice. And it’syourchoice to sleep with whoever you want to. Whenever you want to. No one has the right to shame you for that choice, just like no one has the right to shame mefor mine. If you aren’t in a committed relationship, then I say do what you feel.”

I lift my head and look at her. “You’re very wise, Lola Sterling.”

She grins and shrugs her shoulders. “It’s a curse.”

I chuckle at that and wipe a tear away from my cheek. “I need to stay away from Asher.”

I can feel her relief, but I admire her not trying to tell me what to do. Lord knows I've had plenty of that in my life. My parents wanting nothing to do with me anymore is an absolute blessing. I haven’t talked to my mother in months and even then, she only called to make sure I wasn’t pregnant again.

Nice, right?

Lola doesn’t say anything. She only hugs me again and then gets back to business. “Okay. So I need you to go with Penelope to meet a woman who wants her house redecorated. I’m going to look at another hotel with Hayden. The crazy asshole is thinking about doing a total revamp of a shithole.”

I laugh, grateful we’re no longer talking about her brother. “Sounds good to me.”

She’s quiet for a moment and then places her hands on my shoulders. “I hope you guys can make it back to a friendship, though.”

I swallow, my heart aching. “I’m not sure that will ever be possible.”

She looks saddened by that but nods her head and then goes over some of the details of the newest project.

But my mind is stuck on Asher.

13

VIVIENNE

“You’ve really picked up on all of this quickly.”

I smile at Penelope as she drives us back to our houses. Today was fun. I was never interested in real estate, but decorating is a lot of fun. And a lot of hard work.

“I really enjoy it.”

She nods her head and pulls into the drive at Lola’s. “Okay, so do you want to talk about the hickey on your neck and that dreamy look in your eyes? Or no?”

I look at her, my mouth gaping open. “What?”

She cocks her head to the side, raising one eyebrow. “Come on, girl.” She points to her heart. “You’re talking to a girl who has loved two out of three Sterling brothers. There’s no amount of guilt or shame I haven’t felt.”

I blush slightly, and then she laughs.

“Oh shit. I guess you have too.”

I shake my head and tuck my hair nervously behind my ear. “I didn’t love Colt.” Okay, now it’s awkward. Nothing is off-limits with the Sterlings, I swear. I was Colt’s mistress. I mean, not technically since they weren’t married, but still.

She places a hand on my arm and smiles. “I know, but what I mean is . . . you don’t need to feel shame for falling for one of the Sterling brothers. They’re charismatic, broken, strong douchebags, but they’re easy to love.”

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