Page 18 of Empire of Ache & Ruin

“It’s later than usual.” He winks.

“The party last night drained me.” A half-truth isn’t a lie. Being around people is exhausting to me. But it wasn’t the guests that put me on edge last night.

“Are you ready for rehearsal? First day.” He beams at me.

“Yeah, first day.” I add a spoonful of fruit to my plate. When I don’t find anything else I’m able to eat, I amble back to the table and sit next to Dad.

“We’ve been waiting for this a long time.” He reaches for my hand and dips his head to kiss it. “I’m very proud of you.”

“Thanks, Dad.” My chest inflates like a helium balloon and suddenly I’m excited to get started with my day. “The fundraiser was a success last night.”

“It was. And for once, your brother helped.” He wipes the corner of his mouth, sets his napkin back on his lap and cuts into his omelet. “Well, that’s if we forget about his drunken display.”

“Don’t be so hard on him, Dad. He gets overwhelmed when there’s so much riding on his shoulders.” I pierce a piece of green apple and put it in my mouth.

“Coffee?” He grabs the carafe and pours it in my cup. “Extra sugar.” He winks and places the sugar bowl and creamer set in front of me. “You’re going to need it.”

“What did Chuck do to help?” I place another piece of apple in my mouth, then drink my coffee.

“His friend, Mr. Archer.” Dad smiles. “Chuck wasn’t exaggerating when he mentioned his friend is well-to-do. Last night he donated a hefty amount to my campaign and bid four million dollars on your mother’s necklace.”

“That’s great.” I bring my hand up to my chest and my heartbeat spikes when I realize the pendant is gone, and I don’t remember taking it off.

Last night I went to sleep without my usual bedtime routine and forgot all about the necklace. Did it come off while I was sleeping? I make a mental note to look for it before I leave, while I think about the last time I felt it on my neck. I definitely had it on when I returned to the room. Didn’t I?

“I think showing it off on your beautiful neck paid off.” He drinks from his cup. “Make sure you’re wearing it again this weekend.”

“Of course.” My head is still buzzing from the panic of not knowing exactly where my mother’s heirloom is. “What’s this weekend?”

“Your brother’s birthday party. We discussed it last night. Don’t you remember?” He furrows his brows. Dad doesn’t like to repeat himself.

“Yes, of course I remember.” I nod.

“Good. Because I already invited Mr. Archer. I’m sure we can get him to up his bid for at least another two million.”

My heart races again. And my brain chooses this time to inundate me with images of him touching me in my room. So much for staying away from Archer and not seeing him ever again. But Dad was right. Maybe he was the key to helping our current situation.

“We need as much as we can get.” Dad’s gaze drops to his empty plate before it lifts to meet mine. “Do you understand, Paloma?”

“You know I do, Dad.” I reach for his hand, swallowing the lump in my throat. “It’s not your fault. We’ll make it right. I promise.”

I can’t ruin this for him. That necklace is his only way out. Last month, Dad had a rough day at work. Afterward, he decided to gamble at his favorite club to blow off some steam. Before he knew it, he was in too deep and the only way to climb out of the hole was to use campaign money. Now the mob is involved, and Dad needs to pay them back in two weeks’ time.

Auctioning Mom’s necklace was my idea. I know that if she were still with us, she would’ve made the same offer. Anything to save Dad. I would do anything to keep my family safe. Letting go of a family heirloom was an easy choice for me.

I cover my mouth to hide the downturn of my lips.

“Are you ok? You look pale.” He glances behind him. “Sole. A little help.”

Sole runs into the room immediately as if she had been standing by the door waiting to see if we needed anything. I shake my head to let her know it’s nothing. She’s been like a mother to me since I was four. When Mom passed away, Dad moved Sole from housekeeper to nanny. If I remember anything about the woman who gave birth to me, it was because Sole took the time to show me pictures and tell me stories from before I was born.

“She does look pale.” Sole touches the back of her hand to my forehead.

“Enough both of you.” I force a smile. “I drank the coffee too fast.”

“Here.” She sets a glass in front of me. “How about some juice?”

“Okay.” I drink the orange juice to appease them both. “All better now. I should go and get my things. Rehearsals start at nine and I still have that long commute into the city and warm-up.”

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