Page 17 of Target

“Okay, the band goes on at eight, so we could make it there at seven, have some drinks and get ready for them.”

“Sounds like a plan and I know just what to wear.” I wink at her.

“Yay. We need this. Working around the clock to set up the business here has been a handful but worth every step.” I nod to her.

“Yeah, I am so pleased that we took this step. Plus, maybe you will find a hot guy to go home with. I am in great need of some fun.” I wink at her.

She grins widely, wiggling her eyebrows. Darian is not one to shy away from sex; she loves it and will have it when and where she sees fit. I wish I had her courage, and confidence to make a move, but I know that one day I will find the right man.

A smiling image of Target flashes through my head, but I push it down, keeping the smile on my face, hiding my disappointment that he is married.

I always seem to have a crappy run at men in my life, well, except for Darian’s brother.

Being here and starting fresh means so much to me, to step away from all the madness that is LA, because people down there are crazy when they want something done.

My phone dings, alerting me to a text message.

Sliding the device open, I open the text from my sister.

Aria: I have been invited to the movies tonight and a sleepover at Khloe’s. You do not have plans for us, do you?

I type out my reply.

Me: No plans. Just be careful and call me if you need me. Darian is dragging me to see some live band tonight.

Aria: Dragging you??? Yeah, okay, you love live bands, Sis. Go and enjoy. I will call if I need you. Love you, bye.

Me: Love you too.

Aria: I mean it, go and enjoy. Maybe pick up a guy or two. ;)

Me: Aria Emma Sanders!! You should not be thinking of boys that way, young lady.

Aria: Oh, but big sister I do think of boys, but you should be thinking of men. Big men. Bye, bye, TTFN.

My mouth opens and closes like a dying fish, my sister’s text shocking me. She is fifteen and should not be thinking of boys yet, right? I mean, she has her education to think about.

I look up seeing Darian touching up her make-up and I sigh. Fuck, my baby sister is into boys already. Hell, Darian lost her virginity at fourteen.

“We need to have the birds and the bees talk,” I blurt out.

Her eyes go wide, her hand stopping mid-sweep for her eyeliner.

“Um, I do not know if you already know this, but I had that talkmanymoons ago, my friend. I am no virgin. I thought you knew this.” She looks at me like I have grown a second head, and hell, I just might have.

“Aria just told me that she is looking at boys,” I whisper yell at her, making her put down her make-up and burst out laughing.

“Oh honey, she is fifteen. Of course she is looking at boys. We all did at that age.” I cock a brow at her, making her giggle. “Well okay, maybe not you, but you had a good reason not to be like anormal teenager. You had a child to take care of because of your shitty parents.”

“She needs to concentrate on school, and getting good grades for college,” I state, but I know that I am trying to win a losing battle.

Aria is a very pretty young girl and will blossom into a stunning young woman. I know that boys will come sniffing around her, but hell, I do not have to like it.

“Babe, Aria is a bright girl. She knows right from wrong. She can have an active social life and get good grades. Let her breathe, and if she needs you know that she will come to you or me.”

I sigh, sinking back into my chair. Now I definitely need a drink, or five.

“You are right. Okay. I need a damn nap before we go out tonight.” Darian giggles, collecting her huge purse as she stands.

---