Page 123 of Savage Promises

“I need some water for Hawk.” I take out his bowl.

“Got it.” Mara snatches it from me and bounces away.

I let Hawk out of his carrier. He sniffs the unfamiliar space and gives me a disgruntled meow. His favorite window ledge is gone. The view of a big tree with birds is now a brick wall.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, rubbing his ears.

While he pouts, I busy myself setting up his food on amat in the corner.

With my emotions turned off, I put away my clothes and wander into the kitchen where Mara is cooking an early dinner of tacos for us. She needs to get to the club by seven. My assistant manager is covering for me tonight. I didn’t want to leave Hawk alone in a strange place.

He’s been through so much.

I settle on a stool, wishing I could have a margarita with the tacos when my phone rings and it’s Neve.

“Hi, you,” I try to sound chipper.

“I got into USC,” she says breathlessly. “Someone from the school called me today. I can start in the summer session.”

“That’s great news, Neve. What do you need from me?” I say, my voice cracking.

“Nothing. It’s all taken care of. Some foundation is paying for it. All four years.”

My stomach sinks.Shanedid this. He’s even taking my sister from me.

“What about finishing Astoria Prep?”

“I spoke to my guidance counselor. I can take my last final exam in his office tomorrow and be in California by next week,” she says, her voice laced with excitement.

“That’s...so soon.” I struggle to breathe.

“The admission counselor there arranged a clinic for me to get my arm ready by fall. Lennox, I’m so happy.”

I push away feeling sorry for myself and appreciate that my little sister is getting her dream after all. It’s what I do. I’ve learned not to be selfish. I accept that I still have my club. That was my dream. I just don’t have the man of my dreams.

“What did Dad say?” Silence rings out. “Neve?”

“He shrugged and told me I was as useless as...” She stops.

“As me.” Fucking old-world men’s view of women.We’re just tools for them to use.

“Listen, I’ll stop by this weekend to help you pack and make sure you have everything you need.”

“Lennox?” Neve’s voice gets small, like she’s afraid. “I’m sorry. I know I’ve been a bitch to you.”

I smile, appreciating that she’s taking responsibility for her behavior. “It’s big of you to apologize. It’s part of growing up. I think USC will be great for you. You’ll finally be out from under Dad’s thumb and figure out how to be independent. It’s a pretty great feeling taking care of yourself.”

“I’ll miss you.”

I sniff, feeling the cloud of anger and resentment break away. “You’re going to California. Not the moon. I’ll visit.”

I cradle my stomach as I say that, wondering how I’ll manage with a baby. On my own.

“Oh, I have a call from an advisor on the other line, I have to take this.”

“Go. I’ll see you this weekend.”

The line goes dead and it all hits me.

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