Page 11 of Lust
“We just need to get ahead of this thing before word gets out. We are all going to the fundraiser tonight, so let’s start there. Sara, I want you to show everyone how wonderful and kind you are. Lead the first dance, be polite, charming, talk about your charities.”
How difficult could it be to give out the vibes of ‘not a sociopathic killer’to a room full of conservatives?
“Once everyone sees that you are a perfectly respectable young lady, no one will dare throw accusations your way.” Dad didn’t sound angry, merely exasperated. “There is no reason for this thing to escalate.”
I lowered my eyes to the ground. “Yes, Dad.”
“Angel,” Tris called me by the childhood name he had dubbed for me. “I don’t think you should live on campus next semester. It’ll be best if Mom and Dad can keep an eye on you from now on.”
My chest constricted.
It sounded like Tristan didn’t believe me either, and somehow that hurt much worse than anything else. Of all people, Tris knew that I hated violence just as much as I hated deceit. I stupidly thought he wouldn’t think so lowly of me despite our differences.
Was that the reason he was so angry with me in the car?
“He is right,” Dad chimed in. “If today’s mishap ended up in the paper, it could have implicated Tristan’s campaign. We need to be able to get ahead of these things in the future. Honey, for tonight, focus on being on your best behavior and show everyone how well you fit into this family.”
My heart twisted at the thought because I didn’t fit into this family.
My father was Brazilian of European descent, and my biological mother was Black. Other than our distinct gray eyes, I didn’t share any other physical traits with Dad, Tristan, or Mary.
The three looked like a picturesque suburban family, while I stood out in every family photo. Though I’d never say the words out loud, I didn’t belong with them. Physically, I didn’t look like them, and emotionally, I brought them distress.
The knowledge made me feel lonely.
Sadness bubbled up in my heart, but I stomped over it.
They were right. A troubled sister with sociopathic tendencies didn’t bode well for the polls, and I refused to cost Tris his lifelong dreams with one more of my implicating stories.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered to the room in general. Although I didn’t hurt those girls, I felt responsible, nonetheless. “I won’t let it happen again. And I’ll be on my best behavior tonight.”
The fundraiser tonight was a Victorian-themed ball hosted at some grand mansion in Northern Virginia. The venue had a large foyer with an overabundance of appetizer stations and spreads, and a spacious ballroom was visible through the crevice of the foyer door.
True to my promise, I took the time to present myself impeccably. My hair had been relaxed, then curled into waves. I put on soft makeup and even bought a new creamy tulle dress to go with my kitten heels. The feminine dress provided me the modest disguise of the old Sara, the one from before the torrid rumors.
I suspected my efforts would still be in vain if the news had already spread about the two girls writhing in pain at the hospital. Unlike Tristan, I couldn’t trick people with a pretty face. As he often pointed out, our family had one good-looking offspring, and it sure as hell wasn’t me. Even this afternoon, he made sure to get in one last snide.
“I have to attend a meeting before the fundraiser, so I’ll meet you guys there. Wear something presentable that makes you look less ugly.”
Ugh. He was such an ass.
But I had to put a pin on our sibling rivalry for the night. With a deep breath, I focused on the game plan instead—to show off angelic Sara.
“Mom!” I found my parents near the entrance to the grand ballroom. We drove separately because Mom was the head organizer for this event and had to arrive early. She loved antiquated parties and was no doubt in her element.
“Sara.” Mom smiled brightly. “You look beautiful.”
We had barely exchanged any pleasantries when my parents were pulled away by a vital donor likely to contribute to Tristan’s campaign.
“Sweetheart, we have to speak with Mr. Reynolds for a minute.” Dad leaned in to whisper, “Remember our discussion. No mistakes tonight.”
I nodded at his ominous mien.
“Oh, stop it, Ragu.” Mom dismissed Dad with a carefree wave. “Don’t listen to him, honey. Just go have fun,” she threw over her shoulders as they walked away. “By the way, we have a surprise waiting for you in the ballroom.”
Before I could press for answers, they had both disappeared.
Closing my eyes, I braced myself as I entered the grand ballroom. The past rumors about me had been subdued, and hopefully, the new rumors hadn’t reached these people.
