Page 36 of Entwined
There was a heavy pause, and then Logan exhaled loudly. “Joey, he’s dangerous. He wants to get in your panties. He’s taking advantage of your vulnerability.”
I clenched the phone, my knuckles turning white. “You don’t know him like I do, Logan. Vaughn has been nothing but supportive. He hasn’t tried to?—”
“Josephine,” Logan interrupted, his voice laced with concern, “Vaughn has always been after what he can’t have. He’s playing a game, and you’re caught in it. Just... be careful.”
His words stung, not because I believed them, but because they came from Logan, the one person I thought would understand. “I’m not a fool, Logan,” I said quietly, the hurt evident in my tone. “I know what I’m doing.”
“Do you?” Logan’s voice softened, but the doubt lingered. “Just promise me you’ll keep your guard up. I don’t want to see you hurt.”
I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “I’ll be fine, Logan. I’m coming home.”
The line went silent for a moment, and then Logan sighed. “Good. I’ll see you soon.”
As I hung up, I felt a wave of exhaustion wash over me. The last few weeks had been a whirlwind of emotions, and Logan’s warning only added to the confusion swirling in my mind. But one thing was clear—it was time to face whatever awaited me back in New York.
Once I arrived home, I immediately began planning a family dinner at the mansion. With winter approaching, I knew I’d be spending more time at the triplex, especially if it snowed. The thought of braving icy roads made me shudder. I hurried aroundthe kitchen, double-checking everything, wanting the evening to go off without a hitch.
Tonight, would mark a significant moment—a reunion of the Shaws and Ashworths, two families whose histories were deeply intertwined. As I fussed over the details, Simone drifted in, her hand gently resting on my shoulder.
"Can I talk to you?" she asked softly.
Simone and I had grown closer before Colson died, but despite our newfound friendship, there was still a distance between us. I had always longed for a sister, but I doubted I’d ever have that kind of relationship with Simone. As she guided me into the pantry and closed the door, a flicker of anxiety shot through me. Was this about Vaughn?
"Simone, there’s nothing going on between me and Vaughn," I blurted out, trying to head off any awkward conversation.
She let out a snort, shaking her head. "I know that. You loved my father. Do you think I believe what those stupid tabloids say? No, I wanted to show you this."
With a mischievous smile, she reached into the pocket of her slacks and pulled out a stunning Harry Winston three-carat engagement ring. It caught the light, sending sparkles dancing around the small space. My jaw dropped.
"When?" I asked, my voice full of awe.
Her face lit up with joy. "Two days ago. I've been bursting to tell someone, but Logan insisted we wait until we could share the news with the whole family."
Without a second thought, I pulled her into a hug. For a brief moment, she was stiff, but then she melted into the embrace, holding me as tightly as I held her.
"I want you to be my maid of honor," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "Please say you will."
Tears pricked at my eyes. "I’d be honored."
And then, she said the words that warmed my heart more than anything.
"We’ll be sisters."
I chuckled through my tears. "Well, technically, I’m your stepmother."
She stepped back, staring at me with wide eyes before bursting into laughter. I joined her, the tension between us dissolving into the air.
"Put it on," I urged, nodding toward the ring. "I’m so excited for you."
She placed a hand on my arm, her expression turning serious. "Joey, I want to apologize to you for everything. I don’t know what was wrong with me back then. I was so caught up in my own life that I couldn’t see I was hurting you. I was an idiot, and you didn’t deserve any of it."
I smiled, my heart swelling with a mix of emotions. "I forgave you a long time ago, Simone."
She looked down, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I want you to know, if you ever want to see Vaughn, I wouldn’t have a problem with it."
I sighed, the weight of old memories pressing down on me. "That’s not happening. As much fun as I had with your brother, there’s more bad blood between us than there ever was between you and me."
A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. "You have no idea how much he talked about you when we were younger. Of course, I always discouraged him because I thought you were?—"
