Page 100 of Roses, Pearls, and Hot Summer Nights
“Well …” Jer sank to the floor by the bed. “Someone knows, and the world hasn’t ended.” He let out an audible breath. “Now, we just have to convince you to stay with us forever.”
I rubbed at my eyes. “You have to know that’s a terrible idea. First the PI, and now this? I’m going to have a reputation, and you’ll want to stay away from it.”
Pins fell quickly to the plate now, Phoenix’s fingers releasing curls to fall gracefully over my shoulders. The weight of the hair shifting on my scalp made me release a moan. “We already have one, trust me. You’re fine. By the end of the summer, there will be five other newsworthy things that happen. There’s always fresh hot gossip in the Hamptons, Red.”
He was wrong, despite his joking. I knew it and so did he. Phoenix could be called many things, but he wasn’t a great liar. I asked him, “Did I ruin your parents’ party?”
“No. It’s still going on.” Barrett shook his head. “Can’t you hear the music?”
I did since he mentioned it. I rubbed at my forehead. “I am … not okay. It’s like I’m here but I’m not really here.”
“I know that feeling, but probably not for the same reason.” Phoenix laughed, and Julian groaned.
His twin said, “You’re going to be okay. I promise.”
Until I’m not. “There is something else.”
“Something other than the strangeness of our family situation?” Barett rolled onto his stomach, still holding the ice pack. I stared at the rose on my dresser, not remembering when I put it there.
“Yes.” Phoenix removed the last pin and the rest of my hair tumbled down.
He smiled at me. “That might be the best work I’ve done in years.”
“Sort of jealous,” Julian answered. “You got to touch her hair for ten minutes straight.”
I turned around to face all of them. “I am thePoor Relation.”
“I’ve heard you make that joke before.” Phoenix walked to the bed and sank down on it. “It’s funny, but you’ll only be the poor relation for a few more years. After that, they can fuck themselves.”
He didn’t understand. “I am thePoor Relationas in it’s my stream. I make it; I’m the anonymous creator.”
I watched each of them absorb my confession, the impact clear on their faces. Some version ofwhatorwhoaescaped their mouths.
“Really?” Jeremy clapped his hands. “That is so cool, but also somehow not surprising.”
“I love it.” Julian grinned. “That’s real talent, Baby. How do youdothat? I mean, would you show me?”
Barrett shook his head. “Did all of the stuff that happened to her happen to you?”
“No, fortunately. I couldn’t use the truth for fear my family might somehow hear about it. Some of it is very similar but not a one-to-one thing.”
Phoenix furrowed his brow. “You should be very wealthy from your stream. You have what? A million followers? How many views? The monetization should be pretty decent. Maybe not rich, but enough to not be considered anyone’sPoor Relation.”
I sighed. “If only. I can’t open a bank account, so I can’t collect any profits. It’s just … for me to do something.”
“Well…” He sat forward, reaching for his phone. “That we can fix. Fast.”
I didn’t understand. “What?”
“Birth certificates can be ordered online for a small fee. Once we have that, we set up an account in your name, so they won’t know about any of the money. Then, we collect any monetization available and set up future pricing. Easy. For me anyway. I know how to hack into things and get them done. I can even get you off your aunt’s taxes, if she is claiming you.”
Barrett pointed to him. “What he said.”
I could hardly process it all. My neck didn’t want to hold up my head any longer. I put it in my hands. Jeremy rose and touched my shoulder. “Come on. You need a bath. You’ll never sleep with that racket outside, so you soak. We’ll go do our duty and say all the proper goodbyes while you enjoy the relaxation. Rest. This was a lot tonight by anyone’s standards. But remember this—you were the most beautiful woman in the room tonight. Forget the rest, and remember that part.” He smirked. “That, and the fact Barrett punched him. I wish you could have seen him go down. Barrett, It was a thing of beauty.”
Their oldest brother groaned. “I’m staying here. I’m not going back. Say goodbye for me. You want this role? You take it, Jer. I’m staying here on Alatheia’s bed.”
“Me too,” Phoenix agreed, flopping an arm over his eyes. “I’m not feeling up to people. I don’t want to be around anyone other than us right now.”
