Page 63 of Sweet Lies

“I’ll think on it,” I answer.

He nods, already expecting that response.

“I’ll see you in the morning,” I add, moving toward the door. I have other pressing matters that need my attention.

“What happened to her?” he asks as I open the door.

“That’s her story to tell,” I answer.

“I’m asking you,” he responds coldly.

Breathing out, I give the only answer I can. “I know, and that is my answer.”

I walk out of the room and head toward the front door. There’s no need to rush—whatever he does next will happen whether I run or walk.

He would have lost all respect for me if I’d answered him though. It’s not my story to tell—or at least not most of it. One day she’ll tell him. I feel it in my gut, and my gut never lies.

ChapterTwenty-One

REBECCA

“You’re all crazy,” I feel the need to state once more as Claire tosses more clothes in a bag.

“It’s nothing new,” she responds, rolling her eyes.

Claire arrived early this morning before the damn roosters were even awake. She must’ve been concerned I wouldn’t show. Honestly, Iwasrethinking my choice, so maybe she still knows me a little better than I thought. I had half my bag packed on the bed when she burst into my room and started going through it, saying yes and no to each piece of clothing. As always, she’s dressed to the nines in a black dress and red high heels, not a hair or swish of makeup out of place.

“This is even more insane than usual,” I mutter as she moves to my master bath and shoves in hair products. My ranch-style home is modest compared to how we grew up and the house Elijah recently bought, but I love it. Every room has a touch of me in it—little by little and fix by fix it became everything to me outside of work. I don’t stay here as often as I’d like, as I’ve been finding myself sleeping on the couch in the office more and more. But even if I’m not really living here, I keep everything clean and pristine. Not a dish out of place and no family pictures to district me from my current life.

“We need you to come. You heard E; we need to show a united front or they’ll pick us off. Think of this as self-preservation if you don’t want to think of it as family time.”

“When you have a family like ours, the less family time, the better,” I snap.

“There was a time you felt differently,” Claire barks, pushing the duffle into my arms.

Gripping the bag with both hands, I say, “Ancient history. This family vacation isn’t my idea of fun.”

“It’s business. Remember when you wanted to be more involved? Here’s your chance.”

“I have my own business. I don’t need to be a part of yours.”

“Here I thought you shooting Elijah was a cry for help and attention. My mistake,” she answers, grabbing her purse and walking from the room.

“I should have aimed for you,” I yell at her retreating form.

Her response is a laugh that drifts back over her shoulder.

This is a nightmare. I can’t believe I’ve gotten myself into this shitshow. It’s bad enough I have to spend time with Claire and Elijah and pretend we’re all one big happy family, but I also have to spend time with Andre.

Throwing the duffle over my shoulder, I let out a frustrated huff and march out to the hall. Perfect timing, as Andre walks out from the hall bathroom. He got here a little after Claire. I guess everyone thought I was going to make a run for it.

“Ready, princess?” His grin makes me want to hit him.

“Call me that again, and I’ll shoot you somewhere you’ll miss.”

“I’m not all that worried—you would miss that part of my body too much.”

I laugh. “Not even a little. But I guess it is too small a target.” I wink as I glance down.

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