Page 93 of Vicious Seduction

“Nothing. I was just thinking that I’ll need to find a job again. I guess at least this time I can use my real name and documents.” Amelie hadn’t wanted the Brooks family money any more than I had when I’d asked her about it, though she definitely could have used it. I assured her that I wouldn’t judge her at all if she used some—I’d done the same when I got started—but she stood firm with her rejection.

“I never got a chance to talk to you about it before, but Cosmo and I need to hire someone to handle administrative stuff for us. How perfect would that be?”

Again, she gave me a wan smile. “That would be awesome, Lina.”

“Buuut?”

Her gaze dropped to her hands. “It’s just that all I’ve ever wanted was to dance. I had to sneak around behind Mom’s back to practice anything but ballet, and then I needed money too much to pursue anything in dance. I was just thinking that maybe with rent covered, this might finally be my chance. I could audition for shows and find a dance company to join. It would be a dream come true.”

Amelie was an incredibly talented dancer. I would have encouraged her regardless, but knowing her ability made me that much more excited for her.

“Then I’d say that works perfectly. If you want to make some cash, you can do some work here and there for us on your own schedule. If you find something else in the dance industry, then I’ll be the first to congratulate you. Life’s tooshort, Mel. You should pursue your dreams every chance you get.”

She slid off her chair and into my arms. “Thank you, Lina Bean. You’re the best sister I ever could have asked for.”

“Ditto, Mellie Bellie.” The use of our childhood nicknames—the ones she’d given us when she was only a few years old—nearly brought me to tears.

The rest of our day was spent in shallower waters. No emotional heart-to-hearts or personal revelations, just good old-fashioned productivity. We had two apartments to empty in two days. She and I managed the Wellington place on our own since Amelie owned very little there. The next day, Oran helped us pack up the apartment Amelie had been living in when she disappeared, and the following day, we got everything moved to her new place.

The one-bedroom, one-bath apartment was incredible. Oran surprised us with the fact that he’d had the place furnished. It hadn’t only been cleaners that came before we moved Mellie in. A living room setup, a small dining table with four chairs, and a full bedroom suite awaited us when we arrived. His generosity continued to humble me.

The apartment itself was better than I could have hoped. The high ceilings and large windows made the place feel even more spacious than its listed one thousand square feet. The corner kitchen had white granite counters, quality stainless appliances, and a small island with two barstools that separated it from the main living space.

And the very best part was that it was just one short elevator ride from our place.

Oran brought home takeout the first night she moved in, and the three of us ate together at her new table. I couldn’t remember a time when my heart overflowed with suchhappiness. I didn’t care what happened to Wellington or my mother—the only things that truly mattered were right there next to me, joining me in devouring a delicious bowl of queso.

The only piece of my heart missing was Gloria, and we went to see her the following day. She was beside herself with relief when I showed up with Amelie at my side. I was relieved to see that Gloria wasn’t irreparably traumatized by what had happened at the Brookses’ house. I’d reached out to check on her by phone, but there was no substitute for in-person confirmation. Gloria was tougher than I’d expected.

Oran and I had talked a few nights before, revisiting the matter of my mother and stepfather’s money, and decided to put a substantial sum in an account for Gloria before donating the rest. She deserved the money more than anyone.

When I told her she’d been left money in Charles’s will, she was shocked speechless. The realization that she wouldn’t have to worry about working or money ever again brought her to tears. I’d never been so happy to see someone cry big fat heaving tears.

By the time Mellie and I left Gloria’s, we’d all laughed, cried, and sworn an oath to keep in better contact. My family might have been small, but at least I had one. I wouldn’t take that for granted ever again.

“This is a regular Sunday dinner?” There had to be forty people crammed into Oran’s grandparents’ house. The place was a good size, but that was still a lot of bodies. I couldn’t fathom being related to that many people or having a family who liked each other enough to gather in these numbers every single month.

“Yeah, just immediate family—the kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids.”

If I hadn’t known, I would have said we had walked into an extended family reunion or a big celebration. Instead, this was just another Sunday for the Byrnes.

Oran gently placed a finger under my chin and closed my gaping mouth as he whispered, “Don’t want them thinking I’m marrying a mouth-breather.”

That got my attention.

I swung around and smacked him in the gut. “Jerk,” I shot back.

He wrapped his arm around my back and hugged me into his side, laughing heartily the entire time. I grumbled good-naturedly as he led us over to where Noemi and Conner were talking with Torin and Stormy, the couple whose wedding I’d inadvertently crashed on the first day of our fake engagement. Since finding Amelie, I’d learned that Stormy worked with her at Moxy, and the two had been friends.

I’d gone by the club when I’d first started looking for my sister, but the people I’d talked to didn’t have any information on her. I hadn’t gone back. I’d been so damn certain the Society was to blame—she’d been at Wellington’s house, after all. Looking back, the web of connections astounded me. It was no wonder Oran and I crossed paths.

“Hey, you two,” Stormy said with her trademark Southern lilt. “How’s sweet Amelie doing?”

I gave her a hug followed by Noemi. “She’s great. I would have brought her with us, but she was rehearsing for a big audition.”

“That’s exciting! I’m surprised she’s already trying out. She’s only been home a week.”

“Dancing on a big stage is all she’s ever wanted. The second she had the time and resources, she went straight towork.” I beamed like a proud mama because that’s how I felt. I was so damn happy for my little sis.

---