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I started to dispute that, but she kept going.
“We talked for hours, Addy. Well into the night. And not just that first time, but every single night this week. He’s kind. Gentle. Honest. I think I can trust him. I never thought I’d ever be able to say that. And ...” She dropped her gaze.
And what?” I asked.
“I’m falling for him too.”
“No, Rach.” I grasped her by the shoulders.
She looked up, and when I saw how dewy-eyed she got just thinking about this guy, I wanted to wrap her in my arms and never let her go. But I had to stay calm. Not let her see my panic.
“He just wants to have sex with you. As soon as he gets what he wants, he’ll drop you and go on with his great life with his rich friends and his wonderful job. Don’t be taken in by him. You have a record deal. We have a plan.”
Rachel’s eyes flared. “Youhave a plan.”
I nearly doubled over with the betrayal that slammed into me with those words.
“You want to be a musician,” I reminded her. “It’s all you’ve ever dreamed of. You love singing and music. And ABCR—”
“I used to love those things,” she said sharply, cutting me off. “Now with everything that’s happened, I wonder if music is what’s best for me.”
“Rach, you need to listen to me. I want you to take it slow with this guy, at least for the next week. Once the record deal is signed, we’ll see. You can weigh your options then. All right?”
I searched her gaze, but there was a shield over it. My little sister was closed off to me, shutting me out. I didn’t like that, didn’t like it at all. I’d never felt so alone in my entire life.
“I’m not talking about this with you anymore,” she mumbled.
“Please.”
“No,” she snapped. “I’m going to see Daniel, and I’ll continue to see him. You can’t stop me.”
She was right. Who was I to lecture her on life and love, anyway? Obviously, I sucked at it.
“I’m sorry.” I blew out a long breath. “I worry about you. You’re all I have left, Rach. I love you.”
She stamped her hands to her hips. “If you love and care about me, then you have to let me live my life the way I want to.”
“Okay,” I said. “But I want to meet him.”
“You won’t make him feel bad. You’ll have to promise to listen to him with an open mind. Give him a chance.”
Apparently, I had to. If I didn’t get behind Daniel, I’d lose her.
“Yes, I promise. Bring him by on Sunday.” The club opened an hour later than usual. “I’ll get permission to use the kitchen. I’ll make us a late breakfast.”
“Dad’s pancakes?”
“Yes.” The one legacy our absent father had given us. That and our passion for music, a passion we both seemed to be losing.
“Okay, Addy.” Her gaze and her tone warmed. “Thank you. You’ll love him. You won’t regret it.”
I already did. Everything felt like it was slipping away.
My vision for my sister’s life.
My vision for my own life.
Even the past I couldn’t hold on to.
