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Having my sister, who’s always been my biggest supporter, not want to see me, tears me up inside.
“I needed a job, Harper. I had to quit the office.”
“You said that.” She sits back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest. “But you never did say why.”
I sit in the chair across from her and spill all the sordid details. When I’m done, she clucks her tongue and unfolds her arms.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I wanted to take care of myself, Harper. And you and I both know you would’ve wanted to press charges, and honestly, I can’t handle that.”
She doesn’t say anything for several minutes. Her eyes never leave my face, and I begin to fidget under her intense stare.
“Why did you get Cal involved?”
I blow out a harsh breath. “I knew he had connections to Drew. I’d gotten my third eviction notice and was starting to panic. Silver is one of the hottest clubs in the city. I knew I’d be able to get back on my feet very quickly,” I say, and before she can cut me off, I dive back in. “And I know I can handle it, Harper. It’s been two years.”
“Let’s pretend you aren’t an addict.”
“Former,” I snap.
“Semantics, Bailey, and you know it,” she says, not kindly. “That still doesn’t answer why you’d go behind my back and put Cal and me at odds with each other. We’ve already had problems, Bailey. You only made it worse.”
I cringe at that knowledge. I didn’t have a clue they were in a bad place.
“He was my last hope,” I whisper.
“You should’ve come to me,” she says, slamming her hands down on the desk and causing me to jump. “Dammit, Bailey,” she says, running her hand through her hair roughly. “I just . . . can’t do this right now, okay?”
I nod my head vigorously, trying hard to stave off the tears threatening to fall.
Harper’s face softens slightly, and she says, “Give me some time.”
I stand, placing her lunch on her desk and turn to leave, but she calls out.
“Bailey.” I turn back toward her. “Are you still working at Silver?”
“Not exactly. As of this morning, I’m Drew’s assistant. He removed me from the bar and has me managing the operations of two restaurants he’s looking to open.”
Her brow raises. “Are you sleeping with him?”
“No!” I snap.
“Then why the hell would he try so hard to keep you under his thumb? What other reason would he have to make you his project manager? You don’t have experience with that, Bailey.”
I stand taller. “Maybe he believes in me.”
She scoffs. “Drew doesn’t do nice things for anyone. Don’t delude yourself.” She shakes her head. “Look, I’m sorry. I’m really angry, but as mad as I am at you, I’m not being fair.” She lowers her head. “No matter Drew’s reasons, what he’s done for you is huge. He’s removed you from possible temptations and given you a chance to really make something of yourself. You won’t even need a degree with this on your résumé. It’s a gift, and as much as I don’t like Drew, as long as he keeps his hands to himself, what he’s done for you is a good thing.”
I nod. “I won’t mess it up.” I walk toward the door, and before I leave, I turn my head back to my sister. “When you’re ready to talk, I’ll be here.”
She doesn’t say anything, so I let myself out.
Before leaving my sister, I texted Carter to meet me. I was pretty vague with details, but I figure once I get him to where I’m going, it’ll be worth it. As I round the corner, Carter’s tall and lean body comes into view. Lifting my hand, I give a little wave and pick up my pace.
“Hey.” I lean up on my tiptoes and place a kiss on his stubbly cheek.
“You wanted to meet. What’s going on?” His eyebrows knit together, and he points at the church behind us.
“I thought maybe you’d want to come with me.”
His eyes dart back at me, the line thickening between his brow.
“What the fuck is this, Bailey?” he huffs out.
“You asked for help, Carter. I told you I would.”
He lifts a hand to silence me. “I asked for help? That’s not what went down.”
“After what I witnessed, Carter, yes. You need help.”
“God, a bit presumptuous, don’t you think? It was one slip, Bailey. If I needed or wanted help, I’d ask, thank you very much.” He folds his arms protectively across his chest. “I’m not an addict. I can stop. It’s not like I need it.”
The words ring so clear to me. It feels like ice crashing through my veins at the stark reminder of what I once was and how he doesn’t see it. But I know better than anyone that until you see yourself for what you really are, and the problems you really have, you will never be open to help.
