The sting of Tamara’s hand flares across my cheek as my head whips to the side, and I suck in a breath, trying to remain calm.
I can’t kill Tamara. I can’t kill Tamara.
“This is what’s going to happen,” she seethes like she has theright to demand anything of me. “You are going to tell those bratty sons of yours that they have a sister, and then you are going to tell them that they have to come over for Sunday dinner every week to spend time with her.”
My brows shoot up as I count backwards in my head, talking myself out of slitting her throat right here and now.
If only I had my knife.
“I’m not telling them shit,” I snap, and she stomps her foot. Like, actually stomps it.
“Why?! Why won’t you just tell them?”
“Because it’s not my story to tell,” I sneer, shifting sideways to step away from her and the wall, and she spins to follow me. “I told Alex to tell the twins two fucking years ago. It’s not my fault he’s too cowardly to do it.”
“What?” Tamara shakes her head. “Don’t lie, Lilian. Alexander said you begged him to keep it a secret from the boys.”
I roll my eyes. “And why would I do that? Looks like Alex has been lying toyouto save his own arse. Get used to it, Tammy. It’s a natural talent of his. He plays the victim well.”
“It’s not Tammy. It’s Tamara. How many times do I have to remind you?”
I shrug. “A lot, I’m guessing.”
Tamara huffs. “Look, if you tell the twins, it will be easier for everyone. Them especially. They listen to you.”
I take a step forward, getting in Tamara’s face. “I’m not telling them. That’s Alex’s job. Tell him to stop being such a fucking coward.”
I curl my lips in her face, letting her see I’m not scared of her, and then I turn on my heel to go back inside.
“Melanie is sick,” Tamara rushes out, and the next thing I hear is her sniffles… as she cries.
Fuck.
I turn back with a single brow raised, and Tamara throws her arms around in the air, dramatically.
“If you don’t tell the boys about her, then she will die without ever knowing them.”
“What?”
“I just want her to know her brothers before it’s too late.” She starts sobbing.
Why the hell didn’t Alex say anything? Fucking hell, he should have led with that. Of course, I’d put aside my stubbornness to help out if I knew Melanie was sick. Dying.
Shit.
“Fine. I’ll tell them when they come home for Easter. But I won’t force them to meet her. That’s up to them.”
Tamara’s sobs stop abruptly as she pulls a tissue from her purse and composes herself. “Thank you.”
Then the bitch walks off.
Jesus Christ, I need a drink.
Back in the salon, I can’t seem to focus on holding a conversation, and Bonnie notices, picking up the slack for me.
By the time one o’clock hits, I’m utterly spent, and I leave the salon, heading home, wishing I wasn’t hoping to run into Asher. The one thing I want but can’t have. When I find no sign of him or his bike, I’m met with disappointment and hate myself for feeling that way.
I shouldn’t want him.
