“We’ll meet you,” Ellie gets up to kiss Kayne good-bye before they all leave the house. She stands in the middle of the living room as she watches the front door. As soon as it closes and the house is quiet, she crosses her arms and turns to me. “Please tell me you’re not pregnant.”
“What?” I nearly fall off the couch. “No.”
“Oh, thank God.” She plops down next me, relieved. “I don’t think Daddy’s heart could take it.”
I frown immediately, sadness settling in my stomach. “I wish he would lay off CJ. I really love him. And he really loves me. And he . . .” I choke up, the tears coming on faster than I anticipated.
“He what?” Ellie scoots closer to me and puts her arms around me.
“You don’t understand.”
“So make me understand.” My sister’s green eyes are wide. Attentive.
I take a few, deep calming breaths. I want to get this out coherently.
“Tara, you’re worrying me.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to,” I swear to her. “I just need you to know.”
“Know what?” She is nearly chomping at the bit for me to finally tell her. I take a good hard look at my sister, who resembles our father so much, and I launch into the story. I tell her everything—how CJ showed up in New York, how we had the most amazing weekend, how he stayed. Then I tell her all about Nino and what I got myself wrapped up in. How CJ showed up at the club that night, and how I thought I lost him. I explain how he forgave me, and that I can’t even believe it sometimes. Then I go into what happened on Long Island, why Kayne and Jett showed up, the auction, and Slade.
By the time I finish, we are both a blubbering mess.
“Is that what the tattoo is for?” She wipes my tears and thenher own.
I nod. Our father hates the fact I covered my whole back and let everyone in the family know.
“Let me see it,” Ellie insists.
I stand, turn around, and pull my shirt up. Ellie’s reaction is audible as she touches me lightly, feeling all the raised lines now concealed by the intricate sheet music and large treble clef.
“Oh, Tara.” The emotion is potent in her voice.
“I needed to tell you.” I pull down my shirt and turn around. “I’m glad you did, and I’m glad Kayne was there.”
“You are? You aren't mad that he didn't tell you?” I sit back down next to her.
“I’m pissed as hell, but I understand. My husband is a mysterious creature.”
“He’s scary as shit.” I laugh, recalling the way he threatened Philly.
“He can be that, too.”
“Did you know he worked undercover the whole time? Did he save you? Is that really what happened when you were kidnapped?”
Ellie clams up, but her cheeks redden more brightly than a strawberry.
“He . . . saved me in a way. And no, I didn't know he was working undercover at first.” She fiddles with the little diamond heart on her choker.
“At first?” I question.
“Tara,” she says with hesitation. “It doesn't matter how Kayne and I came together, just like it doesn't matter how you and CJ came together. All that matters is that you’re happy. Are you happy?”
“Of course, I am, now. Now that I’m better.”
Ellie takes my hands in hers. “Trust me. No one understands what that feels like more than I do. No one.”
I scrutinize my sister. “What aren’t you telling me?”
