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“God, Bailey, I’ve just realized that’s the first time I’ve heard you really laugh in years. Shall I send you a ticket so you can come to Paris, and I’ll look after you?”
“I can take care of myself,” Bailey said.
“Really? Is this a new thing, because from memory he kept you in a bloody glass cage.”
“Which is why I have now broken out of it, Beau. I wanted to have some say in my life.”
“Well hallelujah. Don’t tell me you finally developed a backbone after all these years.”
Bailey snorted.
“Come to Paris, and live with me.”
She could do that. Go there, and Beau would watch out for her, but wasn’t that moving from one support system to another? Granted, this one would be nicer, but still....
“No, I don’t want you to watch out for me. I need to find myself first, Beau.”
“I have absolutely no idea what that even means,” her brother said, sounding frustrated.
“It means I love you, but I don’t want you looking out for me until I’ve learned to look out for myself.”
“Do you have enough money?”
“I’m working here.”
“That bastard isn’t allowing you any money, is he? You worked for it, and he’s keeping it?”
“Yes, but I can manage. So please don’t worry, and now I can Skype you.”
“I wish I could hug you.”
“I wish it too.” Bailey swallowed. “But for now this is enough. I love you, big brother.”
“I love you, Bay.”
She blew him a kiss, and closed the screen. She found her friends sitting on Maggie’s bed.
“You look happier,” Piper said.
“I really am, thanks to you,” Bailey said.
“Right. We’re going out to celebrate the liberation of Bailey Jones. I’m choosing what you wear,” Maggie said.
“But you’re heartbroken,” Bailey said.
“Kind of, but not really, so I’m ready to party now, which I know makes me sound shallow, but possibly the wine may be helping there. Tomorrow I’ll be heartbroken again I’m sure.”
They left the house twenty minutes later, and Bailey wasn’t sure what the future held, but she knew it would have friends in it, because she now had two—plus a big brother.
Chapter 20
“About broke my heart,” Jack said.
“What about broke your heart?” Joe was seated outside his bar in the street. It had been closed off for the parade and following street party. Apple Sours had set up a bar outside, and a DJ played music. He was seated with Jack, Fin, and someone called Claudia who Fin had just met. She didn’t speak a word of English, but Joe was pretty sure that hadn’t been the drawcard as far as Fin was concerned. The woman was stunning, especially her long legs in that short skirt.
“Bailey.”
“Why did she break your heart?” Joe let his eyes move over the crowds. He was not looking for her, he assured himself.
