AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“That’s none of your fucking business.”
“You’re making a mistake.”
“Then, it will be my mistake. I’m a big boy.”
“You’re going to let her ruin our family’s legacy.”
“Our family’s legacy?” I explode. “What legacy is there to be proud of, Liz? The one where our mother was clinically depressed and regularly institutionalized? Or is it when she abandoned her family? Is it our father neglecting to care for his children as he should have, passing that responsibility on to you, or when he nearly went bankrupt and lost thislegacy?What goddamn legacy are you referring to?”
Her face softens at my hard blow. “You know what I mean. The bar has been in our family for generations without anyrenovations, and you never mentioned changing anything untilshecame along.”
“Let me remind you, I rescued this bar from going under.” I slam my hand on the desk. “I didn’t want it. You knew that, but you begged me to come home and save it—to keep it in the family and make it my own. That’s what I’m doing. If you have such an issue with it, I’ll gladly sell it to you.”
“You’re an asshole.” She stomps out, the door slamming behind her.
* * *
“Am I fired?”Sierra asks.
I took a breather in my office before coming out.
How dare Liz throw outfamily legacybullshit.
“No,” I answer.
“Maliki, I don’t want you and your sister arguing over me.”
“We’re not. We’re arguing because she’s stubborn and she was rude to you.” I kiss the top of her head, smelling her strawberry shampoo. “Don’t worry about Liz. She’ll get over it.”
She looks up at me. “Or kill me in my sleep. Does she have a key to my bedroom?”
“Your bedroom is in my bedroom now, and no, she doesn’t.”
She frowns, sighing. “You know what I mean.”
I lean down and press my lips against hers. “Don’t”—another kiss—“worry”—another kiss—“about”—another kiss—“her.”
20
Sierra
“It’s been foreversince I’ve been here,” I say, walking into Ellie’s apartment.
“You’ve neglected your bestie while on Operation Dodge Your Husband,” she teases.
“A successful mission so far. Has he been here?” I assured Ellie I don’t expect her to stop Devin from coming over. It’s not fair to Corbin.
“A few times.” Her tone softens. “He misses you.”
“Ellie,” I warn.
She holds up her hand, palm facing me. “I’m not suggesting you take him back. I’m simply reporting what I’ve seen when he’s here with Corbin. I don’t want you to get back with him,butthere is no doubt he regrets cheating.”
My throat burns. No matter what, I care about Devin, but not only can Inotforgive him, but I also can’t walk away from Maliki.
We’re interrupted by a small brown-haired girl wearing a yellow sundress and a daisy clip in her hair. “Aunt Ellie’s friend!” A smile beams on her face when I spot her sitting on the floor behind the coffee table, surrounded by crayons and coloring books. She holds up a book, showing off a picture of a princess scribbled with different colors, and squeals in excitement. “Look what I colored!”
I lean down to her level and take a long look at it. “Oh my goodness! That’s so pretty!”
