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“Thanks, sis. I’m so proud of those light fixtures.”
“My client was impressed with your work,” I say.
“I’m pleased he likes the lighting there. You said he has offices in Silicon Valley. If he’s flying you to Paris to close deals, your client is loaded.” You have no idea. “Maybe their Cali offices need a new facelift?”
Ciara is never one to miss out on a potential business deal—or the opportunity to seduce a man.
“I’ll ask and let you know,” I say with feigned excitement.
Someone speaks in the background. “Ciara, we have the problem. You come now?”
She groans. “I’m coming.”
“You come now? Yes?” the woman asks.
“Yes!” Ciara says.
“Work is calling,” I say.
She blows out a breath.
“It was short and sweet, but it was great hearing from you.”
“Ditto.” She sighs. “Hey, you’re hanging in there, right? I know you keep saying you don’t want my money, but––”
“Everything is under control.” Lies. All lies.
“You’re sure?”
“Things are tight, but with this new job, money is coming in. So, it’s all good.” More lies.
“We’re family. If you need money, just say it.”
“You let me live here rent free, which is a Godsend, especially since my business hiccup.” Debacle is the appropriate word to describe my situation, but if I keep using the word, it will only worry her, and consequently, worry my parents. “You’re already doing a lot to help.”
“Okay.”
She doesn’t sound convinced.
A sliver of guilt flashes through me, but I swat it away.
The less she knows, the better.
“Go, go, go! There’s a lighting design crisis. Put on your superhero cape and deal with it!”
“Ha! Ha! Love you!”
“Love you back!”
How did I get here?
I’m lying to my mom, dad, and sister.
I shake my head.
Telling them how bad things are isn’t an option. I’d rather die than confess.
Chapter 14
