Downgrade My Ride? I'll Upgrade My Groom! novel · Chapter 13 of 24

Chapter 13: Sisters

Nobody moved.

The eggs steamed on his plate.

Bailey untied the sash of her pink robe and tied it again, slower.

"Sister," I said.

The word came out flat.

"Half," Bailey said. "Let's be accurate. He likes accuracy."

My father set his glasses on the table beside his plate.

"Sit down, Olivia."

"I've been standing in this kitchen since I could reach the counter. I'll stand."

Clay stayed by the door.

He didn't come closer, and he didn't leave.

"How old?" I asked.

"Twenty-five," Bailey said. "Born in March. You were three. You had a pony party that summer. I've seen the pictures."

"Her mother worked a counter at the State Street store," my father said. "It was short. It was a mistake."

Bailey's smile flickered.

"He means me," she said.

"I didn't say that."

"You never say it. That's your whole talent."

The kitchen door opened behind Clay.

The wedding planner backed in with a tray of coffees and her headset on.

Two men from the tent crew followed her with a roll of floor matting.

"Morning, Percy! We're laying the dance floor at seven, so..."

She saw my face and stopped.

Nobody told her to leave.

My father didn't even look at her.

"When did you find out?" I asked Bailey.

"Sixteen. My mom got sick and told me who'd been paying the rent." She leaned back against the stove. "I took the train up here and rang that bell. He wrote me a check and walked me back to the station."

"He paid for your school."

"He paid for my school and my teeth, and then he found me a job with your boyfriend." She tilted her head. "You got the name. I got a job he found me. Do you know what it's like to book your sister's dress fittings?"

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