“Ouch.”
Not wrong, though.
“Not to offend, of course. It’s hard for anyone. People with twice your talent probably don’t get in the door nearly as much as they should.”
Ah, the classic Rouge Montrose backhanded compliment.
“So what if I did leave New York? You going to hire me as a waitress?”
She laughs. “Of course not. I have a plan for the waitstaff. Should revolutionize the place. But I’ll need a lounge singer. Would you be interested?”
I nearly drop the phone.
Rouge was just implying that I lack the talent to have a career on the stage. And now she’s offering me a job?
“How much would the pay be?”
“We can talk pay later. But I assure you it’ll be a lot more than you’re making now. And you’ll be able to earn additional money as your needs require.”
“How will I be able to do that?”
“We’ll discuss it later. But you’ll be working full-time as a singer. It would be as an independent contractor, but I’ll see what I can do to get you some benefits like health insurance and a retirement plan. Isn’t that your dream?”
I draw in a slow breath. “I suppose, but it’s not my dream to be handed the job by my big sister.”
Especially after what she did to me in our childhood. I never allow myself to think about it, but the memories are there. And they’re not going anywhere.
She chuckles again. “Don’t be silly, Bianca. I wouldn’t be offering you the position if I didn’t think you would do well.”
“Still, though. It feels like nepotism.”
“Of course it’s nepotism. But isn’t everything in this world?”
True. Rouge was Dad’s favorite, so she got the club.
I guess she’s trying to throw me a bone.
“Okay.” I take a deep breath. “Talk me through it.”
Rouge saved me when I hit rock bottom.
But that doesn’t excuse what she’s done.
And I won’t allow her to get away with this.
“Bianca!”
A harsh whisper from behind me nearly makes me jump out of my skin as I enter my dressing room. I turn with a start.
It’s Harrison.
“Oh, thank God. You scared me.”
“Sorry.” He exhales. “I just saw you slip in here and wanted to talk to you. I think I might know where we’ll find this writing raven.”
I widen my eyes. “Really? Where?”
“The women’s restroom.”
