“With your experience in family law?”
She beams. “Well, wearefamily.”
I groan, then cover my mouth as it turns into a yawn. I’m too tired to argue.
Ellenor scrolls her phone—and gasps. “Oh my God.”
“What?” we say in unison.
“It’s Willoughby. He’s deleted everything from his profile. The café’s page too.”
She turns the screen to show us. Every post, every video relating to my music is gone.
“I guess we won’t need the video,” Mum murmurs.
“Still good to have for peace of mind,” Brandon says, removing the USB. He slides it to me across the table. “But yes, it’s over. Unless you’d like me to make some calls,Lily…?”
The dangerous glint in his eyes says exactly what he means: he’s offering to ruin Jack’s career. Burn it down on my command.
“A few conversations in the right corners of the industry and Jack would never get beyond playing small venues,” he adds.
“Do it,” Ellenor urges me. “Jack still hasn’t messaged you to apologise, has he?”
I shake my head. “No. And I don’t expect him to.”
A tiny part of me still hopes he will, if only to prove I wasn’t completely wrong about him. That my faith in him wasn’t entirely misplaced.
“Fuck him,” Ellenor spits, meeting my gaze. “Let Brandon take care of him.”
I shake my head. “No. Jack’s dug himself into a deep enough hole. Let’s give him a chance to climb back out.”
“Or you could bury him,” Ellenor mutters. “Pass me the shovel, andI’lldo it.”
“Elle,” I say, quietly but firmly. “I know you enjoy conflict, but I don’t. He’s removed the videos. Let’s drop it.”
Mum says gently to her, “If Lily can let it go, so can you.”
She throws her hands up. “Fine. We’ll be merciful. And boring.”
Mum squeezes my hand beneath the table. “How are youreallydoing?”
I glance at Brandon. I don’t have words for everything he’s done—the phone, the USB, saving me. Instead, I lean over and, without overthinking it, peck his cheek, quick and soft. His eyes widen; colour rises along his cheekbones.
“I’d better go to bed,” I whisper. “Thank you for everything you’ve done.”
“I’m always here if you need anything.”
“Actually…” I wring my hands. “I could use some help up the stairs.”
“You’ll be staying in Brandon’s room, darling,” Mum says, overhearing. “Easier for you to get about.”
“Brandon’s?” I squeak.
Ellenor’s grin is instantaneous and wicked.
“Mum will have your room,” she crows. “I’ll keep the sofa bed. And you, my sweet sister, shall sleep downstairs with Brandon.” In a stage whisper, she adds, “Only one bed.”
I’m grateful that Mum and Brandon pretend not to hear. I’m going to kill her.
