“I don’t know where to start,” she muttered, staring into the black ceramic mug.
“How about you tell me why you kept it a secret?”
“It wasn’t meant to be a secret. I signed the contract and thought eventually I’d get over it, make peace with my choice. What was there to tell? Dad never got over you leaving. He lost his heir and tried to use us to replace you. It was like living in your shadow. There’s nothing you could’ve done to sway him. He snatched back your inheritance the first chance he got. Threatening Aja’s happiness was his way to get to me.”
“Maybe I wouldn’t have been able to stop him, but at least I could’ve shared the weight of that pressure with you. I’m not happy that you had to give up your dream, but I am glad you didn’t have to struggle as I did.”
“Look how you turned out. Successful, making your own career path and in charge of your own life. Wasn’t it worth it?” She stared at me across the small table, waiting for me to answer. A few months ago, I would’ve said yes, but now I wasn’t so sure.
“I thought I knew the answer to that, but after last night, I’m not so sure. I spend most of my time at the firehouse. If it weren’t for Danny dragging me out places, I’d be alone.”
Janae picked at her French toast while I took a bite of my sandwich. We ate for a while before she spoke again.
“I auditioned for Juilliard and got accepted to their vocal arts program. When I told mom and dad, they congratulated me. The next day, Dad sat Aja and me down in his office to go over these agreements. He asked to speak to me alone and made it very clear what would happen if I didn’t agree.” Clearing her throat, she dabbed at her eyes with a napkin. “I thought about running away, but I couldn’t leave Aja behind.”
“I would’ve had your back.” Aja’s voice came from behind me.
On the way over, I texted her to meet me at Paolo’s. I didn’t mention I was meeting Janae here because I knew how they could be sometimes. It had taken way too long for the truth to come out. There was no way I was going to allow this sibling feud to grow and fester.
Janae looked from her to me. A flash of betrayal crossed her eyes, but they softened when Aja took the seat between us and repeated herself.
“I would’ve had your back. It hurts me that you didn’t think you could talk to me, your other half. I would have never let you give up your dream school for me. Do I love my job? Yes. But I could do this anywhere. I promise, had I known Dad threatened you, I would not have pushed so hard for us to sign.”
“Are you telling me I fast-tracked law school for nothing?” Janae groaned, throwing her head back.
Aja let out a laugh, wiping the tears from under her eyes. They turned to embrace each other, both muttering apologies through tears.
After they were through, they both excused themselves to the bathroom to freshen up. I checked my phone while I waited.
[Evelyn]: It’s William’s day off, he is going to take me to The Marquis to grab some things and straight back.
Text me when you get there. Miss me yet?
[Evelyn]: Since the moment you left…
“Would that be Evelyn who has you looking all goofy?” Aja teased as she returned to her seat with Janae in tow.
Tucking my phone in my pocket, I flicked her shoulder, causing her to bat my hand away, while Janae laughed at our antics.
“Speaking of Evelyn, formerly Willow, you have some explaining to do.” Janae tutted with an eyebrow raised.
They both sat back in their seats, giving me a look that said, “Spill it or else.”
“Someone dangerous from her past is trying to kill her. He threatened her in New York, and I wanted to help her. Oakland Ridge was the safest place I could think of. Dad said if I played by his rules, I could stay, and he’d provide extra security. We didn’t tell anyone for her safety, not because I don’t trust you. Turns out she’s not safe anymore. He’s here. Danny is driving here to hopefully help catch this guy.”
“What the hell, Parker?”
“What are you going to do?”
They asked at the same time.
“I don’t know. I don’t know,” I mumbled, scratching my neck. “Dad wants Evelyn out, and Danny won’t be here for another day, most likely. Once he gets here, we can make a plan to move.”
“Are you going to leave Oakland Ridge again?” Janae said, glancing at Aja.
“If we have to, yes.”
“Will you come back?” That question came from Aja, and there was more in her tone than curiosity.
