Brit sat in one, leaned back against the fingers. “Very comfortable.”
On the stage stood a podium and built-in mic.
“Your artwork would look great in my hotel,” Rebel said.
The sisters exchanged glances.
“He’s talking to you,” Addison said.
“No, you,” Brit replied.
“I’m talking to both of you,” Rebel said.
“Well, if either of us had a spare minute, we’d paint,” Brit replied.
The lights flickered, indicating the start of the event.
Brit addressed her sister. “I’m here because I love you, but there’sno wayI’m in the front row.”
“Yeah, I hear you,” Addison replied.
“We’re sitting in the back,” Brit said to the guys. “In case we need to make a quick getaway.”
Rebel chuffed out a laugh.
They found four open seats in the back row, near an exit.
Honor walked in with Jordan. She stood out in a long-sleeved, bright red dress cinched with an oversized black belt. He’d dressed in a suit. Honor spotted them and hurried over.
“I’m so glad you came.” Honor started combing her fingers through her hair. “This is torture for me.”
“How many of these have you been to?” Brit asked.
Honor continued running nervous fingers through her hair. “Too many.”
“How’s everyone doing?” Jordan asked.
Rebel tossed him a nod.
“Honor, I’m going to wish Mom luck,” Jordan said. “I’ll see you up front.”
“Be there in a minute,” Honor watched him walk away before turning back to her sisters. “You have no idea how relieved I am to see you guys. Do you have VIP tickets?”
“We’re not sitting in the front row,” Addison said.
“I envy you,” Honor said. “I don’t have a choice.”
Hair on the back of Brit’s neck prickled. She wanted to ask why, but the lights flickered again.
“Welcome to my messed-up world.” With a forced smile, Honor hurried toward the front.
“Is she brave or stupid?” Addison whispered.
“Maybe brainwashed,” Brit replied. “She did live at the cult.”
The house lights dimmed. Spotlights illuminated the stage.
A man and a woman walked out, each holding a mic. After polite applause, they introduced themselves before speaking briefly about their own experiences in the cult.
