The throne.My mind flickers to how Molly claims she’s coming for my throne, and I smile.
“Something funny?” Tío E questions.
“Nope.” I shake my head. “If you’re here, does that mean you brought my sister home?”
“You meanmy new daughter? She’s at the estate with Emilio.”
“Good. I’m going to go pay her a visit,” I say, walking out of my father’s office.
“I’m coming.” Hudson walks out behind me.
I haven’t seen my little sister in weeks. I hate when she’s gone for so long. But she’s happy. I know she is.
“So, what’s the plan for tomorrow?” Hudson asks once we’re in the car.
“Plan for what?”
“How do you plan on keeping Molly away from those owners she’s desperate to chat up?”
“I’m not going to. She can chat all she wants. They won’t sell, no matter what she has to offer.” I’m confident about that.
“Okay then.” Hudson busies himself with his phone for the rest of the drive, leaving me to my thoughts. Which all seem to have a way back to Molly.
By the time we’re walking into the Lopez estate, I have a different woman on my mind, though. I call out for my sister, who comes running down the stairs before jumping at me. I catch her midair.
“Oh my god, Alfie! I missed you so much!” she squeals.
“Then maybe don’t leave town,” I retort while holding her close.
“Um, I’m right here too,” Hudson grumbles.
Frankie rolls her eyes at me and winks. “So needy, this one. That’s why you’re my favorite sibling,” she says before wrapping her arms around Hudson. “Okay, follow me. I’m getting drinks and then you’re going to tell me everything I’ve missed out on. Like who the hell is this Molly Olive?” My sister looks squarely at me.
“How do you know that name?”
“Elias says you have a girlfriend, and I told him he was delusional because there was no way my brother Alfie would ever have a girlfriend.”
“You’re right. I don’t have a girlfriend,” I tell her.
“He has her initials on his abs.” Hudson laughs.
“What?” Frankie reaches for my shirt, trying to untuck it from my pants. I swat her hands away.
“Stop.” I scowl.
“Why would you put her initials on you if you didn’t likelikeher?”
“Likelike? What are we? Twelve?” I laugh and tap my sister on the nose.
“So, Mom says she’s going to be your date for the gala. I can’t wait to meet her.” Frankie smiles as though she’s up to something.
“Frankie, there will not be any trouble caused at Mom’s gala. She’s gone to a lot of work for this event,” I warn.
“What trouble could I possibly cause?” Frankie asks with a face far more innocent than she is.
“Hey.” Emilio walks into the room. I was wondering how long it would take him to show up. He’s like my sister’s fucking shadow,always fucking there.
“Hey, I didn’t want to wake you up.” Frankie walks over and kisses him, right in front of me. I will never get used to my little sister growing up and being married.
