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“Things are good. I’ve not long returned from a mission on Eveiha. It didn’t go so well.”
“Sorry to hear that. I’ve quit my job.”
“What? You’ve only been there three months. What happened?” Daisy tilted the screen, so it was facing her and leaned against the wall.
“My boss was a stickler for timekeeping. And he said you’re not supposed to apply make-up at your desk. He was old and grumpy. So I quit. I marched into his office and told him I didn’t need his job. He only hired me because I’m pretty. I heard him say that to one of the clients.”
“It sounds like you made the right move. You’ve got another job?”
She waved a hand in the air and took a sip of wine. “I won’t need one.”
“Leticia, you can’t live with Mom and Dad forever.”
“Who said I’m going to live with them for much longer?” A satisfied gleam entered her sister’s eyes.
“You’ve got your own place? That’s great.”
“I guess you could say it’s my place. I mean, once you get married, what’s his becomes yours.”
Daisy’s mouth dropped open. “What are you talking about? I didn’t even know you were dating anyone seriously. When did this happen?”
“Thanks for the congratulations.”
“Sorry! I’m just stunned. Congratulations. Tell me everything. When did it happen? Who is it? Have you set a date yet? I need to know the details. You’ve been holding out on me.”
Leticia topped up her wine glass. “It was a romantic proposal. He took me to my favorite restaurant and ordered the most expensive things. He was really nervous. It was sweet. His hand even shook when he asked me to marry him. He said I was the love of his life. He’d never felt this way about anyone. And take a look at this rock.” She held up her left hand. An enormous diamond sparkled on her ring finger.
“Wowzers! He must be rich. Which is good, I guess. So long as he makes you happy. Please don’t tell me you’re marrying a sugar daddy, though.” Leticia had a terrible habit of dating much older guys to get their money. It never ended well.
“Don’t be mean. I’ve given up on the sugar daddies. They’re boring and terrible in bed. My fiancé is anything but bad in bed.”
“I’m happy for you. So, I know about the proposal and that he’s dynamite in the sack. Tell me more. What’s his name? I need to know what my brother-in-law is called.”
Leticia glanced away. “Don’t be angry with me. I’ve been trying to figure out how to tell you. Then with the surprise proposal, I couldn’t keep it from you any longer.”
“What do you need to figure out? If the guy makes you happy, it’s all good.”
“I knew you’d see sense. He’s handsome. He comes from a good family, and he has a great career. He’s the dream guy.”
“He does sound perfect.” If this dude was so amazing, why was she being so shifty?
Leticia sipped more wine. “He is. It’s Johnny.”
Daisy’s heart skipped a beat. Then another. The air in the room seemed to vanish. Leticia couldn’t mean her Johnny? “Johnny who?”
Her sister leaned closer to the screen. “I didn’t mean for it to happen. We got talking one evening at a party. I meant to give him the cold shoulder, especially after the way he treated you, but—”
“Stop! You’re telling me you’re marrying my former fiancé?” Shock punched into Daisy like a bullet. Her insides spasmed, and dizziness swirled through her head.
“I didn’t go after him. I know that’s what you’re thinking. We did flirt with each other when you two were together, but it was always innocent. You always said I was jealous of how perfect your relationship was. But he’s a nice guy.”
“Nice guy! He’s a jerk. Have you forgotten what he did to me?” The spasming in her stomach ramped up to a head pounding sickness. This had to be the least funny joke she’d ever heard.
“Well, once I listened to his side of the story—”
“You’re fucking kidding me. There is no his side of the story. He... He... Screw this. I don’t want to hear about it.” Daisy’s hand went to the disconnect button. If she didn’t escape this nightmare, she’d say something to her stupid, shallow, idiot of a sister. Something she’d never be able to take back.
“Wait! Don’t be like that. It’s just sour grapes. Once you get used to the idea, you’ll come around. And I want you to come to the wedding. You have to be my bridesmaid.”