“I don’t know what I’m going to do now.”
I downed the ounce of bourbon and poured more as worry turned to panic. How was I going to pay my bills? My electric bill was late as it was. Was I going to end up homeless?
“Why not ask Peter for help? He’s helped you in the past.”
Harper slipped her sandals off and tucked her feet underneath her, settling in for a long afternoon. I was so grateful to have her in my life.
I shook my head.
“I only go to him as a last resort. He always makes me feel like a loser when I ask.”
My brother was becoming more and more like my father. He’d tell me to get a job and earn the money like he did. What he didn’t realize was that he was given the money and a job by our father. He didn’t earn it. “If only I could find a rich husband.”
Harper laughed. “A man will only make your problems worse, trust me. You need to find a way to build your own life. What about the business? I know that got all messed up with my stalker, but—”
For a time, I’d planned to start my own design business and Harper said she’d invest. But now I didn’t think that was a good idea.
“No. It’s too risky and I don’t want to lose your money. Besides, Bran would have a coronary if he found out.”
She made a face. “Bran has nothing to do with my money. You should do the same. Build your own life out of the shadow of your family’s money.”
That was easier said than done. “Sounds great. Where do I sign up? As it is, I won’t be able to afford this shithole apartment.”
“It’s not a shithole. Don’t you remember? You corrected Bran on that.”
I laughed. “At least I still have my hatred of Bran.”
The man was the bane of my existence. He looked at me like I was old gum stuck to the bottom of his shoe. He regarded me as a leech, trying to get money and prestige from Harper.
It was another reason I backed out of having her invest in my business idea. If it failed, he’d have more fodder with which to flame me.
I was too ashamed to admit to Harper that when it was clear Dane wasn’t going to fall for me, I had a moment of setting my sights on Bran.
The guy was model-level handsome, and it was clear he valued family. I never questioned his love and devotion to Harper. What turned me off was how controlling he was toward Harper.
“I’m still pissed at him too. He keeps calling, but I don’t answer.” She made a face and sipped her bourbon.
“You’re going to forgive him someday, though, aren’t you?” They had no other family, so I was sure at some point they’d reconcile. She just needed to punish him for a bit.
“I don’t know. I’m sick and tired of how he still thinks he’s the boss of me. He doesn’t recognize my value in helping him in business. It’s like I’m an accessory, all shiny and expensive.”
“I wouldn’t mind being an accessory,” I joked. Sort of.
Harper laughed. “Do you want to be Bran’s accessory?”
“No.” I said it with conviction, but I couldn’t be sure if the opportunity came to be his accessory that I wouldn’t take it. I felt a little sick at that idea.
Was I so desperate, shallow, and vain that I’d be arm candy for my nemesis?
I was an intelligent woman. Surely, I could build a life like Harper encouraged me to do. But the reality was, in the eight years I’d been on my own, I’d gotten by, but I’d never achieved anything beyond helping dress up rich women. I felt I deserved more in life, but maybe I didn’t.