Page 81 of Crossing Lines

The apartment is gorgeous. Floor-to-ceiling windows that make it light and airy, showcasing the elegance and luxury of it all. Gold fixtures, an open living room and kitchen, a terrace that has what I’msure are the best views of the city. It’s more than impressive.

“Ahhhh,” Stella screeches when we enter and immediately hugs us. “I thought you were coming tomorrow. This is the best surprise ever!”

Stella’s six feet tall, with gorgeous, long blonde hair, an athletic body, and a beauty and personality that made people nickname her America’s Sweetheart. She and Elodie are identical twins, but only a few people know that. Elodie’s hair hides her features to keep it that way or else they could both end up in trouble if the truth got out that Elodie took over Stella’s life while she recovered from heart surgery.

“I’ve missed you so much,” Elodie says, holding Stella tight.

“Same, I’ve missed you all.” Stella and Elodie finally let go of each other and we all migrate to the couch.

Stella pours us each a glass of champagne and lifts her glass in the air. “To the best girls’ night ever.”

We all drink and then Aria and Elodie stare at me.

“What?” I ask.

“It’s time to tell us,” Aria says and then turns to Stella and says, “Nina’s the reason we came early.”

“What happened?” Stella asks.

I blow out a long breath, trying to buy time. I’ve kept this secret for so long, it’s difficult to even form the words. But at the same time, I’m so tired of keeping it all in.

“I was supposed to give that presentation, right?”

Everyone nods.

“So,” I say, “imagine my surprise when my father, and his son, walked into the meeting.”

“Wait,” Elodie says. “How do you know he was your dad?”

I wince. “I’ve known my entire life. Bonnie made sure of it and blamed me for the fact that he left us before I was born. I’m sorry for lying. It was just too painful to acknowledge that I knew who he was.”

“Then what happened?” Aria asks gently.

“I freaked the fuck out, left the room, and refused to give the presentation.”

“And what did Evren do?” Stella asks.

“He doesn’t know about my connection to Glam Pop, but he tried to help when I shut down. But I couldn’t go through with it, I couldn’t give a presentation in front of my father. So, I left. But right before I left, Evren hinted that he thinks I set him up.”

“Holy shit,” Aria says. “Are you okay?”

“Not really.” I swallow back the building tears.

“I’m so sorry,” Elodie says, hugging me.

“It is what it is.” I shrug, trying to play it off, but my friends won’t have any of that.

“Why would Evren think you set him up?” Aria asks.

“He has a history of people betraying him and wanting his money…”

“Makes sense,” Stella says.

Elodie frowns. “Why?”

“I think,” Aria says, “we’ve all dealt with our fairshare of people trying to get their hands on our money. It’s disgusting.”

I hide my wince at the fact that my mother is one of their biggest threats, and they have no idea.

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