Page 61 of Tainted Love
“Of course, sir.”
Granddad steers me towards an empty table. “How have you been doing with your dad gone? I’m sorry we haven’t caught up while they’ve been gone. We’ve had a couple of big cases at the firm, and with Darren away …”
“Stop it,” I scold him playfully. “Remember, I’m an adult now, Granddad. That means I can take care of myself.”
“I’m sure you can,” he entertains me with a chuckle. “Now, where is this stepbrother of yours? I hope he’s been taking care of my favourite granddaughter.”
My stomach drops, but I hide it with a laugh and roll of my eyes. “I’m your only granddaughter.”
He cuffs me on the chin. “And you’ll always be my favourite.”
Chapter 33
Elias
SOMETHING IS OFF with Kingston Arblaster, but I can’t put my finger on it. There was something familiar about him when I saw him in the photos from the gym, but now that I’ve met him in person, I have no idea why he feels familiar. I didn’t want to leave Bea with him, but I couldn’t ignore a phone call from Oli.
“Oli? Is everything okay?” I ask when I find a quiet corner to answer.
“Just needed to hear your voice, big brother.”
I close my eyes and lean back against the wall. “What is going on with you, Oli? Why won’t you talk to me?”
“Where are you?”
“At a fundraiser with Bea.”
“A fundraiser? Who are you and what have you done with my brother?”
“It’s for a new music conservatory. There’s lots of music execs here, I’m doing it for the band.”
“What’s Bea like? She’s younger than us, right?”
I search the crowd for her, spotting her talking to an oldergentleman over near the bar. “She’s … nice, I guess. I think you’d really like her. Why are you asking?”
“No reason.” She pauses before asking, “When’s Mum coming home?”
“In a couple of days. Why?”
“Is she really happy with Darren? Is this time different? He’s not like Bradley?”
“I guess so. Darren doesn’t have a secret family. It’s just him and Bea. Can you stop answering my questions with a question and just talk to me. Where are you? If you’re in trouble, I can come get you.”
“I’m fine, I promise. I’ll be home soon.”
“How soon?”
“Soon.” She hangs up and I fight the urge to smash my phone.
I love my twin sister, but I’m also terrified something bad has happened to her and she’s never going to come home, despite what she’s telling me.
Taking a deep breath, I pocket my phone. There’s nothing I can do to help her tonight. Tonight is about networking and trying to get representation for Forever Summer.
I’m about to go look for Bea when a dark-haired girl wearing a black tulle dress catches my eye across the room and my heart literally stops. It can’t be.
In my haste to follow her, I knock into a group of gentlemen. Apologising, I skirt around them and hurry out of the function room and down the hallway. When I get to the end, I look both ways, but she’s disappeared.
Shaking my head, I walk back into the fundraiser. The champagne must have gone to my head. There’s no way she’s here. It’s impossible.
