Page 38 of Desperate Justice
Chucking the soda can into a nearby recycle bin, she headed for her bike. Forget socializing. It was safer to avoid people and indulge in reading.
Fishing a book out of her pack, she brought the paperback over to a spot next to her sister, beneath a shady tree. Allison cracked open the spine and began to read.
A tap on her shoulder. “Ally, why are you shutting everyone out like this? There’s plenty of men here to meet.” Diana shook her head.
“Already met one and have no desire to meet others,” she muttered, trying to focus on the page.
“Books can’t help you with relationships.”
She held up her tattered copy ofAnimal Farm. “Oh? They open your eyes to the world around you, Di. Give you a deeper perspective than the one you already have. You know, more than fashion magazines and wedding books.”
“I have that book you gave me, Ally.The Help. I planned on reading it during this trip. I don’t want to read children’s books about goats and sheep.”
Allison grit her teeth. “Animal Farmis far from a children’s book. You can borrow it if you want. I’ve already read through it. Reading a book might take your mind off your wedding stress or your damn cell phone.”
Diana scowled. “My ‘damn cell phone’ is my connection to Paul. He’s worried about me on the road. He thinks I can’t take care of myself and wants me to call him every time we stop.”
“Guy thing.” Allison set the book down. “Do you have to check in with him all the time? Doesn’t he trust you?”
“He trusts me. He worries about me, Ally. And he thinks I should be home helping with wedding plans.”
Something in her sister’s voice told her there was more to the story.
“Di, you know, maybe a big wedding isn’t a great idea. You’ve been to huge society events. They’re impersonal. It’s your day. Don’t you want to be the star attraction at your own wedding?”
“Yes, but...” Diana rubbed a spot on her shiny blue helmet. “Paul says we owe it to Uncle Hector to have a lavish wedding. He doesn’t want to hurt his feelings.”
“What about your feelings? Your marriage?”
Diana started to open her mouth, then shook her head. “Topic closed, Ally. Why don’t you focus on your own guy problems?”
“I don’t have any.”
“Oh?” Diana pointed to Rafe.
“Him?” She debated. Diana would find out soon enough. “He’s not a boyfriend, Diana. I only wanted you to think that so you’d take us to see Hector’s mansion. I wanted to impress him. He’s always been curious about the lifestyles of the rich and famous.”
And drug dealers.
As Diana smirked, she added, “Besides, Rafe isn’t interested in me.”
“Oh, I knew you weren’t dating and it was an excuse. You never mentioned him before. But if he’s not interested, why does he keep checking you out?”
Her gaze flicked over to Rafe. Stunned, she realized Rafe was eyeballing her with much more interest than the sleek motorcycles at the center. Then she realized he was staring at her sister, and her heart gave a little pang of disappointment.
“It’s not me, it’s you he’s checking out. You’re the one all men stare at.”
“Maybe.” Diana shrugged. “You don’t give yourself enough credit, Ally. You’re smart, funny and attractive. You should go out on more dates. Find a nice guy.”
“I don’t need anyone.” What was it about people thinking she needed someone?
“I know, I know. You’re busy with your career. I get it. But Ally, you’re my big sister. I worry about you. And next time you want a favor for a guy you’re trying to impress, don’t go to such extremes. I would have been happy to ask Uncle Hector for a tour of his house for you and Rafe.”
Does that tour include where he stashes all his fentanyl?
Her little sister whipped out her cell phone. “And speaking of tours, it’s time for me to post.”
Allison rolled her eyes. “On your Insta?” She waved a hand at the phone. “Or your finsta, so Paul can see what you’re up to?”
