Page 10 of Unexpected Ventures

“They want me to patrol the neighborhood with them at night. I think Brittany even made us personalized patrol T-shirts. She’s relentless. I’ve been avoiding them both.”

She lets out a laugh. “They’re going to hate Luke in a few years. He’s totally going to be one of those teens making out in the bushes.”

I narrow my eyes at her. “Stop it. He’s seven.”

“You know I’m right.”

Shit. I do know she’s right.

I slide out of bed, stand up, and stretch.

She shakes her head. “That thing is even worse when you’re standing. Are you Amish? Did a bonnet and chastity belt come with that outfit? Do you ride to work in a little horse-drawn buggy?”

I can’t help but laugh as I look down at myself. Maybe my nighttime wardrobe needs an adjustment.

Ninety minutes later, we arrive at brunch with a sea of shopping bags. I have enough lingerie to wear something different every day for a month. And it’s not classy silk nighties. It’s stripper-approved sleepwear. My sister is nuts.

I still can’t help but smile at the notion of having a sister. I spent my first twenty-nine years knowing I had one, but not knowing her in the slightest. I met her a few times when I was a baby and toddler, but I never truly met her until the day I walked into her office.

* * *

SIX YEARS AGO

I bring Mom a bowl of soup while she lays in bed looking frailer each and every day. I gave her nurse two hours off so I could enjoy some precious alone time with my mother.

The end is almost here. It’s likely a matter of months. I’ve never felt more alone. Thank god for Luke.

My father was slightly older than Mom and died suddenly when I was a small child. I barely remember him. In fact, my most vivid memories of him are when he told me what a superstar my sister was. She was in law school at the time and wasn’t in our lives.

I do remember his funeral though. I was five years old. My mom and I sat in the front row crying our eyes out. I looked in the back and saw her. Cassandra Blackstone. I knew who she was from her pictures. I remember thinking how pretty she was and that I hoped to look like her when I grew up. She was standing with a shorter, pretty brunette. Both of their faces were stoic, but neither was crying like us.

When the funeral was over, the brunette dragged her to Mom and me. Cassandra kissed Mom’s cheek. “I’m sorry for your loss, Barbara.”

Mom took her hand and squeezed it. “Yours too. Can we talk sometime? There are things you should know about your father.”

Cassandra shrugged. “I don’t know. Give me some time.”

“Okay, sweetie. Just let me know when you’re ready.”

Mom wrapped her arm around me. “Lizzie, do you remember Cassandra?” My full first name is Elizabeth. I went by Lizzie for my first ten years, but then decided to go by Beth, which I much preferred.

I shook my head. I didn’t remember her at all.

“She’s your sister. Perhaps you guys can spend some time together in the future. Get to know one another.”

Cassandra warned, “Barbara, don’t overpromise. I’m not sure what I want.”

Mom nodded. “Okay. You know where to find us. Our door is always open to you.”

And that was it. We never heard from her again.

When I was in high school, I began to follow Cassandra’s budding legal career online. She became a partner in one of the biggest law firms in Philadelphia. The first female in firm history to make partner. My sister was a trailblazer.

I was determined to be a lawyer, just like she was. I felt like I wanted some commonality with her. I worked my ass off and did just that. I even trained to become a mergers and acquisitions attorney, just like Cassandra.

I’ve worked for a few years since law school making a name for myself and learning the specialized form of law. I’ve been patient. Now it’s time to make my move. In a few months, Cassandra will be the only family I have left. I want to get to know her. I assume she’s cold and nasty based on her complete rejection of me my entire life, but I don’t care. Besides Luke, she’s all I’ll have. I’ll take what I can get.

Mom grabs my hand. “Elizabeth, will you bring Luke by this weekend? I know I won’t get to see him grow up, but I’d like to spend as much time with him as I can now.”

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