“This is why you letmethrow the parties,” Pip chastises with a gentle smile as she reappears with my coat. “Afternoon tea? Original.”
I laugh. “I wish I’d let you.” Pip helps me shrug my coat on, tugging my hair free from the collar.
“Pip Covington?” A simpering voice says from behind me. “Thanks so much for coming.”
I straighten my back and turn to face my sister, who has her hand outstretched to Pip. She doesn’t even acknowledge me, her gaze fixed totally on the supermodel standing next to me.
“I’m so sorry about the girls,” Cleo gestures her hand towards the group still circling Cassie. “You know how they can be. Some people just let the fame overwhelm them. If it’s okay with you, there’s a great spot in the corner where we can take some photos. The lighting is great, and I know my followers wouldloveto see you.”
Pip’s fan-ready smile fades on her face as she glances at my wide eyes with a question of her own.
“My sister,” I say flatly, refusing to even acknowledge her name.
For a second, the familiar fear lodges in my throat. That Pip will be taken in by her just like people always are. But instead, my beautiful friend’s eyes narrow as she hooks her arm through mine.
“I’ve heard all about you,” she says in a sharp tone I’ve never heard before.
“Good things I hope?” Cleo titters, flicking her hair away from her face.
“Is there anything good to say?” Pip asks, tilting her head. I hide a snort behind my hand.
Cleo blinks in shock, glancing to me and our entwined arms before crossing her arms across her chest.
“I don’t know what—” Cleo starts, but I cut her off.
“That’s enough, Cleo,” I snap. “I always thought you were cruel, but now I’m starting to think you’re delusional on top of it.”
Cleo gapes at me, but I don’t stop.
“My entire life I’ve just been your personal punching bag, a way for you to feel better about yourself by tearing me down. But you know what I’ve realized? I have a life that’s happy and full of people that love me for who I am, and no cruel little pranks or snide comments will take away from that.”
“Rosa-pee—” Cleo starts.
“Andenoughwith that nickname. You know how much I hate it, but you still say it. You’re my sister, and you’ve always been like this, so I just got used to it. But I’m done. I’m going to walk out of here with my friends and go home to a man who loves me and I’ll never speak to you again. I’m going to be a partner and a friend and a mother, but all you’ll ever be is a vicious fucking bully.”
Cleo gapes like a fish, her cheeks reddening as she glances around for someone to save her.
My mother appears like an apparition, suddenly right in front of me as if she hasn’t been blending into the wallpaper all afternoon.
“Rosalie Taylor,” Mum hisses. “How dare you say that to your sister?”
I raise my eyebrows. “What happened to ‘it’s none of your business’, ‘you’re sisters, work it out between you’.” I scoff. “Nowyou get involved? When I finally stand up for myself?”
I bark a sarcastic laugh and rub my hand across my face.
“Jackson was right. He knew you were planning something like this. I was just so desperate for you to love me that I ignored all the warning signs.”
“This is not the time or the place,” Mum says with a fake smile, glancing around at the crowd of women peering at us. “You’re making a scene.”
I roll my eyes. “I don’t even know the names of any of these people. I couldn’t care less if they hear what a horrible mother you’ve been and how you raised an evil witch.”
Anya snorts behind me as she, Cassie and Pip flank my sides.
“I’m done with this,” I say, throwing my hands up. “Thanks for the world’s worst party.”
I turn and storm out of the room as fast as I can, sensing my friends following behind me.
“I think I’m in love with you,” Cassie says as I push the button for the elevator.
