Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 53034 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 177(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53034 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 177(@300wpm)
“We couldn’t figure out what was going on,” she says. “One lady was yelling at us, and two other ladies were laughing and pointing. So I turned on Google Translate and it didn’t get everything, but when I saw ‘bad sister’ and ‘you spank him,’ I knew.”
It’s all I can do not to laugh, but I keep it in. “I don’t know what to say, Audra. I didn’t mean for that to happen.”
She sighs, not saying anything for a few seconds. I hear a dinging sound in the background.
“I don’t know why I had to travel across the world and have it yelled at me in Thai, but I know why she said it and I needed to tell you ... I am the bad sister. I deserved what you said. And more, really.”
The genuine remorse in her tone softens something inside me. “I shouldn’t have said it like that, though. Not at your wedding reception.”
“You had some liquid courage. And that’s on us for the open bar.”
I laugh, and it gives me a pang, because I haven’t laughed with my sister over anything in a long time.
“Well, we went viral, and not everyone can say that,” I say.
“I can’t even follow it anymore. People want me dead. Strangers behind keyboards are the cruelest people in the world.”
“Stay away from it. I haven’t looked at any of it since the day after it happened.”
“It did lead to an interesting convo for me and Kyle.” There’s a smile in her voice. “He’s never asked me to spank him.”
I cringe. “I don’t know what to say here.”
“It’s okay. I just ... I was wrong. I wanted you back in my life so much that I pushed Mom and Dad to get you to the wedding, and then I pushed you over the dress and the photos. I should have let you do what was right for you, even if it meant you didn’t come.”
I’m too stunned to respond, but after a long pause, I say, “I appreciate that.”
“I know too much has happened for me to even hope things could be like they used to. But I miss you, Talia. If you ever feel like we could talk again, even if it means we only talk on the phone and only about certain subjects, I’ll take it.”
I never imagined Audra saying anything like this. Especially now, when I embarrassed her and Kyle on a pretty much global scale.
“I’ll think about it. And no matter what happens, I do still love you. If you truly needed something, I’d be there.”
“I know.” Her voice is choked with tears. “You’re a better person than I am. You never would have done to me what I did to you.”
“If I truly needed something, you’d be there.”
“I would.”
“Are you guys okay?” I ask. “Like, do you feel safe? Because it really worries me that you said people want you dead.”
“We’re flying home now, and there are security people meeting us at the airport.”
“That’s ...” I sigh softly. “It’s scary. I don’t want anything bad to happen to you guys. I’d offer to help pay for the security, but I’m broke.”
“Don’t worry about it. Kyle’s team is taking care of the cost of security for him, so we aren’t paying for all of it.”
“Be safe, okay?”
“I will. And before you go, I want you to know I’m so happy for you and Lucien. I know we’ll never double date or anything, but ... maybe someday I could see the two of you by myself. Dinner or something. I can tell it’s the real thing with you guys. He seems like a really good guy who has your back.”
“He is and he does.”
“I’ll let you go. Thanks, Talia.”
“Sure. Take care.”
“You too.”
I end the call and text Lucien.
Wait until I tell you about the phone call I just got from Audra.
He texts back right away.
Lucien: Hit me. Is she suing you? She can bring that shit on because I’ve got a great attorney.
Talia: No, she pretty much apologized.
Lucien: For real? That call must’ve been long if she listed out everything she’s done.
Talia: It wasn’t super long. She said she gets why I said what I did, thanks to a Thai woman who sounds quite lovely.
Lucien: I want a full replay of the convo when I get home tomorrow. What time’s your flight?
Talia: 3:45. I’m leaving for the airport soon.
Lucien: How did the interview go?
Talia: It was good.
Lucien: Hey, I love you. I don’t want you to move, but I’m always rooting for you. Never against you. OK?
Talia: Thank you. I love you, too. I miss you so much.
Lucien: Carter and Suki invited us to fondue night tomorrow, but I passed. I want an evening of just us.
Talia: You turned down fondue on my behalf???
Lucien: Was that a mistake?
Talia: No, I’m kidding. But I do love fondue, so I expect you to make it up to me in bed tomorrow night.