She’s the reason I keep on fighting for him. The doctors didn’t say he’d be stuck in the chair for the rest of his life. If he pushes himself, and works with the doctors and physical therapists, he could walk again one day. Not the same as he used to, but he could walk.
Stepping out of the shower, I dry off and get dressed before going to check on my dad. I can’t help myself. No matter how ornery he gets, I still look after him. I find him in his recliner passed out in his room with old war movies playing on the TV. I walk over, pulling his blanket over him before kissing him on his forehead. My heart squeezes when he says Mom’s name in his sleep. I flip the light off before heading back into my bedroom.
I snag my phone off the charger to see a few texts from Birdie. We met when I worked an event over at the Justice ranch. Sometimes I picked up shifts for a local catering company to make ends meet. It is easy work compared to what I am used to on a daily basis, and the pay is really good. I have to admit that I was surprised that the Justice family was having an event at their home. They have a home made for entertaining, but they never did. That all changed when Birdie came into the picture. Calder Justice does whatever he can to make his woman happy, and he tries to do as much of it out of the city as possible.
To keep Birdie at the ranch, Calder had agreed to host Birdie’s fashion show there. I was supposed to be working for the catering company, but when Birdie saw me, she begged me to walk in her show. I was hesitant at first, but eventually I warmed up to the idea. I’m glad I did. I’ve even gone back over to do a few photoshoots for her in some of her clothing. It pays well. Too damn good to say no, that’s for sure.
Birdie: I’m guessing you saw Cane tonight. He’s in a mood.
Birdie: Man is so in love with you.
Me: He had his chance.
Birdie: Good luck with that. Trust me. I know how these Justice men work.
I snort a laugh. She should. How long was she on that ranch before she was knocked up and married? Not long at all.
Birdie: You look at those contracts I sent you?
Me: Yeah, it’s a lot to understand.
Birdie: I’m no model but I do hire them. I also had Calder’s lawyer look them over. He changed a few things. The ones you have are actually the ones he revised and sent back to the agency. They accepted the changes. It’s solid, girl.
I walk to my mirror and stare at myself. Modeling was never something I even thought of before. I’ve always thought of myself as cute but nothing really beyond that. Though when those makeup artists and hair people got a hold of me and Birdie dressed me up, I was even shocked at how hot I looked.
The money could change things for me. It could get me back on my feet. So much shit needs to be updated and fixed around here. I’m not sure I can say no at this point. Something has to change.
Maybe this is finally it.
CHAPTER 5
CANE
“No.” I cross my arms over my chest and glare at Birdie. “Abso-fucking-lutely not.”
“Why? Don’t you like my designs?” She pouts.
I glance over my shoulder to make sure my cousin isn’t close by to see that I’m cursing at his wife and making her sad, but this is important business. “Your designs are great. Too great, in fact. I am not having Astor shake her ass down a runway with her back exposed and her tits falling out for all the world to see.”
“Her breasts are not exposed,” Birdie protests. “Fabric covers the entire part.” She pats her own boob. I avert my eyes.
“The side of her tit is open and the other dress sticks to her boobs like cling wrap. It’s indecent.”
“You’re a prude.” She covers her sketches. “Everything is going to look beautiful and tasteful because that is all I design. Now, shoo.” She tries to wave me out, but I drag a chair over.
“I need to oversee the process.” Astor is coming for a fitting. Besides the event Birdie put on a while back, it’s the first time Astor’s been on Justice property since her daddy came to shoot me after he got thrown from the horse he’d bought off a shady trainer we’d fired.
Birdie sighs because she knows I’m not budging. “Don’t be a nuisance or I’ll have to call Calder in.”
I zip my lips, but I can tell she’s not buying it. A few moments later, the guest of honor appears at the doorway of Birdie’s studio looking scared and uncertain. I cross the room immediately.