Then the man shifts and I see the unforgettable profile—Lucas. His presence slams into me like a sucker punch, and it’s all I can do to remain standing.
Faye tilts her head, and her gaze locks with mine. A corner of her mouth quirks up, and she pulls Lucas closer and kisses him, her eyes still on me.
He’s still thin, but the black suit fits him like a glove, showing off his wide, strong shoulders. Hot and cold move through me swiftly, and I can barely breathe.
A low moan tears from someplace deep in my throat. The longer they kiss, the more my flesh seems to flay. I bite my lower lip, hoping the physical pain will overwhelm the crippling ache in my heart.
The driver opens the door, and Faye drags Lucas into the car like some mythical siren, their mouths still fused. Lucas palms her waist, and the door shuts.
I clench my shaking hands, then clasp them together. It’s not just my hands—my whole body’s trembling.
He’s moved on. The only person who hasn’t is me. My reaction tonight proves that. If I ever meant anything, he couldn’t have done what he just did with Faye so soon after the breakup. His “I’m in love with you” was fake, a lie, just like everything else he’s ever said to me.
But telling myself that doesn’t lessen the hurt. Blinking away tears, I turn back to the hotel. Lucas might’ve gutted me, but I still have work to do. And I have a date waiting for me inside.
“Oh my God, is that you?”
What now? I sniffle, then turn. The air whooshes out of my lungs. It’s my half-sister, Elle—my father’s real daughter.
It would be impossible for this night to get any worse.
We both have our father’s hair, but her eyes are green like her mother’s. Elle’s in a slinky red dress, her thick blond mane twisted into a fancy updo. “What…” She shakes her head. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be back in Hicksville, Virginia?”
“I’m working. What are you doing here?” Elle’s family was in Northern Virginia last time I checked, and she works for some bank in Boston.
She shifts her weight and straightens. “I’m here to support the poor, of course. My fiancé’s family is into stuff like that.”
Right. Her Harvard lawyer fiancé, a man who gazes at her like she’s the center of his universe. And unlike me, what Elle has is real. A girl like her doesn’t get played by slick guys full of empty words.
“I can’t believe you’re in L.A. working for a hotel.”
I shake my head. “I’m not. I work for the Sterling Medical Center.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me.”
I merely stare at her.
She huffs and looks off into the distance. “Damn it. This is a disaster.”
“Why?”
“Why do you think? Cedric can’t know about a familial blemish like you. And what would his parents think?”
I realize that I don’t measure up to anybody’s idea of perfection, but being called a blemish is a little too much. “Why would they find out about me unless you blab? Do you think I’m proud we’re related?”
Her complexion turns red. “Are you serious?” She rests her hands on her waist. “It’s your mother who caused all the trouble. She should’ve left Dad alone. He was married.”
“And if your mother”—I sneer—“had been a better wife, maybe he wouldn’t have strayed. It takes two to tango. Don’t forget, Elle, men like us crude, crass girls, too.” For a cheap, dirty thrill that leaves the woman feeling worthless and used, but Elle doesn’t need to know that.
“Are you done?”
I’m not, but I don’t want to fight. If her fiancé’s family are potential donors, antagonizing them won’t go over well with Robbie.
“Oh, there you are!” comes a soft voice.
Damn it. I close my eyes for a moment. Elizabeth.
Elle’s demeanor instantly changes. “Oh my goodness, Elizabeth! So good to see you again.”