I release one of her hands and lift a finger. She quiets.
“Having a thorough, organized plan will make it feel real. And you need that proof. For yourself, not for me. I already believe in you.”
“Seriously? Just a plan? As in, putting my dream on paper?” A single tear slips free, streaking down her cheek. Another follows. “That’s nothing. Ask me for something else. Something that would be worth your?—”
“Don’t say it.”
“Our investment.”
“Look.” I lower my voice to a whisper, hating the thought that strangers might hear my sob story. “I told you my mother always hung threats over my head.Be polite, or else. Be quiet, or else.Get good grades, or else. This isn’t and will never be part of who I am. That’s why I keep saying it’s our money. We’re family, and families trust each other. If you’re serious about this dream, I’m begging you, go for it. Noor else. No loan. None of that. So yes,justthe business plan, since it’ll help you sleep better at night.”
“Oh my God.” A sob rips out of her. She wrenches her hand out of my hold and throws herself at me. I hug her back, patting her as she cries. “This can’t be real life. I can’t believe I’ll have my own business. Me, a nobody.”
Anger makes every breath hot in my lungs.
At her parents. At the system that didn’t get to her fast enough.
At the world.
Never again.
“Hey, hey, stop it right there.” I place both hands on her shoulders, pulling away to look at her.
“What?” Her chin wobbles as she swipes at her tears.
“You’re far from being a nobody.” My voice shakes. “You’re Hope fucking Carver. Barista extraordinaire. Future best baker in New York. And my sister.”
More sobs rattle her small body. Unable to take it anymore, I fold her into another hug.
Fate was cruel to both of us, but at least we have each other now.
Soon, Alaric will be part of our little family. Then, one day, Hope will find her person.
Everything will be fine.
“I love you, Lil,” she says when she’s done crying, and we start walking again.
“Love you too, Hope.”
Bzz.
Bzz.
My phone vibrates in my jeans pocket.
Confusion has my eyebrows knitting together.
Hope is the only person who ever texts me, and she’s right here beside me.
Just as my hand closes around the phone, that strange, heavy feeling surges back at full force. Air catches in my throat at the sudden intensity.
Not wanting to scare Hope, I let out a slow breath and pretend everything’s fine as I unlock my phone. Once I read the message, we’ll hightail it home.
The moment I see who sent me the text, I realize I got worked up over nothing.
The corner of my lips tics up as I read it.
Alaric:You really thought I’d let you walk home by yourself, little devil? That I could spend another day without you?