An Alliance for a Liar and a Slut

Veronica was already dressed.

The usual tomboy was gone, replaced by a woman poured into a sexy, tight-fitting skirt, her face painted with heavy makeup. I stared at this completely unfamiliar version of my sister, unable to stop myself from asking.

"Ronnie."

"Do you have a boyfriend?"

I wanted to warn her, to tell her the man seemed dangerous. I wanted to advise her to be careful, but I didn't know what I said to set her off. Her face suddenly darkened.

"Vivi, I know we're sisters, but you can't be so lost in your own perfect little world that you try to ruin my happiness, can you?"

"Vivian Rossi," Veronica’s temper flared, "you're so selfish!"

"I shouldn't have taken time off to help you with this stupid wedding. Vivian, you've really disappointed me!"

Veronica grabbed her bag and stormed out.

I rushed after her, shouting, "Ronnie!"

"That's not what I meant!"

The elevator doors slid shut, cutting me off.

I chased her down to the parking garage, but she was already gone. I stood in the empty space, my mind reeling, trying to process why she had exploded at me. A primal fear of losing her washed over me, and the motel's location tag from the text message flashed in my mind.

I remembered.

The photo. The message.

*Tonight, let's play something a little more exciting.*

I was terrified she was being deceived, but I was also terrified she'd freeze me out, that she'd hold this grudge forever. She was the closest family I had besides my parents—even closer than Haward. Forgetting my jacket, I snatched my car keys and sped toward the motel.

Just as I pulled up to the entrance, my eyes locking onto Veronica's car, my breath caught in my throat.

I saw Haward. The same Haward who was supposed to be out of town on business, stepping out of a motel room. He was wearing the trench coat I’d bought him for his birthday. He pulled Veronica into an intimate embrace, and right there, in the open, they kissed as if no one else existed—a deep, lingering kiss that stole the air from my lungs. I couldn't believe it. The owner of that phone... It was really him.

I still couldn't believe it.

That Haward was with my sister.

My hands trembled uncontrollably. I instinctively killed the engine and shrank into the shadows, a thief spying on secrets that were never meant for me. I watched as Haward thoughtfully pulled Veronica's jacket tighter around her.

"Are you cold?" he asked softly.

Veronica just smiled and shook her head.

"Not when I'm with you."

Haward pinched her cheek playfully.

"So, how did you explain slipping out tonight to my fiancée?"

He was grinning from ear to ear.

"My fiancée is so wrapped around your little finger. How did you ever manage to slip away?"

My heart felt like it was being ripped from my chest, each beat a fresh agony. I watched the man I loved and the sister I cherished wrapped in an embrace, and I heard Veronica's carefree, mocking reply.

"I just had to throw a little fit and she practically pushed me out the door."

Veronica bit his Adam's apple, adding, "What, you still don't get how much Vivian dotes on her 'poor little sister'?"

"Believe me, she's probably still worried sick right now, terrified I'm angry with her and will give her the cold shoulder."