Sins of Mine - Mary E. Twomey Page 0,33
you’re petty, Arly. But we do think you’ve been through a lot of change, and don’t need yet another part of your life to look different.”
It’s a noble reason, but the fact remains that Sloan still hasn’t called me back. It’s the cause of my anxiety I can’t seem to quell. “Well, I’m glad you two have each other. Sloan is a good person, and deserves someone incredible. I’ve known that about you from the start.”
I can see her visibly relax. “Cheers. And if it makes you feel better, I haven’t heard from him since our date. I’m trying not to read too much into that.”
But I’m combing her sheepish admission for details. Sloan is the definition of responsible. Not calling me this morning when our synced calendars require a guard is one thing, but going on a date with Jen and not calling afterward?
I’ve never known Sloan’s dating patterns, but that doesn’t seem like it fits, either.
The rest of the drive is filled with far lighter conversation, but zero calls from Sloan.
At the risk of being a nag, I call Sloan again as we pull up to the tall office building. “Sloan, you’re worrying me. I’m going into my meeting now, but call me when you wake up.”
Paxton squeezes my hand. “He’s okay. Why don’t you tell us what we’re about to walk into in here?”
Gray turns in his seat while Jen parks. “Yeah, what’s this meeting about, anyway?”
I chew on my lower lip. “It’s a deal I’ll be negotiating by myself. I’ll tell you all about it when I screw it up and it all falls through.” I know this isn’t the way I should be talking to myself, but Sloan was supposed to be here. He talks me through things like this, and offers his intimidating presence by my side so I don’t start to fumble and mumble.
Gray gets out of the car and jerks my door open, his face bound in a tight glower directed at me. I recoil, but he doesn’t hold back. “Since when do you talk like that? I’ve seen you throw your hair back and ignore every idiot in the lunchroom because what they were doing and saying was beneath you. Do you want this thing, whatever it is that you’re going into this meeting for?”
Timidity strikes me under the weight of his glare. I nod mutely, holding on to my seatbelt.
“Then go in there and show them who you are. I could see it when you first walked into Prigham’s. You’re special, Arly-girl. The world bends to give you what you want. Only you could march five hundred inmates out of secured facility and keep us from being dragged back in. We believe in your moxie. If you go into that meeting hiding the best parts of you, then we might as well go on back home.” His glower holds me firmly in place. “In or out, Arly. There’s no sense in dipping your toe into the life you want.”
It’s the meanest and the sweetest anyone has spoken to me in a while, and exactly what I needed to hear. My insides shift around until they’re back in the proper order.
I am Conan Valentine’s daughter. I don’t lower my standards. “It’s part two of my plan to take down Natalia’s Secret. Elizabeth Lauren’s Vault is their next biggest competitor. I’m throwing my weight behind them. We’ve been in negotiations all week, but I can tell they’re not willing to bend on a few points.” I chew on my lower lip as the butterflies swarm in my belly. “If I get this contract, it could fund the entire camp. Food for everyone, utilities, medical—all of it. Then everyone can take their time acclimating and finding jobs. Maybe they can go to college and learn a new skill. This would give them those options.” I swallow hard. “I’m also asking that they clothe all the female inmates. That’s the part they don’t want to give me, but I really think it’s a good idea. It would help us, obviously, but I can make it good for them, too. I want to help them craft a new line, called Uncuffed, and give us underwear and clothing in that line only. Imagine the PR they would have, being the sponsor for women with the scandalous reputations of being ex-cons.” I swallow hard. “I’m asking for a modeling contract, which they’ve already offered me, but I’m also asking to be part of their brain trust on