The Sun Sister (The Seven Sisters #6) - Lucinda Riley Page 0,94

back. You’re one of the best models in the business – if not the best. You’re great to work with, Electra, everyone tells me that.’

‘Really?’ I raised an eyebrow.

‘Yes! You’re never late for a shoot, you’re always polite on set and treat everyone around you with respect, unlike some other models I could name.’

‘Then why do I think I’m a nightmare?’

‘Because you feel like one inside?’ Mariam suggested softly. ‘The great news is that you’ve never let that nightmare out in public. And you’re creative too – remember that Marie Claire shoot when they couldn’t quite find the right look that they were going for, and you simply stood up and grabbed that African-print tablecloth from the catering team and wrapped it around yourself? It looked amazing and it saved the shoot!’

The doorbell rang and Mariam jumped to answer it. She had a weird look in her eye, almost as if she felt guilty.

I heard her talking to someone in the living room and I stood up to go and see who the new visitor was.

‘Hello, Electra,’ my grandmother said to me. ‘How are you feeling?’

‘I . . . okay.’ I frowned, feeling the anger suddenly surging inside me again. ‘Why are you here?’

‘I called your assistant after I left here earlier tonight,’ said Stella. ‘Remember you gave me her number?’

‘Yes, but—’

‘I told her that I was concerned about you, and that my visit might have destabilised you further. I asked her to let me know if you were okay. And to call me if you weren’t.’

‘And when you weren’t, I mean, when we found you unconscious, I called her.’ I watched a blush travel up Mariam’s neck as she read the expression on my face. ‘Stella is your grandmother, Electra, she wants to help you.’

‘Electra, please . . .’ Stella walked towards me and reached out her hands. ‘I’m only here to support you. Not to preach. Mariam told me you’ve decided to get help. I’m so proud of you.’

I was beginning to feel like I’d won some kind of competition at school rather than just accepted I was an addict.

‘Thanks,’ I nodded as I felt the press of her cool calm hands on mine. ‘But it’s late and we should all be in bed.’

‘Well, how about we let Mariam go home and I stay around a while in case you need some company?’

I saw a look pass between Mariam and my grandmother and I jumped on it.

‘You’re here to make sure I don’t change my mind and get on a flight to Timbuktu before tomorrow, aren’t you?’

‘Maybe.’ Stella gave me a smile that made her eyes, that were so like mine, twinkle. ‘It has been known to happen. More importantly, I just want you to be safe during the night.’

‘You mean, not take any more alcohol or drugs?’

‘That too. Now, Mariam, you’ve done enough and you need to get home. I’m sure Electra is very grateful to you, aren’t you?’

‘Of course I am! Mariam knows that.’

‘Okay.’ Mariam gave me a smile. ‘Well, I will see you here at eight a.m. I’ve packed most of what you need – which isn’t much – in your suitcase, ready to go. Goodnight.’

Stella and I stood in silence as Mariam left the apartment.

‘You’ve got a gem there, Electra.’

‘I know, she’s very efficient.’

‘She’s a gem because she genuinely cares about you. And that’s what really counts.’

‘Listen, you don’t have to stay. I promise I’ll behave – I’ll go straight to bed like a good girl and be up bright and early to go to the airport.’

‘I know I don’t have to stay, but I want to. Just for a while at least.’

‘Well, I’m gonna use the bathroom and then get into bed. And no’ – my eyes flashed at her – ‘I’m not gonna do a line of coke while I’m in there.’

A few minutes later, I was in the spare bed and thinking how tired I felt. As I turned off the light, there was a knock at my door.

‘Come in.’

‘I just . . . well, I wanted to say goodnight to my granddaughter for the first time in twenty-six years. May I?’

‘Of course.’

She walked over to me and planted a gentle kiss on my forehead. I looked up at her, silhouetted in the light coming through the open door behind her.

‘Why didn’t you contact me before?’

‘Because I didn’t know you even existed up until quite recently.’

‘Oh. Why?’

‘That, my dear Electra, is a long story and not one for this time of