Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 110550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 553(@200wpm)___ 442(@250wpm)___ 369(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 553(@200wpm)___ 442(@250wpm)___ 369(@300wpm)
We didn’t say much on the ride to the Fairfield. Stopping before the front doors, Genny smooched both our cheeks, flipped us both off, then went on inside. The most confusing goodbye in the history of human interaction.
“I like her,” Sienna mused.
“I like her too... most days.”
Sienna watched me out of the corner of her eyes. “What do you think about what she said?”
“What do you think?” I stalled.
“Well, River didn’t exactly lie, did he? I’m sure Genny doesn’t force those women into anything, but they are a violent, criminal motorcycle gang, and she’s damn proud of that. If people choose living on the streets rather than mixing with that life, no one else but us could understand that better.”
I tossed my head, smiling. “I swear you’re the cricket on my shoulder, sharing your wisdom.”
“Oooh, a cricket. That’ll be great to put on the logo for when I open my bookstore.”
“That going to be soon?”
“I hope so. Liam said we can look at properties whenever I’m ready.”
My grin wiped away. “Liam said? What are you talking about?”
“My bookstore, sis. Remember, I want to sell resources for people to find the answers before I’m forced to tell them the outcome. Actually, Liam was saying we could expand on the idea. Create a center where people don’t just read up on their issues, but address them too. We can have meditation sessions, yoga, and classes.” Sienna was bouncing off the seat. “I could rent rooms to AA and other recovery groups. Isn’t that a great idea, Kenzie?”
“Hold up. You left me way behind. When did you and Liam have this chat? I didn’t know you were ready to look at... centers,” I cried.
“I’m not,” she said with a laugh. “I wasn’t keeping it a surprise. Last night, Liam brought up the bookstore and asked if that was still my plan. It turns out Liam created a fund for young female entrepreneurs after Lizzie was born. He said if I’m serious, I should bring him a business plan and we can move forward right away. Amazing, right!
“This is what he does. Those clubs and restaurants he owns, they’re not all fronts for his other business. He’s an owner and investor, just like his dads are. One of them invested in Caddell House, and look where it is today. Liam says I could turn a profit within eight months.”
I was pretty sure my sister said Liam’s name more times in this conversation than she has since we met the guy. “How is it you make a new best friend whenever I turn my back?”
She laughed. “We’re not doing anything behind your back, Kenzie. It’s just... Liam pointed out that I had dreams before I met the Merchants. I shouldn’t give up on them.”
“You shouldn’t.” I squeezed her shoulder. “Sienna, a self-help center is a great idea. You’re going to do so much good, little sister. I always knew you would make a difference.”
Her throat bobbed. “Don’t get me misty while I’m driving.”
“Tell me more about it. Will it be in North Quay or Leighbridge?”
“Liam said...”
We went back and forth the whole way to the shelter, mapping the start of her business plan. It’s when Sienna said she couldn’t wait to build something she could leave to Laurel that I got misty.
Pulling up to the curb, I wiped my eyes, getting my smile back. I found River in the kitchen, cursing at a bubbling pot. Flour decorated his dreads and a long red streak that I hoped was tomato sauce slashed across his apron.
“Need help?”
“Oh, hey, Kenzie.” He glanced down. “Your hug is coming later.”
“What’s going on in here?” I asked, moving to his side.
“We’re swimming in donations right now. Got enough money to be a little irresponsible, so I said we should cook something fancy tonight—give the ladies a real treat. Too bad I forgot my crew hasn’t been brushing up on their culinary skills while living rough.”
“Say no more.” I playfully hip-checked him to the side. “I’ve got it from here.”
“You? Do you know how to make baked scallops, angel hair pasta in lemon-butter sauce, or tofu tikka masala?”
“Whoa, very fancy. No, I don’t know how to make any of that, but I do know how to follow a recipe. This is the only kitchen I’m not banned from, so I’ll take this opportunity.”
River held up his hands. “I pass it on to you. Just tell me what to do, Chef.”
I put River on chopping while I got rid of the mess on the stove. It was just the two of us to start, but that quickly changed.
“Remember when we were sleeping in the Woodmire Tunnel?” Marty said. “Kenzie was the worst blanket hog. Girl would roll five feet in her sleep, just to get her hands on and tear off mine.”
“I did not,” I cried, wheezing laughing. “You were the hog! You woke up next to me every day because you were coming for my blankets.”