Page 6 of Dead to Me

Her fingers moved over the keyboard.

“Yes, ma’am. We have you in one of the bridal suites on the eighth floor.”

China leaned against the desk.

“Right beside mine.”

The clerk handed me a key card.

“Room 814.”

I took it.

China’s suite was 816.

Malcolm’s eyes dropped toward my black duffel.

“What’s in the bag?”

Malcolm always noticed what didn’t fit.

I smiled.

“Six years of prison letters.”

His expression shifted. China seemed to hold her breath for a moment. I laughed.

“I’m joking.”

China smacked my arm.

“That isn’t funny.”

“It was a little funny.”

Malcolm stayed serious. I liked that. I grabbed my suitcase handle.

“See you tonight.”

China frowned. “You don’t want to come upstairs with us?”

“I’ve been driving for hours. I want a shower.”

“Okay, well dinner is at seven.”

“I know.”

“Milan.”

I looked at her. Her face softened.

“I really am glad you’re here.”

I studied my sister’s face. Sometimes, if I looked at her from a certain angle, it felt like I was seeing a version of myself who had gotten everything. She had it all and still looked relieved just because I showed up smiling.

I reached for her hand. Her diamond caught the light. It was beautiful. I wondered if Malcolm ever told her he once promised me a ring just like that. Probably not. Men change the story when the truth gets in the way.

“I wouldn’t miss this for anything,” I said.