My CEO 165

165 Sisters Meet (Winona)

I glance around the living room. There's a peninsula bench dividing the space. Over that, the small kitchen. I know up the hall there are two bedrooms, but I was never allowed in those. If I ever did peak in, I got a beating. Now I know why. It's the same layout. The same place!

But I can see the signs of care-clean dishes stacked in the sink corner, fresh flowers in a chipped vase. Furnishings that are older but not the trash we once had here. She's been trying. It's not much, but it's something Somehow, amongst the dilapidated structure, this place looks and feels like a home. Not my home but a home.

I can't help but wonder how she's made ends meet all these years. It's been over eighteen years.

"I got help. Did some courses. Learned how my experience could help me help others. I do social work part time. It isn't much but we live simple lives." It's like she's read my mind.

I nod. "That's great."

"I can't work any more hours because of the trauma I suffered. I can only do a few a week and I get some government money."

I let out my breath. Thank God she stopped doing what he was making her do.

""Your sister-" she starts to say, but then the door swings open.

A young woman walks in, she'd be eighteen now, I guess. I stare at her, not really knowing what to say.

She's got a tough look, street-wise, part of the hood-worn jeans, a leather jacket, dark eyeliner smudged around her eyes.

She stops in her tracks when she sees us, her eyes narrowing as they flick between me and Jayden.

"Whatever you're selling, we don't need it. Fuck off."

"Cass! Language! We have guests."

Cass rolls her eyes hard. "Sorry, Mom." Her sarcasm is full throttle.

they then? Why

then studies me. "Wait. Aren't you that Brennan dude who can't keep

pants? And you..." She points at me, "weren't you

it,

"Cass"

More

stand up and Cass takes a step back. "You've definitely

165 Sisters Meet

+25 BONUS

Winona. This is

you're slumming it here away

world."

who I am or not. Maybe she just wants me to leave again. Maybe that would be for the best.

slightly, but she recovers quickly, crossing her arms over

talk later." Mom

"Whatever.

"I didn't

come in here and play big sister? Save me

wasn't sure what I'd find here. But I wanted to

scoffs, clearly unimpressed. "Yeah well, I don't have time to listen to long stories. Busy. Now

to know you better. Be friends."

at his hand, then at Jayden. "Pffft. Like hell. I'm not that hard

his mouth but I can

here to fight. I am trying to come

coming to terms with things when you're

for a long moment, her expression is

pushes past us, grabbing a soda from the fridge and cracking it open. That move is just like him. Exactly the way he used to do it. A coldness runs down my

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