Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 39740 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 199(@200wpm)___ 159(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39740 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 199(@200wpm)___ 159(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
You see, she uses my grandparents’ name to open doors, and since we don’t air our dirty laundry, not many people know the truth. Although we share the same last name since her mother insisted Dad change it after they got married since he wasn’t even on the birth certificate, hers isn’t hyphenated like mine. That hyphen is what trumps her every time.
The Sinclair name carries a lot of weight around these parts, but Lily Devon-Sinclair is a double threat. I know it and I bet everyone in that place does as well. They would if they had any business acumen. My maternal family are no slouches when it comes to wealth and prestige.
It helps that I made my grandparents take me there for lunch so the staff could see the granddaughter that was with them, even made sure it was known that I was their only granddaughter. I did that purposely because I knew that Lacey had been putting on airs and using our family name to get her way.
When the manager came smiling over to our table at lunch that day, she had been well-coached on what to say. You see, she doesn’t like Lacey because she talks down to their staff and makes everyone feel like shit, which I suspected before I approached the young black manager with my idea.
She greeted my grandparents by telling them about their granddaughter, who came there often with her friends. Gran was very offended and pointed me out as her only granddaughter.
The manager apologized, but as per our agreement, that little tidbit would be shared among the staff before long, and they’d know not to give my darling little sister preferential treatment any longer. In fact, after today, she’d be lucky if she ever got another reservation there.
This is so much fun. While she’s planning her fake wedding, I’ll be busy planning her demise. I have all the time in the world because if I know the women in my family, I wouldn’t get anywhere near the wedding planning. I’d be lucky if I got to choose my own dress.
LILY
I took lots of care with my hair and makeup. Not that I don’t always, but today was a special day. I chose one of my new Selkie dresses that were still all the rage and was a perfect fit for a Saturday brunch with friends.
I was on my way when the call from the manager came, letting me know that the show had begun. The table Lacey usually hogs had been decorated for a pre-bridal shower brunch, mine, and she’d be directed elsewhere, but not too far away.
I want her to see and hear everything going on at my table. The first call was to let me know that she was there and had already made a fuss to no avail. The manager did offer some extras to make up for disappointing her this one time, which I’m sure had soothed the beast.
I also know that she was chomping at the bit to see who had more power than she did in her town. Who was able to snatch her favorite table from out under her so effortlessly.
The second call, when I was five minutes away, was to let me know that my guests had arrived and were all being seated. These were my friends from high school and college, some of whom would be in my bridal party, though they don’t know it yet.
I’d chosen my Rolls today because it matched my dress. It’s one of my graduation gifts from my maternal grandparents. The Rolex Datejust, with the green face and blinding diamonds, was from my paternal grands. They were both being represented today.
The diamond necklace and studs were from Mom and, of course, my ring. I looked and smelled rich, and I knew it. I knew heads would turn when I walked in, which was my aim anyway.
I heard the whispers as soon as I walked in and saw the look of anger and dread on Lacey’s face. I looked at her table of friends just long enough for them to recall where they’d seen me before, and though it had been a while, I was sure they’d catch on sooner or later.
At my table, my girls were smiling and waving me over; at her table, there were whispers, ‘Isn’t that your sister? Damn, she looks hot.’ Yes, please do compare and let dear little sissy know how lacking she is. You can’t buy class as she and her mother has been proving in these parts for almost a quarter of a century.
I ignored the stares from her friends and sat with mine. “Okay, you sounded very suss on the phone; what gives? What’s the big news?” I didn’t answer my friend Anise, just waved my hand under their noses.