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I grit my teeth because admitting Lucille is right makes my blood boil. “I don’t know,” I state as calmly as possible.

“No, of course you don’t, because the moment you stumbled at the first hurdle you gave up. How very disappointing, Amelia.”

Enough. “Why are you here?” I growl.

“I’m here to check out Erin.”

“Why?”

“Because, despite how much I dislike you ninety percent of the time, you’re still my sister.”

“Wow, Luce, that was almost nice.”

“Almost,” she grins, and I can’t help but return it. I sigh and tilt my head to the bar.

“That’s Erin,” I whisper. Lucille is as subtle as a turd in a swimming pool when she cranes her absurdly long neck in Erin’s direction.

“Yeah, she’s hot.”

“She’s also human and taken.”

Lucille rolls her eyes dramatically. “Excuse me,” she calls, and I belatedly realize she’s summoning Erin to the booth. Dear God, what fresh hell is going to unfold now?

“Amelia, is everything okay?” Erin asks me, smiling sweetly at Lucille.

“Perfect, this is Lucille, one of my sisters.”

“Sorry to call you away, Erin. Claire and Amelia have had such wonderful things to say about the latest addition to Insomnia that I couldn’t wait to meet you myself.” I’ll give Lucille one thing. She knows how to dole out the bullshit when needed.

“Wow, that’s lovely to hear.”

“We’re having a family barbecue tomorrow night. Of course you will come, and feel free to bring your other half, if you have one.”

Another quality Lucille has is pulling a plan out of her ass last minute. “Yes, you must come along, Erin.” Actually, it’s the last thing I want to happen. My siblings are trying to push too fast in their excitement. The situation with Erin is delicate and needs a soft touch. Seven members of the Loch family hammering her with questions is not ideal. That’s not even including my parents.

“That’s a lovely offer, thank you, but I’m working tomorrow evening.”

“I’ll sort that out,” I say.

“Well, okay then. I’m looking forward to it.”

“Fabulous. Amelia will give you the address. It’s an entirely casual affair. Oh, Amelia, call Claire too.”

I nod and give Lucille a tight smile.

“I’d best…” Erin comments, pointing back to the bar.

“Of course. It was a pleasure to meet you.”

Lucille and I remain silent for a few moments. I watch Erin’s retreating form and Lucille watches me.

“I take it you have a barbecue to arrange now?” I deadpan.

“Indeed. You’ll thank me when you’re not about to be murdered by one of us in a year’s time.”

Frankly, that outcome is looking more appealing.

As fast as Lucille swept in, she’s flouncing out again. I see Erin track her movements before turning her eyes on me. I give her a small nod and smile, which she returns.