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Feeling out of control enrages me. For the sake of my family and our relationship, I need to leave the house. They will all cry bloody murder, but it’s tough. There is no point in sitting around, as they all fuss over me.

“And where the hell do you think you’re going?” Mother screeches. Ah, and the peace is shattered.

“I’m going to the club. I need to arrange for my possessions to be shipped to the penthouse.”

“Amelia, you need to rest.”

“No, I don’t. What I need is some time to figure this nightmare out. And, as I’m sure you are now aware, I need to be closer to Erin, so I don’t give myself a heart attack or whatever.”

“Can you not speak like that?” she pleads.

“I’m sorry, truly. I know you’re scared, Mother, but I have to go.”

“Let one of your siblings accompany you. At least do that for me.”

“Fine.” If I don’t concede, she will be in the penthouse, hounding me. I know her too well. “Tell Lucille to pack a bag.”

Her eyes widen. “Lucille?” I have to chuckle. Out of all of my siblings, Lucille would usually be the last one I would voluntarily choose to have in my house. But, in this circumstance, she is the one I need.

“Yes. Lucille.” Turning my back, I end the conversation. I know I must come across as rude, but trust me. Sometimes it is the only way to get my mother to back off.

Hearing the door close, I know she has gone to find Lucille. A small grin blossoms on my face out of sheer devilment. Lucille is going to be pissed, and that makes me feel a little better.

Stomping in the hallway notifies me of Lucille’s impending arrival. “Why do this, Amelia? Why torture us both?”

“Why not? If I’m going to be miserable, you might as well come along for the ride.”

“You’re such a… ugh, I can’t even stay mad. Well played, sister, well played. I would have absolutely done the same thing.”

“I’m glad you approve,” I chuckle.

“Seriously though, wouldn’t you prefer Laurence or Marcus to live with you?”

“Will you coddle me? Treat me like I’m a child?”

“You already know the answer to that.”

“Therefore, you already know the answer to why I want you at the penthouse with me rather than any of our siblings. My tolerance is already at full capacity.”

“Fair. Know that I won’t suffer wallowing, Amelia. Not like your birthday.”

“That was you suffering? Lucille, you ripped the covers off me.”

“But I didn’t drag you out of bed, did I?”

“True.”

“So, care to tell me what the doctor was summoned for?”

I fill her in on the details. There is no point keeping anything from my family. “I figured it’s better for me to stay close to Erin. At least the club offers me that excuse. Gives me time to plan my next move.”

“Your next move is to ask her out.”

“While she still has a girlfriend?”

“Sure it’s tacky, but, hey, clearly Erin has feelings for you. I would bet she doesn’t understand them. If you push too hard, I think she’ll retreat. But, you have to do something, Amelia.”

“I know,” I sigh. “Let me have a couple of days to gather my thoughts. I can’t do this half-cocked.”