Page 7 of Vapor

“Idon’t do anything.” She smirks.“Anyway, we’re not talking about me. We’re discussing your future. Don’t you want to be set for life?”

“Not if it means I won’t get to experience falling in love.”

“I did that once. Not recommended.” She waves her hand.

“Really? Who was it?” I didn’t even know she was capable of that emotion, let alone felt it for someone.

“Doesn’t matter. He means nothing to me now.” There’s a coldness in her voice that chills me. A million questions dance on the tip of my tongue, but I hold them all back.

“You should be grateful for what Father is doing for you. He loves us. I know you don’t understand it, but I do. We’re two of the luckiest women in New Orleans, maybe even all Louisiana. We’ll never have to work. The only job we’ll have is to give them heirs.”

“That’s disgusting.”

“No. It’s our duty as women.”

“What century are you living in?”

“Reality. I wish you’d snap out of your childish fantasies and see the world for what it is. Cutthroat and dangerous. With these men, we’ll never have to worry about being hurt by any other guys, physically or otherwise. For that, I’m willing to lay on my back and let him fuck me until I get pregnant.”

“I’m not like you.”

“Clearly.”

“You don’t love him? Not even a little bit?”

“I love his money, and that’s good enough for both of us. You can find a lover after you’ve given him a few children. I’m sure he’ll look the other way.”

“Why don’t you have kids yet? It’s been five years.” I don’t ask her to needle her. I’m genuinely curious.

“The fertility specialist I went to said he probably has a low sperm count. My eggs are fine. His nuts aren’t.”

“You’re so crass when you’re not in public.”

“Whatever.” She waves away my comment.“We just got a new pool boy who looks similar enough to Xavier that if he gets me pregnant, Xavier will think it’s his.”

“You’d take that risk with all the DNA testing available?”

“Xavier’s not a complete idiot. He’d probably suspect something. But he’d be so happy about finally having a child that I’m sure he’d look the other way.”

“Or kill you. Lacy, that’s a crazy plan. Why don’t you just bring him to the fertility doctor?”

“And insult his manhood? Never. He may not be the most attractive man, but he treats me well and I know my place. Everything will work out just fine. You’ll see.”

“We should get back,” I say.

To her credit, Lacy opens all the stall doors to make sure no one was in the bathroom with us. They’re all empty.

“Keep this to yourself,” she says.

“Of course.”

“I’m glad I can count on you, sis.”

As we return to the table, Justin stands to pull out my chair. At least he’s a gentleman in front of my father. Sometimes when we’re alone, he gets far too handsy. Father never sees that side of him, but it’s there, simmering just under the surface.

“Are you feeling okay?” Xavier asks Lacy.

“Just a bit flushed.”