Page 76 of Breadwinner

Sarah didn’t correct her, because she wasn’t wrong.

FOURTEEN

NELL

RULE #10: DON’T TAKE CONTROL; MAKE THEM WANT TO GIVE IT TO YOU.

Nell’s week was already spiraling by the time Rowan stepped into her study Wednesday evening.

“If you have more bad news, I don’t want to hear it.”

She stood from behind her computer before moving across the room to the antique liquor cabinet, pouring herself a drink. Bourbon—the exact brand she started keeping around solely because it was Sarah’s favorite.

“Depends on how you look at it.” Rowan looked at the decanter in her hand. “I’ll take one, too.”

Nell poured a second drink before handing the crystal tumbler over to her.

Nell narrowed her eyes at Rowan. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“How attached are you to the house in Whistler for this weekend?”

Nell had agonized over selecting the accommodations for her and Sarah’s weekend trip to Whistler. Conveniently located, secluded, and cozy, with a fireplace that’s truly impressive. It even came with a heated pool. This house was the linchpin to setting the exact tone she had in mind for their perfect weekend away.

“Very.” She glared at Rowan over the rim of her glass.

“That’s unfortunate,” Rowan said flatly, “because the property manager canceled the reservation. You got booked along with some Danish wellness-influencer couple. But don’t worry, I’ve already found you a backup chalet. You said you wanted ski-in, ski-out with a pool and a view. The first two are still intact. The view is... partial.”

Nell narrowed her eyes. “Is it at least agoodpartial?”

Rowan tilted her head in a way that said,Not really, but also,Please don’t make me lie to you.

“I can find you something else, but it’ll mean moving out of town and losing the private lift access.”

“Of course not. It’s fine.” She leaned against the edge of her desk and set her glass down. “It’s just...” She stopped herself, taking a moment to recalibrate. “...not what I had planned.”

She could feel Rowan’s eyes on her—calm and observant, and maddeningly perceptive—as she waited for Nell.

“Is this about the house, or the guest you’re taking with you?”

Nell picked up her drink and moved toward the window, leaving Rowan’s question unanswered as she peered out at the snow-covered lawn. A long sigh escaped her lips as she thought.

Her bad mood was partly due to the house—okay, fine, primarily because of the house—but she was also a big enough person to admit to herself that she had always struggled a little when things didn’t go according to plan. She had already mentally choreographed a very particular evening in her mind—one involving Sarah in very little clothing, in front of a cozy fire, begging for her touch. It wasn’t even the loss of the pool she’d imagined Sarah undressing next to, giving her that careful look that always asked,Is this how you like me?

It was her idea, her plan. The control she had overtheirperfect weekend. And now that was slipping through her fingers.

“I want the weekend to be nice for her,” Nell finally said.

“For Sarah?”

“Yes.” She exhaled, crossing her arms over her body, shifting her weight from one foot to the other.

Rowan’s lips parted, then curved into a restrained smirk she made no effort to hide, which only annoyed Nell more. She knew Rowan was reading her a little too well.

“You’ve taken several women to Whistler over the years, but I’ve never seen you spiral because the house didn’t come with heated floors.”

“I’m not spiraling,” she lied, her petulance giving her away.

Rowan smiled. “Okay.” She set her glass on the desk before turning to leave.