Page 109 of Igniting Sparks

Iduck inside Ori and Ash’s apartment, tucking myself into a far corner, as if that might shield me from the news I’m about to receive.

I’m not sure why I bother answering Vanessa’s call. I already know what news my cousin has to tell me, since she never calls me otherwise.

But ignoring it won’t change the outcome.

“Hi, Vanessa.” My voice emerges strong, in total opposition to the snakes coiling in my belly.

“Did you hear the good news?”

Seems she’s not bothering with pleasantries today.

“Considering no one in the family ever calls me, how would I know?”

“Is that a no?”

“Just tell me,” I hiss into the phone.

Enough with the bravado, Vanessa. Rip off the damn bandage already.

“Bitsy handed me the keys to the Evelyn Court Dance Atelier today. Said I was the perfect person for the job.”

What a load of horseshit.

I pace the length of the room, then stop. Turn. Pace back.

Going nowhere fast—much like my life.

“Mina? Are you there?” Vanessa snaps into the phone.

“I am.”

“Don’t you have anything to say?”

What is it with this woman? She reminds me of Aunt Bitsy, getting off on pushing other people’s buttons.

Then it hits me—sheisexactly like Aunt Bitsy. And I’m nothing like either of them.

I can’t be surprised at this turn of events. This was the only acceptable outcome. Me, walking away empty-handed, the same way I did after my injury.

All this work, and what did it get me?

“You know what, Vanessa? Bitsy is right. Youarethe right person to take over her studio.”

And I hope you run it into the ground with your penchant for loose men and nose candy.

Vanessa is silent on the other end of the phone, no doubt disappointed by my words. She was banking on a much stronger reaction—whether it be anger or tears—but I won’t give the Farnsworth family either of those right now. Instead, I’ll shower them with quiet disregard and stoicism.

I can fall the fuck apart later.

First, I need to end this call and get a drink.

Abigone.

“Well, congratulations to you,” I reply, forcing my voice to sound sunny and upbeat. “You must let me know about the grand reopening.”

“It’s going to be fabulous, although I don’t think you should expect an invitation. Aunt Bitsy is furious with you.”

“Because I wouldn’t let her control me. Remember this, Vanessa—Bitsy only approves of you because you’re doing her bidding. If you step out of line, she’ll end you. She doesn’t love you. She only loves herself.”