Page 132 of Second Sets Omnibus

“I'm working on it and have been for a year. I'm on track to get my associates in December through the quick pace program.” Tears form in my eyes, and I sniffle. “Thank you for tracking me down and giving me this. I don't want his money, but…” I shake my head, roll my lips together and gather my emotions.

“By the looks of it, you need it. We had no idea that he saved it for you all these years. So, take the money and come start your new life in East Point Bluff with us,” Zeppelin says, putting a hand on my shoulder and squeezing.

“I'll need maybe two weeks to get everything squared away here,” I say, meeting Zepp's eyes, and he nods.

“Of course,” he says with a slight grin. “I have a good feeling about you, River.”

I snort, wiping away the stupid hormonal tears dripping out of my eyes. “Thanks for taking a chance on me.”

“Eh, what's a long, lost, forgotten family for? We couldn't help you when we were kids, but we sure as fuck can help you now. Pack your bags, little sister. We're going to California.”

California. All my dreams are coming true in the blink of an eye.

“To California,” I mumble with an excited grin.

“But first, maybe sign the papers, and we can get all this wired into a secure bank account for you. That'll help with the move…”

And so much more than they even knew. That night, my brothers left on a private jet, needing to get back to their pregnant wife, leaving me to stew in my newly found fortune.

The next day, as soon as the money was within my grasp, I did what I always wanted to do. I paid off Booker's mortgage,the loan on the bar, and the record store. The man who took so many chances on me now lives a debt-free life and can focus on the greater things. Every cent of Korrine’s, Odette’s, and Leon’s debt was erased with the money I paid for them to move into a beautiful new house with zero bills. From here on out, I’ll pay their monthly expenses and let them live the life they deserve. They’ve been through everything with me and have been by my side for all of it, never turning their backs.

Over the next two weeks, I helped Booker rent the apartment above the record store to a new worker down on her luck. She was a great fit and took over my position. Leon managed to snag the manager title at the bar and quickly took over my duties easily.

Finally, the day came when I have to say my goodbyes. Odette cries the entire time we say our goodbyes in the empty airplane hangar, hugging for what seems like an eternity. My rock. My best fucking friend. And I was about to say goodbye to it all. Well, not goodbye, goodbye. But I hadn’t lived more than ten feet away from her for the last twelve years, and now, I was headed to a different coast by myself.

“I'll call every day,” I murmur, hugging her tight.

“And my niece!” she wails, sprinkling her tears on my shoulder. “I'll miss her birth…”

“I'll fly you out. I want you there if you want to be,” I say with emotions clogging my throat.

Odette chuckles, pulling back to cup my face. “You're a rich bitch now. I'll fly you out?” She snorts when I crack a smile.

“You're my sister,” I murmur, patting her hand. “I'll miss the hell out of you,” I grunt when she throws her arms around me again.

“You make them pay,” she sniffles on my shoulder. “Make them regret ever fucking around with you, okay?”

“Believe me, Ode. By the time I'm done with Whispered Words, they won't know their ass from their elbows. Anyway, I know how. I'll fucking destroy them,” I vow, formulating the long game I'll have to play to get at them.

By now, they're living their rock star dreams under the spotlight with their adoring fans at their feet. But my time will come, and they'll be under my heel, and I'll squish them like the little bugs they are.

“You ready?” Zepp asks, nodding toward the private fucking jet they brought to pick me up in.

“Yeah,” I say, wiping my tears. “It's time for me to go,” I whisper, squeezing Ode's hand one last time before getting on the jet. “Thanks for coming and getting me. The stupid airlines wouldn't let me travel,” I grumble, putting my seatbelt over my belly.

“What's ours is yours now,” Seger says, shrugging when he gets comfortable.

“So, are you ever going to tell us exactly what this band did to you?” Zepp asks, sitting back as the plane moves down the runway.

I shrug, staring out the window. “One day,” I murmur, watching as the cornfields stretch in for miles and miles, and I settle back in my seat.

Five Years Later

“Hey!I’m on my way, I swear,” I breathe into the phone, shoving my foot into my heel, instantly regretting the uncomfortable shoe.

But you know what? These heels make my legs and ass look amazing. And I’m all for feeling a little more confident in my skin these days. Ever since my baby girl graced me with her sassy appearance, my body has massively changed from the nineteen-year-old girl I was before. I’m a full woman now, blessed with wider hips, stretch marks, and a baby pooch that will never leave, no matter how many sit-ups I do. Whatever. I’m still me and damn proud of who I am.

“Uh-huh,” Seger snorts into the phone. “Just, uh, meet us in the main office, okay? We have something we want to talk to you about.” I raise a brow at his serious tone and peek out the window to the mansion across the street, biting my bottom lip.