The Sister by Jensen Louise

Author:Jensen, Louise [Jensen, Louise]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Crime, Contemporary, Adult
ISBN: 9781786810014
Goodreads: 29920081
Publisher: Bookouture
Published: 2016-07-07T07:00:00+00:00

A tapping wakes me.

‘Grace?’ Anna pushes open the bedroom door. ‘I’ve brought you some vegetable soup. You missed lunch.’

I yawn, pick up my phone. It’s five o’clock.

‘Thanks.’ I pat my mouth. ‘How do I look?’

‘Back to normal. That’s lucky.’ Anna rests the tray on the bedside table. ‘Eat up. I made it especially for you. Then I’ll help you get ready.’

By the time I’ve mopped up the last of the soup with thick granary bread, Dan’s home. He explodes as I tell him about the mix-up at the cafe.

‘How the fuck did they get that wrong?’ He sits on the bed, clasps my hand.

‘It happens, I suppose. They’re only human.’

‘And you were clear it was only to be syrup in one of the drinks?’

‘I think so. Anna ordered.’

‘Did she?’ The muscle in his neck pulses. ‘I’ll talk to her.’

‘Please don’t. The atmosphere between you two is tense enough anyway.’ I rub my thumb over his knuckles. ‘I know it’s not easy, sharing our space, but I’m enjoying having her here. Anyway, everything’s fine: I’m fine, my dress is better than fine. I can’t wait for you to see me.’

The shower is hot and I shave my legs before exfoliating my body. My skin is pink as I sit wrapped in a towel at my dressing table, painting my nails my favourite cherry red, while Anna dries and straightens my hair. We’re talking about perfume. I tell her how obsessed Charlie used to be with Lexie’s Impulse body spray and how I can’t stomach the smell any more. But then, without warning, my stomach spasms and I lurch forward. Nail varnish streaks down my finger and spots of red drip from the brush to the carpet. I straighten, but my belly clenches again and there’s a movement in my bowels. I spring up and sprint for the bathroom, making it to the toilet just in time.

‘Grace?’ Anna knocks on the door.

‘I’m not well.’ It’s an odd combination, shivering and sweating, and I stretch towards the sink and wring out a flannel with cool water, place it on the back of my neck.

‘I’ll get Dan.’

I groan as another wave of pain engulfs me. I lean forward with my elbows on my thighs, careful to avoid the bruise from my EpiPen. This is probably my body’s way of expelling the excess adrenaline.

‘Babe?’

‘I’m sick, Dan.’

‘What can I do? We need to go soon.’

‘I don’t think I’m going anywhere. Sorry.’

I rest my cheek against the cool tiles and think of my beautiful dresses. I never did decide which one to wear.

It’s thirty minutes before my stomach begins to unknot and I’m feeling brave enough to leave the sanctuary of the toilet. My legs are weak and I grip the banister tightly as I head towards the sound of raised voices.

Anna and Dan are in the kitchen. Anna is stunning in her red dress. Her hair is in a chignon with tendrils whispering against her face.

‘What’s going on?’

‘Grace.’ Anna blushes. ‘I thought Dan might like some company tonight; gives me a chance to wear this dress.

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