Kass threw the halter dress across the room and fell to the ground with a loud groan.
Why do I have nothing to wear?!
As a type of artist, it was almost mandatory that she had a variety of style, almost expected of her. London had great fashions but even while there she traveled for work to every corner of the world and was known by her co-workers for her notorious appetite for sales.
That was where she met Ripley, funnily enough. His brokerage was entertaining a local high-end client and his team was staying at the same hotel she was having her presentation. They met at the restaurant downstairs and decided to share a table when the hostess informed them that they only had one table left. It had been 2 years since and they were happy.
Kass looked at the blue sheath dress she was holding and internally screamed. She had a big meeting today. She was going to launch her new business, Galaxy Designs right there in Vancouver and every important or wealthy person she met was going to be there.
She blew out a puff of frustration. Hearing the sound of footsteps climbing the staircase, she flung herself backwards on the floor and draped her arm over her eyes.
"Dramatic much?"
"Batty, I have nothing to wear to this meeting. It's a big deal." Kass whined to her older brother.
"Tell that to your floor. You could open a warehouse with all the stuff you have," he snorted.
Kass removed her arm from her face and sat up, shooting him a glare. Bates grinned back at his little sister and strolled to her bed, taking a seat behind her. He sorted through the clothes that were strewn across her bed, making the occasional grimace or frown.
Bartholomew Adams, or Bates as he was mostly called, was the exact replica of their father. While the siblings shared his dark hair, Bates had his chocolate brown eyes, square jawline and dimples when he smiled. Kass favoured their mom, cloning her classic beauty and pouty lips.
Bates never wanted her to feel like she lacked them. After their death, he became a mother and father to her. He took her to school, her taekwondo class, her evenings out with friends, field trips. He cooked, did all the cleaning and laundry and took them out on trips a couple weekends a month. He immediately had taken over their dad's business. He was only in his early twenties at the time.
As if he knew what she was thinking, Bates tossed a skirt at her. "Don't wallow in the past. C'mon, I'll take you shopping before I head out. And you still have a couple hours."
Kass grinned. She did have the best big brother ever. "Going to see Beck?" She wiggled her eyebrows.
"Yah, but you're gonna have to hang out with Tules until I get back. I totally forgot she was coming today." Bates sighed. "Not like I see her enough as it is."
Tulika, or Tules as she preferred to be called, was Bates' daughter from a one night stand about 12 years ago. He met Genevieve at a party where they both got drunk and ended up in bed together.
Nev wasn't a hostile person and was adamant she could take care of the baby herself, but Bates wanted to help. He liked being a dad, and he loved his daughter immensely.
Kass rolled her eyes and stood up, stretching. "Well don't worry. I'll pick her up after my meeting. Just let Nev know I'm taking her."
"I'm texting her now," he had his phone out and was typing away. "Let's go."
-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-
The aquarium seemed like an odd place to relax, but that's how Kody felt as he wandered under the fishy tunnels. His companion that day was an enthusiastic 13 year old, the son of one of Radon's sisters. He was currently showing off to Kody all his knowledge of sea animals. It had him smiling in amusement.
