TIFFIN 4

22

Despite the company needing me present, I dialed Cole's number against any better judgment. As expected he was ecstatic, hearing from me,  though it died at the reasoning. Apparently needing someone to watch over my own staff wasn't rousing enough, but he ended up agreeing anyway. Good. I needed to sort this out now. 

Thank God Emma watched little Eleanor whilst all this went down. So much drama unfolded over the past few years; sex scandals, incestuous matters, and kidnapping attempts. It just was too much when thrown into the mix of everyday habits. One day soon she would have a perfect life. Her family would see to it. 

Kylie had recently moved into an apartment with E so it took time to find it.  And what a sight it was; hiding amongst private trails and brush stood the most gorgeous humble abode with ceramic finish. Personally, it made me want to gag, but somehow fit them as a whole. 

My friend must have forgotten she'd even told the address because once I appeared, the usually flushed face turned chalk white. Oh. Definitely not the most positive response. Ignoring this, my feet pounded toward her. 

Ezekiel must have not been home; this was clear due to the fact he trailed his wife everywhere since the warehouse stint. Who could blame him? The entire scenario had been utter chaos. There was no way to erase those kinds of memories. 

"Kristina. Not sure this is the best time-" 

"No. We must talk now." 

Not bothering to fight me on this, she nodded, leading us around the back patio. There were several chairs and tables set for a perfect picnic. Keeping that in mind for another day, I continued speaking: 

"Hate dragging you into this drama again, Kylie, but I need to. Ellie and Annie broke into my office not too long ago." 

She nearly lost her footing upon dropping onto cheap upholstery. 

"Figured. They've been harassing my parents." 

Dear God. It's not like their old sorority sister held any value to them. Obviously, all bets were off the table when it came to decency.  Did the point about Hero need to come up yet? No. It could wait. But this...

"Seems like Ellie has quite the court case going on." 

Kylie's eyes widened in shock.

"Wait... What did she do?" 

Okay. So, maybe these friends hadn't been as close as one would think. 

"She didn't do anything; it's her father. Apparently, he spent years doing unspeakable acts to her. You had no idea?"

The black-haired beauty took a moment to process everything. It seemed so difficult for her. 

"No. Ellie never mentioned anything. Woman's always been so uppity and..." 

Kylie seemed lost for words, staring off into space. How close had these two been, versus any other partier in that college house? At the sight of tears, it became clear that close was an understatement. 

I sighed. 

"Know this is hard to hear, but that's the reason I came. Remember at Josephine's wedding when Hero brought up your hard life and issues? Think you can open up about it?"

It was as if the floodgates to hell opened; with a sharp cry, she shook uncontrollably, dropping like some ragdoll. Fuck. Quickly checking for her pulse, I gasped as realization hit:

Kylie was gone.