The Sister Between Them

Chapter 46

Two weeks later

Dani sat in the lounge chair outside, enjoying the warm air on her face. Rocco had Gavin for the weekend, and Alyssa was out shopping, so she had the house to herself.

She'd just hung up with Kevin and was glad he was doing well in his new place. He said it was more of a sober house than a rehab center, and he liked that. He said it felt like a family, and Marc felt like a big brother. Marc was surprisingly Rebecca's ex; apparently, they were still friendly.

She'd settled into her new normal here pretty fast, but being here without Rocco was weird. Gavin cried for him sometimes, usually at bath time. The house did feel so off without his presence in it.

Or maybe she just missed him, as much as she tried not to.

Alyssa was a lot better with her now. She still made her snappy and rude comments occasionally, but she was bearable.

She wasn't home a lot, which helped. Dani wasn't sure where she went all the time. It was easier when she wasn't around; she lost her patience too easily when it came to Gavin. She couldn't get over that kids make noise and messes and would snap and hurt his feelings.

The days with Gavin were full and very busy; she figured keeping Gavin's life full and creating good moments for him during all this would help in the long run. Each day she took her role in his life more seriously. She, like Jillian, saw her nephew in need and would fill in for him. It helped, too, that the busier she kept, the less she thought about Rocco.

At least during the day, nights were hard. She was either reliving that horrible confrontation in Dante's office or waking up from wonderful dreams about him that could never be. After that first awkward meeting, she made sure to avoid him during his pickups and drop-offs.

She heard Alyssa's car pulling up and got up to head inside. She grabbed a bottle of chilled water from the fridge and sat down.

"Hey, Dani!" Rebecca walked in first, with Alyssa behind her. They were both carrying shopping bags.

Rebecca was over a lot. Knowing what she did to Dante, Dani tried to dislike her. She really did, but she couldn't help but grow to like her over time, even though she could be gossipy and blunt. She was always kind to her and was good with Gavin as well.

"Wait till you see this." Alyssa set down a bag and pulled out a short glittery slip dress.

"Isn't it perfect?" Rebecca asked.

"It's shorter than anything I would wear, but it'll look great on you," Dani offered.

"No, little sister, we got this for you," Alyssa smirked, holding it against Dani's skin.

"With that tan? Dani, you're going to look so hot," Rebecca agreed.

"Me? I appreciate it, but..."

"Just try it on. Don't be a prude." Alyssa pushed it into her arms.

"Where would I even wear this?" Dani reluctantly slipped into the bathroom to try it on.

"We are taking you to the club tonight," Alyssa called from the other room as she changed.

"What club?" Dani frowned as she emerged from the bathroom.

Rebecca gasped, and Alyssa gave her a devilish smile.

"It's perfect." She murmured.

"Did you even look? Go look at yourself, Dani," Rebecca demanded.

She stepped back into the bathroom and almost gasped. She hadn't worn a dress in a long time. It was short and shiny, and it glittered in the light. The spaghetti straps complimented her arms, toned from her days swimming in the pool. It hung low on her chest, showing her cleavage in a sexy way. It was short, but instead of being tight, it had a flowing look that complimented her figure.