Chapter 36
With the two of them sorted, Stella dusted off her hands and tossed the rope e into a nearby basket.
“I’ll cover today’s expenses. The rest is up to you.”
Stella didn’t reply. Instead, she curled her hand into a fist and bumped it lightly against Alessia’s. They didn’t need words–their understanding man deep.
Aside from a handful of close friends, no one knew that Alessia was the true investor behind the bar. Outsiders all assumed it was just a little project her family had set up for her, a way to practice for when she’d eventually inherit the family fortune.
But Stella could swear on her life that the Laines hadn’t put a single cent into this place 8
It wasn’t that the Laines refused to help: Alessia was just stubborn. She wanted to prove–if only to herself–that she wasn’t some spoiled heiress who could only live off her family’s money. No one could control her destiny.
“We’re heading out Alessia said.
“Alright, see you when classes start.” Stella shot a quick glance at Liam trailing behind Alessia, understanding the siblings needed some time alone. She didn’t linger.
With a casual wave, the siblings stepped out of the bar. Neither spoke. Liam, guitar slung across his back, walked silently beside her, his face clouded as if weighed down by thoughts he couldn’t share.
They made it to the end of the alley before Liam finally stopped. “Tonight was my fault. I’ll pay you back for the damages.
“Want some ice cream?” Alessia cut him off, not waiting for a response before ducking into the convenience store across the street. The rest of Liam’s words died in his throat, and he could only follow her inside.
Alessia picked out her favorite flavor. At her prompting, Liam grabbed a cheap popsicle for himself. He paid without protest, while Alessia stepped outside to wait for him. Once he emerged, they set off together toward home &
Liam’s stride was long, and it took only a few steps for him to catch up and walk alongside her.
“I’ll transfer you the money for the ice cream later, he offered.
Liam frowned. Tm not that broke. Besides, it’s only right for a brother to buy his sister ice cream. Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Oh, sorry. I just figured you didn’t really see us as family.” Alessia’s tone was light, almost careless–a stark contrast to Liam’s bristling defensiveness. It was as if none of this mattered to her at all
Liam wasn’t stupid. He realized she was throwing his earlier offer to repay the damages right back at him. He pressed his lips together, suddenly uncomfortable
“I never said you weren’t family. And I caused the mess–it’s not your job to clean it up, is it?” He tried to reason with her, but Alessia was never one to play by the rules. She went by her own mood.!!
“So, should I transfer you the money, then?” She looked at him, all innocence, but Liam knew if she really did it, whatever fragile bond they had would probably snap for good.
Liam coughed, trying to cover his discomfort. “So… what were you doing at the bar his late, anyway?”
“I saw a post online about a new live singer they hired–apparently brought in a lot of customers. Stella wanted me to check it out.” “You and the owner go way back?”
Alessia nodded. “So now you’re playing gigs at night. What about during the day?”
“Just odd jobs, whatever I can pick up. I heard from Zachary about what’s been going on at home. Sorry you got caught up i
p in it.“!
“You guys are kind of funny, you know that?” Alessia’s words caught Liam off guard, He turned to look at her, but all he saw was her face scrunched up from the cold of her ice cream–so cute he couldn’t help but laugh.
Alessia shot him a glare, rubbing her brow and letting out a little hiss, clearly annoyed.
Liam pressed a hand to his mouth, trying to hide his smile, but the comers of his lips kept twitching up, no matter how hard he tried to suppressi
