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should have.”
    â€œHi, Lexi,” Jason said from behind me.
    Lexi responded, “Thanks for driving him home.”
    â€œNo problem. You know I always got his back.”
    â€œSo you say,” I thought I heard Lexi say but wasn’t sure.
    I felt the room spinning. I held my head.
    â€œDo you need any help?” Jason asked.
    Lexi responded for me. “I got it from here. Just make sure you lock the door on your way out.”
    I heard the front door close as Lexi led me up the stairs and to the bathroom.
    â€œBaby, you need to control your drinking.” Lexi assisted me intaking off my clothes. “It’s becoming a problem if Jason has to drive you home.”
    â€œJust a one-time thing. We were celebrating. I feel confident after our interview that business is going to pick up. I can just feel it.”
    Lexi turned on the shower. “I’m surprised you can feel anything. Come on, let’s finish getting you out of those clothes.”
    I did as instructed. I stepped in the shower. The hot water felt good hitting my body. “It’s no fun being in here alone.”
    â€œThe things I do for love.” Lexi removed her clothes and hopped in the shower with me.
    I closed my eyes as she took the towel and washed my back. I loved this woman with every pore in my body. We’d been through several rough patches in our marriage, but we’d overcome them. I would do anything to protect my marriage. Nothing and no one would come in between us.
    Two hours later, we cuddled up in bed together. I may have been a little drunk, but I could still take care of my business. Lexi was lying in my arms sleeping hard and snoring loud.
    I gently brushed my hand to move the hair from her eyes. She shifted but remained sleep. I kissed her. “I love you, baby.”
    I squeezed her tight and drifted off into my own dream world.

CHAPTER 18
Charity
    I f business kept picking up like this, I would have to give my mom a commission check. My phone had been ringing off the hook ever since she mentioned the name of my business during our interview. Good thing I had the foresight to put up a website and Facebook page. I checked the calendar on my iPad. I was booked for the next few months.
    My first event was coming up soon. I needed to figure out which companies I wanted to partner with. I was not only looking for the best price, but for companies who prided themselves on providing good services. My reputation would be on the line. I could not fail. The success of my business depended on word of mouth.
    I knocked on Hope’s door. “Come in,” she responded.
    She was lying across her bed, looking up at the ceiling.
    â€œSo, do you have your half of the mortgage and the bills for the month?” I asked.
    She got up off the bed, went to her purse, and counted out several hundred dollars. “Satisfied?”
    â€œWhere did you get this?” I placed the money in my bra.
    â€œYou should be happy that I have it to give you. That way you won’t have to complain to dear ol’ Mom about how you’re taking care of your baby sister.”
    Hope plopped down on her bed.
    â€œI’m just concerned about you. You’re rarely at home these days,and contrary to what you may think I do care about you. I love you. You’re my sister.”
    â€œWe would get along a whole lot better if you didn’t always try to control me. I have one mother. I don’t need two.”
    â€œI take my role as the oldest very seriously. I’m only trying to teach you responsibility.”
    Hope laughed. “Please. You’re just as spoiled as I am. When was the last time you had a real job?”
    I remained silent. I refused to let Hope spoil my good mood.
    Hope continued with her rant. “Exactly, so get off your soapbox, Sis.”
    I sighed. “The difference between you and me is that I don’t mind working. No, up until now, I never had a real job but