Read Online Various States of Undress: Virginia by Laura Simcox - Free Book Online

rested her forehead in her palm and stared at it. Okay, there was no way she could enjoy virtual shopping until she dealt with the rest of her life, but the one person who would completely understand what she was even contemplating—which was dumping Owlton altogether—was Carolina, who was probably still asleep. It was ten in the morning in New York, so that meant nine Central, eight Mountain . . . was Arizona in Mountain time or Pacific? Either way, it wasn’t obscenely early, was it? Screw it. She needed her sister.
    Grabbing her phone, she texted her. Hey. So sorry if I wake u, but can u talk?
    Ten seconds later, Carolina texted back. If you’re up at this hour, something’s wrong. Gimme ten mins .
    Virginia tiptoed into the living room to close the door to the extra bedroom, where Stacey lay sprawled on the bed, snoring. Stacey was great company, but she tended to be overly enthusiastic about everything, including sleeping. After making coffee, Virginia grabbed a cup and closed her own bedroom door to settle in for a Skype session. When Carolina’s worried face appeared on the screen, Virginia bit back a sigh and waved at her petite, younger sister.
    â€œHey, Care Bear. Where’s Jake?”
    â€œStill asleep. You know I hate being called—”
    Virginia laughed. “I know. Like my Secret Service code name is any better.”
    â€œWhat’s wrong with Candy Cane?” Carolina grinned. “It’s fun and playful.”
    â€œDescribes me to a T, all right,” Virginia said in a dry tone. “So how is your husband?”
    â€œHe’s great.” Carolina’s lips curved into a secretive smile.
    â€œMm-hm. I’ll bet he is. In more ways than one.”
    â€œOkay, Virginia. Quit stalling. Are you awake enough to tell me what’s wrong?”
    Virginia bought time by taking a few sips of her coffee. There was no easy way to say it, though, was there? So she rolled her eyes and let out a breath. “Okay. You know that my boss died recently, right?”
    Carolina nodded, the frown back in place. “Yeah. I’m so sorry.”
    â€œMe too. I really didn’t know him that well, but he led a long, full life. He was a nice person.” She paused. “Too nice.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œHe left me everything. His apartment—which I haven’t even gone to see yet. His cat—which I’ve already seen way too much of. And his business—which I have no clue how to run and am thinking about dissolving.” She finished with a grimace on her face. “So . . . what do you think about all that?”
    Carolina whistled. “Uh, I don’t know. What would make you happy?”
    â€œWhat would make me happy?” Virginia let out a bitter laugh. “Not to have inherited any of it.”
    â€œAnd if you hadn’t, what would you be doing?” Carolina raised her eyebrows. “Take a minute to think about it, but don’t you dare call me a bitch.”
    Virginia didn’t need a minute. She knew exactly what she’d be doing—partying like it was her job, avoiding everything that didn’t have to do with having a good time. Carolina knew it too. “I don’t want to be me anymore, Carolina.”
    â€œThere’s nothing wrong with you.”
    â€œYes, there is.”
    Carolina sighed heavily. “No, there’s not. You’re an amazing person who has the disadvantage of living in a fish bowl. Figure out what’s going to make you happy, and do it. It’ll probably suck along the way, but believe me, it’s worth it.”
    â€œI was hoping you’d say that. Well, not the part about it sucking. That I could do without.”
    â€œSorry, sis. All I can tell you is what I know from experience—and don’t try to hide from Mom and Dad.” She wrinkled her nose. “Oh, and give the White House communications office plenty of