A Dangerous Union

Lucy had just about had it with Sandy. Her younger sister sure did have a way of getting under her skin. Truth be told, all her siblings possessed that quality. Even her parents weren’t immune. The McAllister clan—beyond rich, famous, and owners of one of the world’s top wineries—could drive anyone insane. And right now, Sandy was sitting across from her, whining about how annoying it was that Jeff, her boyfriend, had to work and couldn’t accompany her on an impromptu midweek getaway to Milan. Never mind the fact that the guy had just graduated, just started a new job… and that it was the middle of the week. Regular people didn’t just hop onto a private jet across the ocean on a whim to “recharge and recalibrate.” Heaven forbid the poor guy actually have responsibilities. That was Lucy’s biggest issue with her family: their utter lack of empathy for anyone less privileged than themselves. “I’m going to break up with him,” Sandy droned on, oblivious to Lucy’s mounting irritation. “This relationship just isn’t working for me anymore. I mean, what’s the point of having a boyfriend if he never does anything with me? If he doesn’t have to study… he has to work…” Lucy rolled her eyes. Yep, being hardworking, dedicated, and disciplined—how terrible. She bit her tongue before speaking the words aloud. Instead, she said, calm as a cucumber, “Don’t you think that’s a bit harsh?” Sandy stared at her, affronted. “I knew you wouldn’t get it. You never do. I don’t know why I even bother talking to you.” You and me both, Lucy thought nastily, outwardly shrugging with casual indifference. She turned her gaze to the large French doors, silently wishing everyone would just arrive so this ordeal could end. Their mother had called them together for some discussion, and Lucy already knew exactly what it was: the annual High Tea at the Emerald Country Club. Her thoughts were interrupted by the soft clicking of pencil-heel stilettos announcing the arrival of her mother and elder sister Jamie. Lucy rose from the couch, moving carefully in her mid-high-heeled pumps—the limit of her tolerance for uncomfortable shoes. She greeted her mother with a soft peck on the cheek, then did the same for Jamie. Both women were impeccably dressed, flawless makeup, not a hair out of place. Lucy instinctively ran her fingers over her own hair, bracing for the scrutiny that was inevitably coming. She had endured it all her life—why would today be any different? Her mother’s half-smile and tilted head caught her off guard. “You look lovely, dear,” she said stiffly before giving Lucy a peck on the cheek. What…? Lucy thought, stunned. Her mother—complimenting her? She quickly closed her mouth before it could gape any wider, just as Sandy brushed past to greet their mother. Lucy squared her shoulders, putting her guard up. She didn’t trust this sudden warmth. She felt Jamie’s eyes on her and met them; Jamie instantly looked away. Something was definitely up. Everyone took their seats, and their mother waited for Betsy, the maid serving coffee, to leave the room before speaking. “Ladies, I know you all know why we’re here today.” Her tone was formal, almost corporate. Lucy felt detached from the room, as if she were sitting in a boardroom rather than among family. It was nauseating. “The Annual Emerald High Tea invitations have arrived, and I need you ladies to clear your schedules for it.” Emily McAllister’s gaze lingered on Lucy, as if she were the only one being addressed. Lucy wanted to roll her eyes, but restrained herself. A whole family meeting just to tell me to attend a high tea? “Of course, Mother,” she replied slowly, forcing a polite smile. Sandy, delighted, eagerly asked about the date. Jamie, on the other hand, seemed distant, more than usual. “It will be in two weeks,” Emily continued. “On the 29th of August. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the High Tea and coincides with the Mont Trevoir Ball, which will be on the same day. Lady Dubois will be in attendance, so it must be an extra elegant affair. That is why I have volunteered you three to help with the final arrangements.” Again, her eyes pointedly fell on Lucy. Jamie spoke first. “Of course, we would be more than willing to help, Mother. It is an auspicious occasion.” “Yes, we will help,” Sandy added cheerfully. All eyes turned to Lucy. What do you expect me to say? she thought. It wasn’t like she had a choice. She forced a stiff smile and gave a slight nod of agreement. “Lucy, this is very important, darling. The influence of the Dubois could have far-reaching implications for the business. We all must play our part.” Darling? Her mother hadn’t called her that since she was five. Lucy felt her suspicion deepen—first the compliment, now this. Something was definitely going on. “Did you hear what I said?” her mother asked. “Yes, Mother,” Lucy replied quickly. Emily continued, detailing scheduled meetings with designers, distinguished guests, and various planning committees. Lucy’s mind began to drift; she had long since perfected the art of zoning out during such monologues. Designers coming to dress her… one luxurious, tedious event after another. But she had endured it all before, and she would endure it a little longer. One more semester, then freedom: a new country, a new life, away from the McAllister name and its suffocating obligations. It’s always about obligation and reputation, she thought. You can’t wear that, behave like that, eat like that, or be seen with that kind of people. That is unbecoming of a McAllister. “You haven’t heard a word I’ve said, have you?” Emily’s voice snapped her back to attention. “Of course I have, Mother.” Emily shook her head in disapproval, then turned to Jamie and Sandy. “Give me a minute with Lucy.” Dammit, Lucy thought as she watched her sisters leave. She made brief eye contact with Jamie, who looked at her with unexpected empathy before dropping her gaze. It unsettled Lucy completely. What is going on with Jamie?