Sisters by Choice (Blackberry Island #4)(115)

“I’m sure she wants to get as much money for the house as she can.”

Amber glared at her. “Of course she does and she wants me to do the work. That is just like her. First, she throws me out of the only home I’ve ever known and now she expects me to suffer for it. Because being homeless isn’t enough. I did so much for her, taking care of the house. She was supposed to leave it to me, but now I’ll have nothing. And what about Heather? Where is my precious baby girl going to go? I’ve worked so hard for her and it’s all for nothing.”

Sophie listened to the diatribe and wondered how much of it Amber actually believed. Did she know it was crap or did the act of speaking it make it true?

Amber ranted as Sophie drove across the island, but quieted when Sophie pulled into the parking lot of a condo complex.

The U-shaped building was four stories high, on the southeast side of the island. There was a beautiful courtyard, a small private beach and assigned parking. Sophie had swallowed hard at the price, but knew it was for the greater good. Later she would throw a couple of pillows against the wall and drink wine, but for right now, she was going to solve a problem.

Amber’s expression turned smug. “You’re renting me an apartment. I knew you would come through, Sophie. This is really great. Heather and I need a place to stay and this looks nice enough. Only I didn’t see the complex on any of my searches. Did the apartment just become available?”

“Something like that.”

They went into the spacious lobby and took the elevator to the fourth floor. At the end of the hallway, Sophie unlocked the door and motioned for Amber to go inside.

The condo was a corner unit with a view of the Sound and the mainland beyond. There were hardwood floors throughout and a gas fireplace in the corner. A wall-mounted TV sat above it, the remotes nestled together on the mantel. The modern kitchen had a big refrigerator and gas cooktop. There was a small half bath and a good-size laundry room.

When Amber started toward the bedroom, Sophie stopped her.

“We have to talk,” she said.

Amber stared at her, more wary than intrigued.

“This isn’t a rental, Amber. It’s a condo and I bought it. If you agree to my terms, I’ll sign the deed over to you and you’ll own this place for the rest of your life.”

Amber’s eyes widened but she didn’t speak.

“I will also pay the HOAs, insurance and taxes for the first year. After that, you’re on your own.”

Amber smiled. “Sophie, that’s wonderful. Thank you. I knew you’d come through.”

“I’m not done. Have you talked to Heather lately?”

Amber’s smile faded. “What does she have to do with anything?”

“I’ll take that as a no.” Sophie braced herself for what she was sure was going to be a colossal explosion. “Heather’s been accepted at USC, down in Los Angeles. She’s leaving in a few days.”

“What? She’s leaving? What do you mean she’s leaving?” Unexpected tears filled Amber’s eyes as her voice dropped. “But she never said anything. She didn’t tell me. I’m her mother.”

“You’re not exactly speaking right now. You threw her out.”

“No, I didn’t. You’re being ridiculous.” She pressed her lips together. “I can’t believe she’s going away. My baby girl.”

The tears slipped down her cheeks. Sophie thought maybe she should have revised the order of things she wanted to say because the next one just got a whole lot harder.

“You’re fired.”

Amber’s mouth dropped open. “What did you say?”

“You’re fired. We talked about your stealing before and you swore you wouldn’t do it again. You’ve been taking inventory and selling it on eBay.”

“You can’t know that.”

Sophie didn’t say anything.

“Heather!” Amber screamed the name. “She told you, didn’t she? I can’t believe how she betrayed me. I’m going to—”

“No.” Sophie’s voice was firm. “Now we come to the terms of the condo.”

Her cousin glared at her. “You mean I have to do what you say or you won’t give me this?”

“Yes. That’s exactly what I mean. I gave you fair warning on the stealing, Amber. So let this remind you that I keep my word. The terms are simple. You will resign from CK Industries first thing in the morning. Being a generous employer, I will cover your health insurance for the next six months and give you one month’s pay. I also won’t press charges. This is only because you’re family.”

Amber crossed her arms over her chest. Rage oozed from her, but she didn’t speak. Sophie figured that was probably for the best.

“The next time you see your daughter, you will congratulate her on her college acceptance. You will be friendly and supportive. You will talk about how excited you are about the condo and say you were never a good fit for CK. If you make her feel bad about telling me what you were doing, I will put the condo on the market and you will be on your own. If you aren’t thrilled for her college opportunity, I will put the condo on the market. However, if you get through that one conversation without being a total bitch, then I will sign the deed over to you and hand you the keys.”