I was determined to stay strong and not let Tina weasel her way back into my affections. Enough was enough. I’d promised myself last time I’d never let her hurt me again. I sat on Benjamin’s right at the vast mahogany dining table, feeling out of place and uncomfortable. Mrs. Wicker had organised the menu and arranged for silver-service waiting staff to serve us. I wasn’t used to living like this, and the sudden change in my situation made me feel off-balance. My sister turning up out of the blue only made it worse. I fiddled with the linen napkin at my place setting. “What’s taking her so long?” I muttered. “I’m sure she’ll be here soon,” Benjamin said. I stared down at the silver cutlery. I’d better keep my eye on Tina tonight. I wouldn’t put it past her to slip some of the silverware in her purse. As the clock struck eight, Tina waltzed into the dining room. She had changed into a short, flame-red dress. She wore her hair loose, teased and back-combed. Her foundation was caked on to hide her bad skin, a legacy of her drug use.
