Free In My Sister's House by Donald Welch Page B

entered. She was on her cellphone and unaware that Storm was there. Although Storm didn’t turn around, the sound of her sister’s voice paralyzed her for a moment.
    “Okay, so you’re saying we should expect the delivery of the tablecloths
and
the matching chair covers by tomorrow morning? Okay, thanks, bye.” Skylar hung up her cell, relieved that at least one headache had been cured. She was startled by the silhouette of the woman whose back was to her, facing the Legends wall.
    “Hello, may I help you?” She couldn’t make out who the woman was because the limited lighting threw a shadowy edge over everything, but there was something eerily familiar about her posture. At that moment, Storm slowly turned around and stepped out of the shadows.
    “Storm?”
Skylar’s eyes widened in surprise as she whispered her sister’s name.
    “Hey, girl,” Storm answered. Neither one of them made a move or gesture toward the other. Their eyes locked and they both stood still for a few more moments. Skylar nervously broke the silence.
    “When did you …? How did you get here? Why didn’t you call me?”
    “Slow down, girl. Which of these questions am I supposed to answer first?” Storm managed an innocent smirk.
    “You look good, girl. You look good.” Skylar smiled.
    “I’m doing okay. Thanks,” Storm said.
    “Where are all your things?” Skylar looked around Storm.
    “Right over there.” Storm pointed to the table where she’d sat with Nettie earlier.
    “Oh.” Skylar saw the lone tan duffle bag on the floor by the table and wished she had not asked. Skylar stepped a little closer toward Storm, but not too close. Just close enough for her to get a good visual of her sister.
    Prison life had not been that kind to her. There was a hardness in her face and a sadness in her eyes that Skylar had never seen before. After a few more moments, Skylar informed her, “We have the guest room ready for you, and you’re welcome to use my car, you know, to help you get settled in and all.”
    “Thanks, Sky, but I’m fine. I already have a hookup for a spot to stay.”
    “Oh, okay, fine then.” Skylar wondered who the hookup was, but dared not ask. She really didn’t care.
    Storm could tell that Skylar was happy. That she was in a good place in her life. Success, a good man—everything appeared
perfect
in Skylar Morrison’s life, which was in direct contrast to what Storm’s own life was like, to what it had been like for the last three years.
    “Look like you’ve stayed in the gym, missy.” Storm gave her a once-over and smiled.
    “What?” Skylar said coyly. She knew damn well she looked good. She didn’t need Storm’s validation. Working out and eating right had been a longtime practice of hers.
    “Yeah, but it gets harder and harder to maintain, the older I get,” Skylar offered.
    “Don’t I know it. I mean, we are the same age, right?” Storm laughed, and the statement drew surprising laughter from Skylar as well. Changing the subject, Storm brought up the job situation.
    “Listen, I was wondering if you could spot me for a while. Youknow, like a little job around here until I get back on my feet? The last time I spoke to Sidney, he said that he was sure that something could be found to do around here. Did he speak to you about it?”
    “Yes, yes he did, and sure. Let me think on it. We can always use a little help around this place. Let me talk to Nettie. She’s more involved with the day-to-day operations around here,” Skylar said. “Have you seen her yet? I thought she was already here…”
    “She is, I saw her. When I came in she was over at the bar area fussing about something.” They both laughed.
    “Well, as you can see, much hasn’t changed. She’s still Nettie,” Skylar declared.
    “But that’s what we’ve always loved about her, right?” Storm’s voice lowered.
    “Yeah, you’re right about that,” Skylar agreed. “So what are your long-term plans?” Skylar asked,