Chapter 2
That morning, hours before this phone call, I had closed a half-million-dollar contract with a luxury resort chain. My family had never asked how I afforded a two-bedroom condo in Manhattan, never asked why I traveled three weeks out of every month, never once asked what Stellar Events meant on the packages that occasionally arrived at their house addressed to me.
They had built a version of me that was easier to live with than the truth. Poor Lily. Useful Lily. The daughter who could cook.
My laptop was open on the bed beside the suitcase, and on the screen sat an email from Victoria Chen, CEO of Pinnacle Hospitality, the company I'd spent eighteen months courting. Looking forward to finally meeting you in person, Lily. I've followed Stellar Events for two years. Your reputation precedes you.
My mother was still talking. "Sarah wants this to go perfectly. Victoria Chen will be there. She could be valuable for Sarah's career."
My fingers tightened around the phone. The same Victoria Chen flying to Florida the next morning to sign a two-million-dollar contract with my company.
"I can't do it," I said.
Silence, then her voice sharpened. "What do you mean, you can't?"
"I have a business trip. I'm flying to Florida."
"Don't be ridiculous. What business could you possibly have?"
"An important meeting."
She laughed. Actually laughed. "Lily, stop being selfish. Your sister needs this."
"Sarah can hire a catering team."
"With what money? Do you know how expensive that is?"
The irony nearly took my breath away. "Yes," I said quietly. "I do."
"Family comes first."
"No," I said, and the words surprised even me. "Family comes first when you need something from me."
"How dare you?"
"When was the last time you asked about my life, Mom?"
"We know about your life. You're between jobs, living in that little apartment, doing your little cooking hobby."
May you like
"I'm a CEO."
Another laugh, crueler this time. "A CEO of what? Your imaginary company?"
