Chapter 40

Valerian had never seen Calliope like this before. In his eyes, Calliope was always a bit of a mess, someone who couldn’t hold down a decent job or fit in anywhere. But here she was, laughing and chatting like she belonged, effortlessly blending into Norton’s circle of friends.

Valerian took another sip of his beer, trying to ignore the nagging feeling in his gut. Lisette noticed his attention was fixed on Calliope and felt a twinge of unease herself. “Hey, Valerian, try the grilled cheese,” she nudged, hoping to divert his focus.

He took a bite, but the laughter from across the room drew his gaze back to Calliope. A buddy elbowed him playfully. “Didn’t you say your sister was a wallflower? She seems like a riot! And she can hold her drink, too. She’s been here five minutes and already she’s part of the gang.”

Valerian frowned, his mood souring. He watched as Calliope mingled, eating and drinking without a care in the world. She seemed unaffected by the alcohol, joining in their games with an easygoing charm that kept everyone in high spirits.

As the evening wound down, Calliope offered to pick up the tab. Some of the group protested, insisting she shouldn’t pay, but she waved them off with a smile and said they’d cover it next time.

After settling the bill, Calliope didn’t even glance Valerian’s way as she left, still chatting and laughing with Norton’s friends. Valerian couldn’t take it anymore. He stood abruptly and strode over to her.

“Wait up. We need to talk.”

Despite his mixed feelings about her, she was still his sister, and he couldn’t just ignore her. Calliope glanced at him coolly. “I’ve got nothing to say to you.”

“But I’ve got something to say to you,” Valerian persisted.

Calliope sighed and waved off her friends. “You guys go on ahead. I’ll catch up later.”

They didn’t argue, but Norton lingered, hands in his pockets, casting a sidelong glance at Valerian. “Hey, bro, you head back. I’ll catch up with you after I talk to him,” Calliope said, nodding at Norton. “Oh, by the way, our eldest and third brothers should be coming in a few days, right? I’d like to have dinner with them.”

“Sure thing,” Norton nodded. “Call me if you need anything. I’ll be around.”

“Got it.”

Once Norton left, Valerian pulled Calliope aside. “How much did you just drop on that bill? With all those drinks and everything, it costs thousands of dollars, right? Where are you getting that kind of money? Calliope, you’re not using Silas’s money, are you? Don’t forget who Silas is. Even if he’s playing along with your charade, you shouldn’t be wasting his money. You don’t want to get on his bad side.”

Valerian’s eyes narrowed, scrutinizing her. “And what about the drinking? What are you thinking?”

“What’s it to you?” Calliope laughed lightly. “Did I spend your money? Drink your beer? Seems like I didn’t take a dime from you, did I?”