Chapter 18
“What? Xavier came to see you this morning?”
Loretta had brought it up like it was nothing, but the moment Genevieve heard the news, she practically exploded, like water boiling over
on the stove./
Seeing how worked up she was, Loretta quickly pulled her down into a seat, pressed a glass of juice into her hands, and tried to calm her down.
“It was just about work, honestly. Nothing serious. You don’t need to make such a fuss over it.”
Genevieve took a long, angry gulp of orange juice, still holding onto a grudge from three years ago. Her voice brimmed with righteous indignation.
“He’s got the nerve to face you after everything he’s done? Please. If we weren’t related by blood, I’d have rounded up a few people to teach him a lesson a long time ago. I’ve warned him more times than I can count, but clearly he never listens. That’s it–I’m going to find him tomorrow. Loretta, don’t worry, I won’t let him bother you again.”
Loretta knew she meant well.
But Xavier was still her brother, and Loretta didn’t want Genevieve to fall out with her family on her account. So she spoke gently, trying to soothe her.
“Genevieve, really–I’m over what happened. You don’t need to worry anymore. From now on, he’s just my best friend’s brother to me. Nothing more.“/
Genevieve stared at her, searching her face. When she saw how relaxed Loretta looked, she finally believed she meant it.”
“Brother, my foot. I don’t have a brother like that. From now on, just treat him like any other familiar stranger. Keep your distance. And if he keeps pestering you, let me know. I’ll set him straight.”
Loretta couldn’t help but feel a warm rush inside at Genevieve’s fierce loyalty. She pulled her into a hug.
“Alright, alright, you’re the boss. I’ll do exactly as you say!”
That finally seemed to satisfy Genevieve, who started feeding her pieces of fruit./
As Loretta ate, Genevieve suddenly remembered something and leaned forward, curiosity piqued.
“So, he came to talk about work? What kind of work?”
“He invited me to join the third season of *Celestial Harmonies* as a regular guest.”
At that, Genevieve remembered her own family was actually the main investor in that show.
She frowned, hesitating before she spoke.
“Yeah, Xavier really pushed to invest in that program. It’s been a huge hit in the country these past two years. And now he’s giving you one of the four regular spots? What’s his angle?”
Loretta had wondered about that too.”
But honestly, whatever his motives, landing a spot on such a high–profile show was a huge opportunity for someone new on the scene like her.%
So she didn’t see the point in overthinking it.”
“Who cares? The network’s got my back anyway–nothing’s going to go wrong, I just worry that people will think I only got the job because of my connections, you know?”
“With me around? Not a chance. Loretta, leave the online rumors to me. If anyone dares call you a ‘favor hire,‘ I’ll just get a custom music show made for you. Let’s see them talk after that.”
Seeing Genevieve so determined, Loretta finally relaxed, and joined in the joke.%
“A solo show? Who’d watch that? Why don’t you invite some big–name artists from your circle to guest star–give people something to talk about. Otherwise, won’t it just look like you’re trying too hard to prop me up?“%
“Please, with our friendship, I’ll prop you up as much as I want. Let them say whatever they want!“?
The two women bounced off one another, laughing and teasing, completely at ease,
They talked until the sky began to lighten, and only then did Genevieve start to feel sleepy.”
Loretta tucked her in and turned off the lights.%
Listening to the soft, even breathing beside her, Loretta smiled quietly to herself.
Everything was different now%
But she and Genevieve thankfully were still the same as ever
