Page 14 of If the Shoe Fits

"Of course not." She looked at me, the tears having left her eyes red rimmed, but despite that, there was a determined glint in her eye. "Why would I want someone I'd never met before?"

Why indeed. I pushed thoughts of Leo to the side. I didn't need that distraction right now.

"You shouldn't," I responded. "Following your heart is the main thing."

She laughed bitterly. "That's easy for you to say. I wish I was more like you."

It was my turn for bitterness to seep into a laugh. "You don't want to be me, Rita. I'm dependent on someone who loathes my very existence."

"Loathing is better than just being a tool for her."

I didn't know what to say to that, so stayed silent.

"Besides, I do want what you have. You still have a talent. A future. Hopes and dreams."

"You have those too," I pointed out. She was only five years younger than me, I didn't want her giving up on her dreams quite yet.

"No, Sadie, I don't. Mum's spent it all. I have nothing. We get by on favours and credit."

Cold dread flowed through my veins.

"What do you mean?"

"Exactly that. We have no money, as a household."

"Shit."

"Yes. She's hoping you forfeit your trust fund and..."

"Wait, forfeit my trust fund?"

"Yes. If you behave badly and bring dishonour or something. I'm not sure, I overheard her talking to a lawyer about it. Personally, I don't see how you could short of being caught with an unsuitable man..."

Like at a wedding? Shit. I could be in big trouble.

Neither of us said anything, both of us completely lost in our own thoughts.

"Did you have fun tonight?" she blurted.

"Yes. Thank you for not telling anyone I was there."

"Of course. I've never wanted to be your enemy, Sadie. No matter what Mum wants." There was something lurking beneath her words. An intelligence I hadn't ever appreciated her having. Which was cruel of me. I'd never made the effort to get to know her. Making a fair judgement wasn't something I was capable of doing.

"I don't want to be yours either."

"Friends?" She held out her hand and I took it, giving it a firm shake. An odd gesture, perhaps, but somehow it seemed suitable.

"Friends," I confirmed.

A sad smile spread over her face. "Thank you, Sadie. I know that couldn't have been easy for you."

"Easier than you'd think. I don't have many friends."

"Me neither. Or not friends Mum would approve of anyway."

I laughed. "I doubt she'd approve of me, either."

"Maybe not. But I doubt she'll have a say for much longer." There was almost a threat in her words, but I ignored it, there was no way I wanted to go there anytime soon.

She got up from my bed and made her way over to the door, scooping up her dress in the process.

"It's been nice talking to you," I said awkwardly. We might have agreed to be friends, but that didn't mean I felt normal around her yet.

"You too. Thank you, Sadie. I really mean it."

I watched as she slipped away, a weight lifting from my shoulders. At the same time, I was glad I hadn't revealed any of my secrets to her. I was sure she was trustworthy, but I didn't want to take the chance she'd betray me. Not yet, anyway.