Craved (Twisted Book 2) by Lola Smirnova

for the kitchen, without looking at me or waiting for my response.
    ‘Good morning to you too.’ I slide off the bed, put on shorts and a T-shirt and follow her.
    ‘No… maybe later, just coffee.’ I yawn and switch on the kettle.
    ‘Did you just “maybe later” me?’ She raises her brows and we both giggle.
    ‘Have you spoken to Mom?’ I pour two cups, add some milk and go to sit at the table.
    ‘Yes.’ Natalia starts unpacking the shopping bags into the fridge. ‘We had a long conversation. She thinks we should sell the salon. Even if Dad recovers, it'll take months or even years. She physically can’t do both.’
    ‘It’s probably not a bad idea.’
    ‘Yeah… in time it could become even more of a burden financially. Instead of making money, we'll lose it.’
    ‘It would be easier if I were there, but right now I am needed here more.’
    ‘I know you wanted to leave,’ Natalia finishes unpacking and drops in front of me, ‘but without you we wouldn't be able to manage. I am so sorry you've got stuck here.’
    ‘Don’t worry about me. It’s all relative. I am definitely in a better situation than a year ago, or than our dad.’ I smile reassuringly. ‘How is he?’
    ‘The same. The doctors are taking him off those last meds that caused the fluid to build up again. Hopefully he will be able to go back home soon.’ Natalia sighs. She looks tired too.
    The door to the kitchen flies open.
    ‘Oh God. I am so glad you girls are here.’ Lena rushes in. ‘I have some news.’
    ‘You are pregnant?’ Natalia and I say in the same breath.
    ‘How did you know? Have you spoken to Mark already?’
    Natalia and I high-five each other.
    ‘No, he didn’t tell us. We just guessed.’
    ‘You know what that means? I’m going to get married!’ I’ve never heard Lena so excited. ‘I will have to stop working and become a full-time housewife,’ she says dreamily, then quickly adds, ‘But don’t worry, girls. Mark promised to contribute towards Dad’s medical bills as much as he can.’
    ‘Congratulations Len.’ I get up and hug her. ‘So happy for you.’
    Natalia joins our hug. ‘Oh Len… your big dream is happening! You will finally become a Mrs... um… What’s Mark’s surname?’
    ‘Smith,’ Lena chuckles in her excitement.
    Natalia goes back to her chair, ‘I told you girls that coming to South Africa was the right decision!’
    ‘Sure, Natalia wouldn’t miss a chance to remind us that she is smart and always right!’ I comment, and we giggle.
     

16
     
    It’s weird to see the club brightly lit and most of the girls without make-up. Two days ago the club’s management announced a meeting for the dancers. It was surprising, since we had one a week ago and they’re usually scheduled only once a month.
    But, here we are, irritated, and burdened by being in the club outside of working hours, about to get another lecture.
    As always, Alan, our general manager, leads the meeting. The unfading dark grey suit contours his V-shaped torso and long strong legs. His young face is focused and underlined with a stubborn chin. Just like last week, he thanks us for coming to the meeting ( as if we had a choice ) and again begins with the rules of the club.
    ‘Girls, we want you to look your best. Taking care of your nails, hair and outfits is your duty. Our responsibility is to keep the place clean and appealing, advertise and bring in as many people as we can.’ He runs his stare over us, making sure we are listening.
    ‘Our job is to bring the clients in, yours is to make them stay. We do our job, you do yours.’
    He goes on and on in his usual calm manner, and a wave of yawns runs through the crowd.
    ‘We had a few unacceptable incidents again last week,’ Alan continues after a short but weighty pause. ‘One of the girls was trying to convince the manager that her client, who’d run out of money and couldn't pay for the dances he’d enjoyed, would leave his car keys and bring the