Wayward Dreams by Gail McFarland

flashed and died. “I had so much on my mind, I forgot to charge it.”
    â€œThat’s what I thought. I had some time, so I thought I would try you here.”
    â€œAre you going to eat that?” Bianca eyed the last donut. “I didn’t get breakfast.”
    â€œEat it and be grateful it won’t go to your hips.” Julia took in her sister’s figure—more slender than her own, yet lushly curved, and she had to warn herself not to hate. She waved the donut off. “I am so sorry I inherited all of the fat genes.”
    Chewing, Bianca looked over at her sister. A hair or two shorter than her own five-nine, Julia’s curves were softer. Though her figure was abundant, she was a long way from fat. At thirty-four, her face was rounder, the gentle features framed with short, sassy wisps of hair tipped with gold. Julia looks exactly like what she is: smart and successful. “I’ll trade you a few of my skinny genes for some of your money-smart genes.”
    â€œI would if I could.” Intelligent hazel eyes watched Bianca finish the donut. “How much money do you need, Bianca?”
    â€œIs it that obvious?”
    â€œPretty much.”
    â€œI have a truckload of repairs to make, and I don’t have enough cash on hand to pay attention.” Bianca drew a long, deep breath and exhaled before meeting her sister’s eyes. “I’m looking at you for a place to stay, but I just got offered a major retail contract, so things are looking up. If I can hold on.”
    â€œIs the contract with KPayne?” Bianca shook her head.
    â€œI could have my lawyer look at it—if you want.”
    â€œThanks, but I need to find my own way out of this mess with him. If I hadn’t been so greedy, I wouldn’t be in this position. This is my fault, and I need to find a way out without your bailing me out.”
    â€œWow, I’m impressed. I can remember a time when you would have leapt at the offer of help. But how are you going to fix this?”
    â€œGet a job.”
    â€œAnd how will that work?”
    Bianca dug into her purse and pulled out one of her lists. “I worked it out this morning. Thanks to you, I won’t have to pay rent, so every penny I earn, after food and gas, will go into restoring Vive la Reine. Paint, brushes, and steam cleaning won’t cost much. I’ll do all of the painting on my own.”
    â€œPaint? You ?” Julia looked dubious. “I was with you, right up until you said you were going to paint.”
    â€œI do know how to use a paint brush, and I’ll just have to do what has to be done. Can I trade on sisterhood for any spare furniture you have?”
    â€œFor the condo and the store? Sure.” Impressed, Julia nodded.
    â€œI don’t have a figure yet for the insurance payoff,” Bianca continued. “I’ve already contacted vendors for credit extensions, but there’s one other thing I didn’t plan for—water and electrical damage. I can’t open until that’s taken care of.”
    â€œI could loan…” Julia stopped when Bianca raised a hand and shook her head.
    â€œYou’ve done enough. I can’t ask you for more.”
    The look in her sister’s eyes warned Julia away from the offer, but failed to diminish her desire to help. “I have an idea. There are a couple of guys who contract with me; I pay them quarterly to work on my properties. I could add your water and electrical damage to my list. It wouldn’t cost you anything, supplies included. I mean, I’ve paid for it already. You’re not asking; I’m offering.”
    â€œIf everything works out and your guys can do the work, I can be open in two weeks.” Bianca looked hopeful. It felt kind of nice to have someone care, and keeping her promise to Martin would be a bonus. “Okay. Thanks.”
    Fueled by enthusiasm, Julia bounced a little in her seat,