Page 2 of Embraced in Ink

“No, I’m supposed tohelpyou with the big things. Just like the rest of your big brothers are, and your little brother, and your parents. You’ve got your BFF to help you feel better.”

She looked over at her best friend, Marcus, who was hanging out with his sisters. He turned to glance at her over his shoulder and winked.

She smiled and then looked back at Liam. “Marcus tells me things honestly, too. None of you guys only try to make me laugh and do your best to make me feel better.”

“You’re about to enter a world where everybody is going to want a piece of you. They’re going to tell you that you’re pretty and you’re amazing, and then they’re going to want something. Maybe not money, maybe not fame, but they’re going to want you. And your soul, and your heart. So, you’re going to have to keep people around who tell you the truth and tell you exactly how it is.”

Fear crawled up her spine, though she kept a smile in place. This was her birthday party mixed with her going-away party. She wasn’t going to look scared or worried. Because she was Bristol fucking Montgomery. She wasn’t scared of anything.

Lies.

“Well, that’s a pep talk.”

Liam turned and hugged her tightly. She wrapped her arms around her big brother’s waist and held on for dear life.

“I love you, baby sister. And even though we’re going into slightly different worlds, I know firsthand what happens when people see you differently. You are a nationally renowned cellist, and you’re about to be a world-renowned one. You’re going to play for kings and queens and dukes and duchesses. For celebrities and for the high-stakes people of the world. I’m so proud of you. However, if you need me, I will be there in an instant. Because you don’t have to do any of this alone. I want you to remember the Montgomery that you are, and know that we are flesh and blood, and all of us will always be here for you.”

She wiped away tears, really annoyed with herself for crying. “I cannot believe you made me tear up.”

He kissed the top of her head and rubbed her back through the silk of her dress. “I didn’t mean to make you cry. In fact, I was going to give you this pep talk tomorrow or even when I saw you next in France or Venice because you know I’m going to visit you as much as I can.”

“Really?”

He scowled at her. “Of course, I’m going to visit you. You may be an adult and everything, and you may have a whole team that’ll be there for you, but your family will be there for you, too. I love you.”

“I love you, too. And thank you. I know that it’s not going to be easy, but this is what I’ve been training for my whole life.”

“And you are the best at what you do. I can’t wait to see where you go. But remember, if you need anything, we’ll be on a plane in the next instant,” he promised, pausing. “And so will your best friend.”

He glared as he said it, and Bristol just laughed. “You say that as if it’s a bad thing that Marcus and I are still best friends after all these years.”

“I don’t know. The first time you brought that boy home, I thought Dad was going to have a fit.”

“I was like six.”

“And his baby girl was going off to her bedroom, alone, with a boy.”

“To have a tea party.”

“Yeah, but that’s not what Dad thought.”

“Oh, shush.”

“I will not shush. I totally remember Dad glowering at Marcus for like the first year.”

“Well, now he thinks of Marcus like a son, and Dad’s very grateful that Marcus and I are only friends. And the fact that Marcus will always be here when I get back.”

Liam raised a brow.

“What? What’s that look for?”

“Marcus will be here because his job is here, and he likes being at home. While I know you want to see the world, don’t forget him when you’re gone.”

Shock slid through her, so did an oily feeling that made her want to throw up. “I could never forget him. He’s my best friend.”

“I know, but you’re going to change. You’re going to be a different person after this tour.”

She didn’t like the sound of that. “I hope not too different. I like who I am.”