Pinpoint (Point #4) Read Online Free Page A

have this fabulous apartment and are event planners to the stars in Chicago. Still, no child should grow up in a home devoid of love and compassion.”
    My heart squeezes painfully. “I don’t disagree with you on that. We’re lucky we have each other. Some children aren’t that fortunate.”
    Violet lifts her head, her upper lip curled in distaste. “You’re absolutely right. Listen to me, whining about a crappy childhood when I have the best sister in the world.” She reaches down to pull me to my feet. “Enough complaining for today. Are you ready to get bronzed?”
    “As ready as I can be to parade around in a bathing suit in front of all your friends.” I fidget with my paisley cover-up and follow her to the living room where her boyfriend, Cameron, sits on the couch scrolling through his phone.
    “Please. You’ve got it, you should flaunt it.” Ever the counterpart to my insecurities, Violet rolls her eyes to punctuate her point. “Not many people can pull off a white bikini. If I had your skin tone and figure, I’d restrict my wardrobe to two pieces.”
    That piques Cameron’s attention. He drops his phone and hooks an arm around my sister’s waist, pulling her into his lap while she giggles. “There’s no way I’d let you waltz around half-dressed.”
    I can’t help but smile. Their constant display of affection would probably annoy most people. Violet and Cameron are as sweet as one of my sugar drop cookies, and I’ve always had a sweet tooth. Seeing my sister happy after knowing the heartache she endured never fails to make me grin.
    “Let’s be on our way, ladies,” Cameron says once he rights my sister into a standing position.
    Dutifully, I follow the happy couple out the front door and down the interior steps to the parking lot attached to our apartment-slash-office. The landlord offered Violet a great deal on the spaces because she needed to rent both. Someday, I know my sister will move into a place with Cameron; it’s the next natural step in their relationship, but I won’t worry about that yet. Out of my control.
    “Remind me the name of this place again?” I ask once I buckle into the backseat of Cameron’s swanky sports car.
    “The Mercer Club. Some of the guys on the team belong there too. The marketing people call it an urban oasis—a place to eat, socialize, swim, exercise, and they have a few hotel rooms. I’m a member for the water access. People say Chicago is cold, but damn, does this city get hot in the summer. My next place will have a pool,” Cameron explains.
    It’s a short drive to the West Loop. A valet takes Cameron’s keys, and we enter the five-story converted warehouse. The eclectic mix of furniture is overwhelming at first, but the combination of rich textures and colors delivers a chic ambiance. A staff member wearing funky, clear-framed glasses, a pair of tailored jeans, and a chambray collared shirt greets us as soon as we cross the threshold.
    “Mr. Stone, welcome back,” the man says enthusiastically. He pumps Cameron’s hand in a vigorous shake. “And Ms. Harper, I’m glad to see you again.” The man dips to kiss the back of my sister’s hand before Cameron snatches her back to his side.
    “We’ll be on our way,” he says grittily.
    I hang a few steps back from the conversation. If I don’t have to exchange pleasantries with this man, I won’t. It’s easier to remain quiet rather than force myself to engage in small talk.
    “Yes, of course. We have a spot reserved for your party on the rooftop. Can I escort you to the locker room or would you prefer to go directly to the pool?”
    “We know the way to the roof. Thanks.” Clearly annoyed with the attention paid to his girlfriend, Cameron speaks shortly.
    My sister’s boyfriend glances in my direction and cocks his head toward a bank of elevators. Sometimes, I wonder if it bothers Cameron that I tag along on his outings with Violet. Not all of them, of course, but we spend many