"Sis, I need some help."
"Oh. Another issue?"
"No. I was invited to some Kingsly gala. I need something to wear."
"Some Kingsly gala or the biggest event of the fall?" her sister asked with a laugh.
"Hey --you mind if I come over after work? Toby's…going to a friend's house for the night, and I'm sick of my apartment."
"Yeah, sure. You were supposed to come for brunch tomorrow. I'd planned a spa day tomorrow before the gala. We can add shopping to that; I know you don't have anything nice to wear."
Katie rolled her eyes. A day and a half with her sister was as much as she could tolerate; faced with the alternative of returning to her creepy apartment with its creepy occupants, she'd tough it out.
She survived the day of bitching customers and employees alike and arrived late in the evening to Hannah's, a mansion in the outskirts of Annapolis where her sister lived with her fiancée, Giovanni.
Hannah took one look at her and frowned fiercely.
"You couldn't change before showing up?" she asked, looking past her out at the street.
"It's not like you have neighbors, sis," Katie replied impatiently. "Afraid I'll make you look bad in front of the 'hood?"
"With the money Gio paid for you to go to Georgetown, you'd think you could get a better job than this!" Hannah started.
Katie sighed. Hannah stood aside as she entered the large foyer, lecturing her as they ascended to the second floor.
"…if you hadn't dropped out, you'd be graduating in a few months. A FEW MONTHS, Katherine!"
"I know, Hannah."
"You're twenty-two, a single mom, and you've got a shitty job and frankly, a shitty attitude about your future."
Katie pushed the door to her designated guest room and stripped out of the grease- stained, French fry scented clothing. Hannah continued on the same speech she'd heard every time they were together.
"You know I'm just concerned," Hannah finished. "Toby --"
"He'll be fine," Katie bit off. "I came here for a break, Hannah."
"Gio and I are worried. Everywhere you work, you're recognized for being the brilliant person I know you are. Why can't you pick a career or finish school?"
"I don't know, Hannah. I'm not sure what I want to do with my life."
"Well, do something!"
Katie flung herself on the bed. Despite Hannah's criticisms, she would still rather be here than at her apartment, even knowing Hannah would never believe her story about Toby and the death dealer.