#Chapter 180: A Gift Horse

Audrey I felt a shiver run through me as those cold gray eyes assessed me. Appraised me. Flicked up and down me like I was a prize mare. Not even so much as a ‘hello’. Before I could respond to his less-than-welcoming greeting, a blur of motion caught my eye. “Eddie!” Eliza squeaked again, bounding around the bar and throwing her arms around Edwin’s neck. “Give your big sister a hug!” She smelled faintly of gin and flowers as she pulled away from Edwin and turned to me with a bright smile. Indeed, this was the same woman from the picture in Edwin’s apartment, only a little older now. “And you must be Audrey! Welcome to the family!” Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I gladly returned the hug. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Eliza,” I said, feeling some of the tension leave my shoulders. “Edwin has told me a lot about you.” “Oh, I’m sure you have. Eddie and I were thick as thieves growing up…” As Eliza chattered animatedly, neatly curled