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  WORTHY

  By: Evie Matthews

  Copyright © 2013 Blue Ribbon Books

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental.

  For questions and comments about this book, please contact us at [email protected]

  Chapter One

  The stench of alcohol and stale food permeated the air as Nicholas opened the bedroom door. As soon as his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he zeroed in on the body slumped across the king size bed.

  Sebastian appeared dead to the world, drowned in his misery. From the look of his unkempt hair and stubble, Nicholas guessed Sebastian had not taken a bath for at least two days.

  He briskly walked across the room and threw back the heavy curtains to allow the sunlight in.

  “What the fuck!” Sebastian scrambled to cover his eyes from the bright light.

  “Sebastian Avery! You have been miserable long enough, man. This has got to stop.” With his hands on his hips, Nicholas stood at the foot of the bed.

  “Get lost!” Sebastian said, half growling. He pulled up the sheets higher and proceeded to go back to sleep.

  “Jesus, just look at yourself! You have missed a number of your classes and you have lived on beer and pizza for what, several weeks now?” Nicholas threw up his arms in exasperation.

  Silence.

  “Dammit, Sebastian! It’s been two months already! You have to move on! If your mom sees you like this, it will break her heart.” Nicholas tried a different tactic.

  “Go away, Nick.” Sebastian said in a voice devoid of any emotion.

  “We all miss Shawne. I do. You both are like brothers to me. But really, you need to join the rest of the living, Sebastian. You can’t stay holed up in this room forever. We both know that.” Nicholas said in a quiet voice.

  Silence still.

  “Sebastian!”

  In an attempt to draw out some response, Nicholas brought up a different topic.

  “Your birthday is next Saturday. What’s the plan?” Trying to sound nonchalant, Nicholas grabbed the nearest chair to make sure Sebastian knew he was not going anywhere.

  “No plans.” Sebastian replied in the same dead tone.

  “What about the yacht and the caterers? Do you want me to cancel everything?” Nicholas asked quietly.

  “Yes.” Sebastian replied.

  “Okay. But you know you need to pull yourself together, man. I brought Lucinda along to clean up your place. If I don’t see you around the campus, by God I swear, I will forcibly drag you to your next class.”

  They both knew the threat was just a threat. At 6’2”, no one could easily drag Sebastian anywhere. Nicholas also knew he couldn’t force Sebastian to do anything until he was good and ready. But still, that didn’t stop him from trying to talk some sense into his best friend.

  It’d been over two months since that fateful day. Sebastian and Shawne were identical twins, and good-looking ones, at that. With their dark, brooding looks, disarmingly perfect smiles and charming personalities, they were hailed almost as demigods around the Princeton University campus. Of course, if you threw in the fact that their family was filthy rich, then you would have a perfect understanding of why they are considered among the most eligible bachelors on the entire East Coast.

  Nicholas and the twins had grown up together and they’d always treated him as though he were a brother to them. Like the Averys, Nicholas Du Vaughn was also from a prominent family, New York’s old money. The three have more than their fair share of fun and excitement to last them several lifetimes, along with a few mischief and trouble along the way.

  Those carefree days disappeared when Shawne died in a car accident. Sebastian had been driving that day, going past the speed limit to make it to the party their parents were hosting. Sebastian’s reflexes were poor due to heavy drinking the previous night. In a split second, he lost control of the steering wheel and smashed into a tree, killing Shawne instantly.

  The accident turned the world upside down for Sebastian. He was no longer his old self. Nicholas knew he was blaming himself for the accident and Shawne’s death. The tragic event jarred their picture-perfect world and made them realize that despite their money and popularity, they were not invincible.

  Their parents were too consumed by their own grief to attend to their other son. Nicholas is the only one who can be there for Sebastian now. But despite his valiant efforts, he could not seem to pull Sebastian out of his self-imposed hell.

  Chapter Two

  Caitlin woke up to a soft sobbing noise. Bleary eyed and disoriented, it took her several seconds to figure out where she was. It was the unpleasant antiseptic smell of the room and the familiar beeping sound of the machine that brought her back to a dismal reality. She is in the hospital, looking after her 12 year old brother, Caleb.

  Her sleep-deprived brain was slow to register that it was her mom who was crying quietly in one corner. For several months now, tears, despair and a thick blanket of foreboding have become a part of their daily lives.

  Caleb is sick—very sick. Diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, Caleb has been in and out of the hospital since he was 8 years old. The past year, he was required to undergo dialysis every few months. Had it not been for the health insurance, they would probably be living on the streets.

  “Don't cry, mom. I'm going to be okay.” Caleb's weak but firm voice snapped Caitlin out of her sleep fogged thoughts. She quietly crossed the other side of the bed to sit beside her mother. She gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze.

  “Hey, Mom. It's okay. We're going to be okay.” Caitlin summoned a brave smile. Her eyes focused on Caleb, who looked on helplessly as their mother valiantly tried to stop the tears from flowing. Even to her ears, her words sounded empty. It was so difficult to put up a brave front when they have been in the hospital for several weeks now.

  Caleb is frail. His health has rapidly deteriorated over the couple of weeks he’s been confined in the hospital. Despite his young age and weak physique, his eyes glow with a wisdom far beyond his years.

  PKD has robbed her brother of his childhood. His young body had endured pain and suffering for years now. And yet, it is Caleb they draw strength from. Such a brave soul, Caitlin smiled fondly, looking deep into her brother's arresting blue eyes, smiling reassuringly.

  Caleb is Caitlin’s step-brother but that knowledge did not make him any less of a brother to her. Caitlin knew her father as a man who was too ambitious and selfish to ever play the part of a real father and a loving husband to her mother.

  For years, she and her mother had lived in the shadows. Her mother was a kept woman, a mistress who served at the pleasure of her lover. Early in life, Caitlin had been trained to keep her head down and avoid attracting attention.

  Born from a rich family, Gordon Palmer was used to getting his way and that included women. Amanda had had a promising career in ballet when she met Gordon, a dashing gentleman who wooed her relentlessly, lavishing her with gifts and attention.

  Soon enough, Amanda fell for him and willingly abandoned her own dreams to build her life around him. When Caitlin was born, Amanda had high hopes Gordon would do the right thing and marry her. After all, she knew in her heart he loved her.

  As it turned out, he chose to marry another woman, someone who was considered his equal in the eyes of society—a woman who was also born into wealth. Amanda, while beautiful and once famous, was apparently not good enough to be his wife.

  Devastated, it took Amanda sever
al years to finally summon the will to leave Gordon. She moved to New Jersey with young Caitlin to start a new life. Tapping on what she knew best, she opened a small ballet studio with the little money she was able to save. Years later, she met Max, Caleb’s father.

  Max was a hardworking man who never failed to put food on the table. He treated Caitlin as one of his own and Caitlin was grateful for it.

  But over the years, the money Max made as a car salesman was not enough to pay for his mounting gambling debts. Caleb was eight years old when Max decided to take his life, leaving his family penniless. Amanda had no choice but to sell the ballet studio and their home and rent a small apartment, barely making ends meet.

  Caitlin helplessly watched her mother struggle through the years. Her life had never been an easy one. Lines of worry and years of hard work marred her beautiful face.

  Now that she is of age, Caitlin is ready to do anything to somehow ease her burden. She longed to give her mother a better life. After all the pain and suffering she had been through, her small, aging body could only take so much.

  The persistent grumbling of her stomach brought Caitlin back to reality. She has virtually lived on hospital sandwiches and coffee for the past few days. Having dropped out of college, she took a job waiting tables at a local restaurant; and rushed home for a quick shower before heading back to the hospital. For weeks now, she had managed to sleep in an uncomfortable chair.

  “Have you had breakfast? I’m going to the cafeteria to eat. Do you want me to buy you anything?” Caitlin turned to her mom.

  “I’ll go with you.” Amanda hastily pushed back her unkempt hair into a bun. Despite the worry and distress that lines her face, one cannot overlook Amanda’s classic beauty. The wrinkles that marred her face have added years but they could not diminish her beauty in any way.

  When they finally reached the hallway leading to the hospital cafeteria, Caitlin braced herself for some bad news. “Mom, what is it? Why were you crying?” Caitlin asked, her voice shaking ever so slightly.

  Despite her tight smile, tears immediately welled up again on Amanda’s eyes. “Oh Katie, your brother needs a kidney transplant. They have to remove his kidneys or else risk kidney failure.” Amanda’s voice broke despite her efforts to contain her emotions.

  “Is it a risky procedure?” Caitlin was battling to keep calm. She went through the selection and simply grabbed two sandwiches and bottled water.

  “Yes, but the doctors assured me they have the latest technology to lower the risks. We need to find a compatible donor fast or we could lose Caleb.” Amanda said, her voice breaking.

  “On top of that, insurance will not cover the transplant, Katie.” The dam finally broke as Amanda sobbed in silence.

  Caitlin could feel a wave of panic. When will this nightmare end? She thought. Caitlin felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. She felt like crying too but struggled to keep her composure. Amanda and Caleb needed her to be strong for them.

  “How much money are we talking about?” Caitlin asked in a resigned voice.

  “Between our small savings and the value of the jewelry, we are still short $20,000.” Amanda shared.

  “But those are the only keepsake you have from Dad. You shouldn’t sell those.” Caitlin said.

  “They’re just material possessions, Katie, you know that. You and your brother are my true treasures. If you were in my place, you would do the same thing in a heartbeat.” Amanda said through piercing eyes.

  “Yes, Mom. I know. When do we need to come up with the money?” Caitlin asked, her brain racing through possible options to get the money.

  “The doctors said the transplant should be performed as soon as possible. Caleb’s health is deteriorating.” Amanda said while wringing the wrapper of her sandwich, showing her agitation.

  “Listen Mom, I need you to focus on finding a possible donor. I will find the money. Just focus on finding a compatible kidney for Caleb, okay?” Caitlin stated firmly, trying to take control of the situation.

  Amanda was lost in her thoughts, tears still streaming down her face. “Mom, I need you to be strong. Caleb needs us. Please… I promise I will get you the money. I just need you to find a potential match.” Caitlin leaned forward and talked to Amanda earnestly, trying to penetrate her worry.

  Amanda wiped her tears and offered a wobbly smile in response. Caitlin had been forced to grow up fast and share her burden. She is too young to be worrying about all these things, but Amanda was grateful she has a strong, loving and responsible daughter.

  “Hey, I hate to leave you like this but I need to go back to work now. I will let you know as soon as I am able to get the money, okay? Don’t worry.” Caitlin stood up, gave her mother a tight hug and left.

  She was so tired of putting on a brave face in front of everyone, but she knew she didn’t exactly have a choice.

  Chapter Three

  Caprice is packed to the rafters, like any other night. No surprises there, it is after all one of the popular French restaurants in New Jersey.

  Reservations must be made at least several days before. Unless of course you are one of the elite patrons, then, you can waltz in and a table with a view will be readily provided.

  Working in a 5-star restaurant can be grueling and maddening at the same time. Both the maitre d’ and the chefs have huge egos, so do most of Caprice’s clientele. Tempers can easily reach boiling point.

  But Caitlin loves the hectic pace. She hopes to run her own small restaurant in the future. Working at Caprice also has its own share of perks. Waiters have a ringside view of every imaginable drama the rich and famous seem to thrive on and every so often fall victim to. From a subtle snub to an all out confrontation, you name it, there’s never a dull moment.

  “Katie! The gentleman in Table 9 is complaining his steak is on the raw side. He specifically stated he likes his steak well done. Take it back to the kitchen.” Lucas, the maitre d’ barked out.

  “Ogre!” Shannon mumbled under her breath, eyes rolling upwards. Caitlin bit back a chuckle as she made her way to Table 9.

  Shannon is the complete opposite of Caitlin. The former has no trouble speaking her mind and going after what she wants, while Caitlin is more of the reserved type. While Shannon seems to have a new guy every other week, Caitlin has never had a boyfriend. The boy who kissed her on the cheek back in 3rd grade certainly doesn’t count.

  Shannon has often told to Caitlin to loosen up a bit, but to no avail. But over the course of their friendship, Shannon had seen Caitlin’s claws come out when she was pushed against the wall, like that one time a waiter got cocky and tried to force his attentions on her.

  Over the months, the two have somehow forged a unique friendship and closeness to the surprise to the people around them. Shannon is treated like a part of Caitlin’s family and is often a familiar face at the Williams’ dinner table. Well, before Caleb was admitted to the hospital.

  It was past 11 PM, and the crowd has slowly dissipated. Shannon and Caitlin finally found a chance for a little chitchat.

  “So, how’s it going with Caleb?” Shannon asked trying to sound upbeat, but her eyes showed her worry.

  “He’ll be all right.” Caitlin murmured without looking up.

  “When will he be discharged, then?” Shannon persisted.

  “Perhaps a week after his kidney transplant.” Caitlin was not ready to give Shannon all the details; not because she didn’t trust her but because she feels she cannot contain her emotions. And she certainly doesn’t want to cause a scene and potentially lose her job.

  Caitlin could feel Shannon’s stare drilling through the back of her head as if trying to read her thoughts. She gave Caitlin’s arm a comforting squeeze before going to the other side of the room to attend to a customer.

  Much later, Shannon and Caitlin finally had the chance to talk and Caitlin poured out all her emotions, which she had been valiantly trying to rein in while she was at the hospital.

  “So you’
re saying you need to raise twenty grand by the end of the month?! But that’s like three, no, two weeks from today.” Shannon knew she was stating the obvious but she needed to say it out loud to allow the information to slowly sink in.

  “Seventeen grand, to be exact. I’ve saved up three grand for next semester. But, yeah. I’ve been wracking my brain for ideas. Right now, I’m just about ready to try anything.” Caitlin said, her voice revealing a hint of desperation.

  After a minute of silence…

  “Hey, I can loan you two grand. It’s not much but it’s yours if you want it.”

  Caitlin started to come up with a refusal.

  “—And before you start turning down my help, I am not doing this for you. I am doing this for my old buddy Caleb, you hear? So let’s skip the nonsense. A simple thank you will do.” Shannon said, her tone quite familiar. It’s the tone she often used when she would not take no for an answer.

  Tears started to well up Caitlin’s beautiful blue eyes. “Thank you, Susie.” Caitlin threw her arms around Shannon to hug her.

  “Hey, hey… It’s going to be all right. We’ll try to come up with the remaining amount. Don’t go calling me Susie now, the guys may hear and my reputation will be ruined beyond redemption.” Shannon comforted Caitlin with her own brand of humor.

  Chapter Four

  The persistent ringing of the phone slowly penetrated Caitlin’s consciousness. Disoriented, her sleep fogged brain tried to locate the source of the annoying sound. With eyes still closed, Caitlin’s hands reached out to retrieve her cell phone from her jacket, which had fallen on the floor, below her bed.

  She was just supposed to take a quick shower and get fresh clothes before heading back to the hospital. But exhaustion had finally caught up with her.

  “How long have I been asleep?” Caitlin thought. She felt so weak, she could barely move the rest of her body. A quick glance at the clock on her mobile phone revealed she had slept for 5 hours.