It was by mere chance that Elle had found out who was catering the art event next month. She and Trenton had been doing research to find a way into the art exhibit coming to Cuaditch; a way that would get them in either before or after the large crowds arrived to see the artwork. They already had a lot of the information about where the pieces would be, when, and security detail. Finding out that her little sister would be the very one catering the main event was the perfect connection to be able to be there behind the scenes.
Elle didn’t enjoy using Emilia for her own illegal, financial gain, but they’d exhausted most all other avenues to pass this up when it had fallen right in their laps. She’d hesitated at first, because this was Emilia they were talking about, but Trent was on board from the start. It didn’t take too long to convince her as both knew they’d be set for life once this was done. Besides, when the job went off as planned, Emilia wouldn’t be involved or implicated in any way. She just needed to verify some information and ask nicely if she could get them in to take a peek at the art.
“Morning, Ems,” said Elle as she walked into her sister’s shop. She smiled and waited off to the side so she could finish helping a customer. Once the customer left, Elle walked over and leaned against the counter.
“I heard a rumor about you,” she teased. “Are you really catering the big art exhibit event coming to town next month?”
Emilia was always happy to see Elle and she smiled brightly when her older sister came into the bistro. She’d been talking with a customer when she came in, but when she was done, she looked up and greeted her with a big smile. She knew there was a lot of tension between Elle and the rest of the family and she wasn’t oblivious to the fact that Elle had her flaws, just like everyone did, but they were still sisters and she loved her. She was always glad for a chance to spend time with her.
Grinning, Em nodded her head. “Do you want something to eat, drink?” she asked. “We could grab a table and sit while you’re here.” The truth was that she was really excited about the event and really wanted to talk about it, but she thought it would be nice to have a proper sit down, too, if Elle had the time.
“Yes, please,” said Elle, sweetly and smiling at her sister. “Whatever you have today on special would be wonderful.” It was never hard to get along with Emilia, and she was always willing to see the best in people. It was a trait Elle appreciated most of the time, and there was a slight twinge of guilt this time. ’Once it’s over it’ll be worth it, Elle.’ Trenton had told her multiple times. So much so that she’d started to believe it herself.
She watched as Em fixed a small plate and the drinks. “That’s so exciting! I was just talking to a mate about the event a day or two ago, and now I find out my very own sister has a hand in it.” Her motive for the appreciation was tainted, but Elle was proud of Emilia’s accomplishments. She simply wanted to use it for her own gain this time.
“Do you need any help at all with the prep or transferring the food over?” Elle looked hopeful. “Any sort of help? Tickets are said to be hard to come by, and I’d love to get a peek at the artwork. There are to be so many beautiful pieces in the collection.”
Emilia tilted her head, considering the question as she arranged the food on the table she’d picked out for them and set a glass of wine in front of her sister, keeping the second for herself. “I suppose I could use an extra set of hands,” she admitted. She was happy any time one of her siblings took an interest in her work and it certainly wouldn’t be the first time she’d used family help with a job.
“Perfect!” said Elle, happily and grinned at her sister. “Seriously, anything you need help with - I’m there. I know I can convince Trenton to help too. There’s a piece I really want him to be able to see in person.” That part was technically true, but it wasn’t the whole truth. She assumed that Rocco would be doing his own part with helping out with some of the catering, but there was no reason for Elle to bother speaking with him about it when she was helping Emilia out, not him.
“It’s looking like it’s going to be such a nice event, and it’s great that the Cuaditch organizers won the bid for the showing.” The exhibit would likely travel to other locations but not anywhere nearby and with such a great opportunity to view-- among other things.
Picking up her glass of wine, she smiled again. “Cheers. To the best sister ever.”
Emilia grinned back at her, raising her glass toward Elle. The smile was genuine; she was always happy for a chance to spend time with family and even though a part of her was anxious as she thought of Rocco’s reaction, she was pleased Elle was going to be there to help with such a nice event. Emilia was confident in her work, but she never minded surrounding herself with the support of her family.
“This is going to be great,” she said confidently. “To sisters!”