She put a hand to her head. It was too early for a grilling. And she had to deal with the ramifications of that hair extension. What would Miss Manners say about how to return someone’s hair? Dear Josette Hussy, I’m very sorry I pulled out your hair extensions when I tried to kill you in our catfight last night. I am returning them with best wishes. And stay the fuck away from my man. Love, Lisa. Yeah, she didn’t think that would probably be the way to go. “I don’t know about any house. Where’s Remy?”

And coffee. She needed coffee.

Zep stood at the end of the bed, his hands on his hips. “He’s downstairs getting ready for the first customers to come. I think he’s saying good-bye to Jean-Claude, too. Do you have any idea how much work goes into this place?”

“A lot. How would you know?”

“Oh, I know because I spent whole decades of my life avoiding it. My point is Remy needs a fiancée who not only gives him physical affection but who can work beside him. Unless you intend to spend your days at Chartier House hosting teas and trying to break into high society.”

“Do you have that here? Because I was born in a trailer park and our high society was Miss MaryBeth’s book club that was really more about drinking the hooch her husband made in the yard. Also, there was a nice couple who had a brand-new car, and that kind of made them the king and queen, but it turned out they were also making meth, so that didn’t last long.”

His eyes had gotten as wide as saucers. “What?”

She put a hand up, holding him off. “Your brother and I have already been down this road. I am not some princess who needs a man to take care of me.”

“Fine. You’re not exactly what I thought, but I wanted to have a few moments where we could be honest and put everything out there. You might have Seraphina and Momma under your spell, but I’m watching you, Lisa Daley. I’ve already seen one cold-hearted bitch tear my family apart. I won’t allow another in. Do I make myself clear?”

“And what did you do about it the first time?” It occurred to her that she was being treated unfairly once again and she didn’t have to take it. You know what? Zep absolutely had the right idea. They should get everything out there and take their proper places. He was going to be surprised where her place was. It seemed like the family could use an indulgent alpha female.

That seemed to stump him.