when we parted, I couldn’t stop thinking about her, but I’ve never pursued a girl in my life.”
“Right. That’s a problem.” He laughs, understanding the issue.
“So for weeks now I’ve blown the whole thing. I gave her space when I shouldn’t have, I came on too strong when I should have backed off.” A desperate chuckle escapes my lips with a sigh as I run my hands over my face. “I’m desperate and obsessed with making her mine, but she’s so independent and difficult.”
“That’s all I needed to hear, bro. You have my blessing to date my sister. And I’ll do everything I can to help you win her stubborn ass over.” He leans across the space between us and slaps me on the shoulder.
I imagine he hoped to soothe my agitation but honestly, his blessing makes it all worse. And his words that follow add to that.
“Because this is a team effort. You have no idea what you’re in for. She brings new meaning to the word ‘independent.’ Our stepmom made it impossible for Jenny to succeed at anything. Any time Jenny did something amazing, Judith would raise the bar of her approval. She’s a real asshole and Jenny puts way too much stock in her opinion, though she’ll never admit to it.” He sighs and hits the vape again.
He’s like the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland, trying to help but ultimately creating a lot of doubts and questions, while he gets stoned.
He talks and the pit in my stomach deepens.
3
Got your back
Monday, July 10
Jenny
Pacing in my office, I replay the video for the hundredth time, stunned at what I see.
Liam hits.
Lawrence moves like he has some training in fighting, which wouldn’t surprise me at this point. And then Lori has Liam on the ground, slapping him openhanded while telling him not to put his hands on ladies unless they consent.
Jesus.
“Admit it’s kind of hot,” Sukii says as she listens to the video while I pace and press replay, unable to bear the part where Liam says I sucked him off.
“No, it’s not. It’s insane. He came all the way from Vancouver to beat up Liam for putting his hands on me. What am I, the damsel in distress?” I’m sweating again. So much for Ben being the issue. “I don’t need that kind of nonsense in my life.”
“Maybe you do. You weren’t saying anything, just letting it happen.”
“What was I supposed to say, Sukii? The cameras were rolling all around us.”
“Mmmhmm.” She arches an eyebrow at me. “I think it’s hot that Lori cared enough to come all that way to dole out a beating. Liam’s a twat.”
“So?” I say exasperatedly.
“Lori is normally so chill and cool; for him to go from fun to alpha beating Liam in the lobby, that shows you the guy deserved what he got. I give that five stars, Jenny. Fuck it. Six stars. He gets a bonus for not punching until the end when Liam said that gross stuff.” She folds her arms over her chest.
“I’m not saying Liam didn’t deserve it. I’m saying I’ll be fired when Stan comes out of that meeting, and homeless because I’m an idiot who took an apartment as a bribe from my boss.” I’m huffing my breaths again and the sweat worsens.
“Stan won’t fire you. You’re a rock star. And even if he does, it’s a job and an apartment, Jenny. What if Lori is your soul mate?”
“Oh my God.” I take deep breaths. “If he was my soul mate, he would know I don’t need defending,” I snap at her.
“Clearly, you did. You weren’t stopping Liam’s bullshit behavior.”
“Oh my God.” I cover my burning face. “You don’t get it. If I’d put a stop to his behavior, I would have been fired sooner. Homeless sooner.” I can’t believe I’m defending Liam or how he treated me. My brother’s words of “Stan whoring me out” flit about my mind. If I hadn’t taken the stupid apartment, none of this would be happening.
“Again, who cares? Come stay with me. It’s no Midtown stunner with a view of the park, but it’s cute and cozy.” She walks to the door but turns to tease me, “Or you could always stay with Lori.”
“His name is Lawrence.” I glare at her but soften as a bit of truth seeps out, “Besides, I doubt he’s speaking to me. I’m scared he believes what Liam said about me sucking—” my voice cracks.
“Oh my God.” Sukii rushes me and wraps her