Expecting it All (Punishment Pit #7) - Livia Grant Page 0,40

building in the city. Surely, he could find a small room for her to crash in.

Despite being angry at her only sibling, Zoie was genuinely happy for him. She had never even known Lukus to date anyone seriously, let alone talk about getting married before Tiffany. The beautiful blonde seemed to be his perfect match, although why anyone would ever want to put up with such a bossy guy, she’d never know.

Lukus was the one who finally broke their silence. “I was surprised you didn’t bring that boyfriend of yours tonight. How am I supposed to do the whole protective brother thing if I don’t even get to scare him into treating you right?”

Of all the things he could want to discuss, why the hell did he have to bring this topic up? Unwanted tears threatened, but Zoie pushed them down. She’d cried enough. She wouldn’t waste one more tear on Bryan.

“Unfortunately, it’s a little too late for your big brother scare tactics.” When Lukus didn’t say anything, she added. “We broke up right before Christmas when I found out that he got the bitch he was cheating on me with pregnant.”

Lukus’s low whistle surprised her. “No shit. Fuck, I’m so sorry, Zoie. I didn’t know.”

“Of course, you didn’t. I told Mom not to bring it up. And anyway, this is your special day. You and Tiffany shouldn’t need to deal with my shit.”

“Still, what a horseshit move on his part. You guys had been together for a while, right?”

“Only one-year, three-months, two-weeks, and four days. But hey, who’s counting?”

“Well he doesn’t deserve you then. You want me to track him down and beat some sense into him?” The look on her brother’s face made her shiver. She got the impression he’d really do it if she said yes.

Zoie chuckled, “As tempting as that sounds, I’ll pass. I wouldn’t want you to get into any trouble on my account. And anyway, we’re both probably gonna be happier this way anyway. He’d been pressuring me to stay in Rockford… to find a job around home… to start a family sooner rather than later. I’m too young for that. I want to live in the city for a while… to travel… to see what I’ve been missing living in small town America. As much fun as I had at NIU, I really should have gone farther away to college.”

“I know Mom was happy you stayed close, but… I get it.”

“Are you glad you went to Northwestern?” she asked as they swayed to the music.

“It was one of the best decisions of my life. Two of my groomsmen today were my best friends from college. I mean the education was great too, but…” Lukus paused, looking guilty before adding, “It really did help me grow my independence moving to Chicago and out of Rockford.”

He’d tee’d up the question. She couldn’t pass up the chance. “So, I don’t get it. It was good enough for you, but not for me? You know how desperate I am to get out of Rockford right now. Everywhere I go I run into people who know about Bryan and me breaking up and the humiliation of him cheating on me. I’ve graduated. I have my degree in accounting. You need an accountant. Why won’t you at least give me a chance?” She paused, before pleading, “I promise, I won’t be any trouble. I know you and Tiffany will be newlyweds. I don’t want to cramp your style, but hey… I could at least housesit for you while you guys go on your honeymoon to Hawaii for the next two weeks. It’s too far to commute the two hours into the city and this would give me a chance to set up some interviews while you’re gone… please…”

For a brief second, she was sure Lukus was going to relent and let her stay at his place, but it wasn’t to be.

“I wish we still had Tiffany’s townhouse out in Oakbrook, but we just sold it two months ago. But I’m sorry, Zoie. I can’t go into details, but having you stay at the loft just isn’t going to work out. Have you talked to Mom and Dad? Maybe they’ll loan you the money to rent an apartment on your own.”

This time, the tears that threatened couldn’t be held back.

Dammit, I don’t want to let him see me cry.

Swishing at the drops on her cheek, Zoie bucked up. “It’s fine. I’ll figure something out.”

Lukus looked like he wanted to say