“You two cooked this up, didn’t you? You know I’ve lived by myself for years. I think I can manage sleeping in this penthouse alone. I do not need a babysitter.” I’m seconds away from stomping my foot and pouting my bottom lip.
I hate arguing with my dad. I’ve always preferred to take other people’s feelings into account, not wanting to hurt them. But right now, all I want is to be left alone.
“You won’t even know I’m here,” CJ says.
“I’m calling Antonia.” I storm out of the room and into the kitchen to retrieve my phone. My stepmother always takes my side when the males of our family are being too overbearing.
“Come on, sis. Don’t bring Mom into this,” Aiden says. “It’s one night. Just let him stay and then kick his ass out in the morning.”
“One night?” I lift a challenging brow.
“Yes. He really does have a party in the club.” Aiden is the spitting image of my father, while CJ takes after Antonia a little more. I love both of my brothers, but I do not need them crashing at the place I’m supposed to be making my home.
I smile. If CJ wants to stay at the penthouse tonight, he can. I just won’t be here when he does. “Fine, he can stay.”
“Thank you.” Aiden looks like I just gave him an early Christmas gift.
I walk back out into the living room. “You can stay, but you’re not bringing back any of your little whores.”
CJ smirks. “They’re not whores, Jazzy. Women are allowed to like sex.”
I tilt my head. “Really? In that case, maybe I should come to this party of yours. Jump back on the horse.”
My father slaps CJ across the back of the head. “Good one, idiot,” he grunts. “Jazzy, do not go to parties with your brother. You are far too classy for the kinds of people he chooses to hang around.”
“Don’t worry, Daddy. I have no plans to date. Ever again.” I sigh.
I thought I’d found someone who was decent enough. I was settling, but I will always be settling. I gave my heart away once, and it got crushed. Which is why I’ve always dated the safe options. Men who were decent, but I knew I’d never fully love.
“Okay, I’ve got a meeting to get to. You two, leave your sister alone.” My dad points at my brothers. Then he pulls me into a hug. “I love you. Call me if you need anything.”
“Love you too, Daddy.”
My brothers follow him out, and I’m finally alone. The place is so quiet I almost miss them.
I turn around. Antonia had the entire penthouse refurnished. She said she wanted it to feel like it was mine and not the apartment where my parents once lived. I really do love my stepmother.
I look at my wrist, checking the time. I need to meet up with one of my oldest friends for lunch in an hour. Which means I need to change. I never meet up with Brad without looking my absolute best. Not for him. No, it’s because I know he’ll go back to whatever hole Jake is living in these days and tell him how good I’m doing. And Jake doesn’t deserve to think I’m doing anything but great.
Especially since he’s the one who ruined us. Ruined me. I hate him just as much as I still love him. It’s conflicting and emotionally draining. But I haven’t seen him since our high school prom. Since I gave him the one thing I can never give anyone else. And then, when I woke up, he was gone. Just gone.
I plan on keeping thenot seeing himstreak for as long as I live. I don’t want to know why he left. I don’t want excuses, and I certainly don’t want to hear that it was a mistake and he regretted our night together. Sometimes hearing the truth hurts more than not knowing and just assuming.
After a quick shower, I throw on a new yellow sundress and pair it with some beige heels. I keep my makeup light, the bruises now faded completely. Once I’m satisfied, I head down to the lobby and text Brad that I’m ready.
Me:
In the lobby.
Brad:
Right behind you, gorgeous.
After reading his reply, I spin around with a huge smile on my face. I squeal as his arms wrap around me and my feet lift off the ground. “Put me down.” I laugh. “I work here now.”
“So?” Bradley sets my shoes back on the casino tile. “Fuck, you look good,” he says, taking a step back and holding me at arm’s length.
“Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself.” I wink. I’ve never liked Brad in that way, and he’s never liked me either. We have a good friendship. It was always him, me, and Jake—although I was much closer to Jake.