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“Wh—”
“Bills on me tonight.” He grinned.
I stood up instantly. It all seemed like a joke– surreal. There was no way I could let him do that when he barely had money.
“No way, James. I've kept you outside till this time. That's enough goodness. You don’t like clubs, and you have a family to feed. I would never let you do that for me.”
There was silence as my voice echoed throughout the room. Then, slowly, he walked up to me. Placing a hand on my shoulder, he smiled. “I made a little sales today. I'm hoping it will be enough for the club life. And Ethan,” he paused for a while. “You are family.”
James had done a lot of things, but that night, he raised the bar. Eventually, we went to the club, all bills on him. Even though I didn't drink much, I couldn't help the guilt.
That, along with many other times, was how James showed up for me. He was a good friend. A shoulder to lean on. I, in turn, should be a shoulder for him to lean on. That's not the reason he needed a shoulder to lean on.
We stuck by each other, and finally, at twenty-nine, I started to gain recognition, and by thirty-six, I was fully established.
I shouldn't be the reason he’d be sad. I shouldn't be the reason he’d be hurt. I should stop the fucking shenanigans with his daughter.
My eyes zoned in on the next line of the page I’d been reading.
“… for friendships are the greatest gift to humans.”
Fuck. Even the book I’d selected randomly knew my predicament.
I should—
The low creaking of the door brought my attention to the entrance. Slowly, a head peeked from the open space. I was surprised to see her in my study.
No. I was angry to see her in my study. First off, I'd instructed that this place be off limits to her. Secondly, today, of all days when I needed to take a break from everything, she was here.
She was everything… everything that troubled me right now.
Sophie was the only reason I took breaks. But now, much to my distaste, Evie was another.
She entered. Slowly, she started to walk up to me. I inhaled a sharp breath when I saw her. It wasn't the colorful knee-length gown that got my attention. It was her hair.
They flowed long and silky down her back. It would be my first time seeing her in something other than a bun.
She was halfway through to my table when she spoke. “I'm sorry…sir. I was… just looking for Virginia. I thought I’d find her here like the last time.”
She visibly froze when she realized her mistake. She’d slipped and revealed herself.
“I thought I gave you clear instructions?”
She quickly replied. “Forgive me, sir. The last time I was here, I was trying to find Virginia. I assure you it won't happen again.”
I did nothing but exhale. I’d set the rule so she wouldn't be free. I’d set it because I knew there were times when I'd need my own space outside my bedroom.
“Sophie smiled.” Her words were but a whisper. I paused, glancing at her momentarily to ensure I’d heard her correctly.
“What?”
She continued to walk closer. “She smiled.”
My heart stopped. Then it resumed beating again. This time, it was faster… and filled with different emotions. Shock, surprise, disbelief… and happiness.
The happiness soon overwhelmed all others. I let it sink deep into my heart, pumping good energy through my veins.
“How? When?”
