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Jasmine
“Hey.” I walk into the living room, where Riley is watching an animal documentary. He drags his gaze from the TV with a frown. “What?”
“Have you heard from Alec recently?” I ask. “I lent him a book the last time he was here, and I’m trying to get it back, but I can’t reach him.” I swallow, hoping my brother doesn’t see through my lie.
Riley’s frown deepens. “You lent Alec a book?” He echoes. “When was this?”
I roll my eyes. “The day we had lunch. Remember? You got a call from work and had to leave...”
“Yes.” Riley nods. “I’m just surprised he borrowed a book. The idiot doesn’t read shit,” he laughs.
I envy his ability to find humor in this situation because I haven’t laughed in over a week. “Have you heard from him? I’m unable to reach him.”
“You’re right; I called him last night and couldn’t reach him. He’s probably gone again.” Riley returns his attention to the TV.
My heart tightens, and I grab the back of the couch to keep myself upright. “Gone where?”
Riley grunts, visibly irked that I’m interrupting his show. “I don’t know…” he shrugs. “Sometimes, he disappears. Anytime I can’t reach him, I know he’s gone again.”
“He’s your best friend,” I snap. “How can you not know where he disappears to?”
Riley squints at me. “I didn’t know you were the best friend police,” he says. “He goes on business trips, that’s all I know. Alec is secretive about his business, and I don’t probe because I trust he’s not into shady business. Now, go away.” He refocuses on the TV.
“How long does he go until he returns?” I ask. I know I’m pushing it with Riley, but I’m desperate for an answer. Riley turns to me, his gaze narrowed in suspicion.
“I just really need my book,” I lie.
Riley scoffs. “I don’t know what book this is because you’re not a big reader, either. You’ve been here for weeks, and I haven’t seen you with a book. Can you let me watch my show in peace, please? Damn.”
“You see…” I slide onto the couch beside him. “The truth is the book isn’t mine. It’s Ana’s. I need to know when he’ll be back so I can assure her of when it’ll be returned.”
“If I tell you, will you leave me alone?”
“Yes.” I nod. “My Uber will be here soon anyway.”
“Thank god.” Riley grins. “I honestly don’t know when Alec will be back,” he says, and my heart drops. “Sometimes, his trip takes a few weeks; sometimes, it takes a few months. One time, he was gone for six months…”
Tears spring to my eyes, and I look away from Riley to hide it. Fortunately, he doesn’t notice. “—if this book is important, you better buy another one and make the fucker pay for it when he returns. You probably won’t see him for another year.”
My heart shatters in my chest, and I cannot bring myself to respond, or I’ll burst into a sob. Riley continues to watch his show, oblivious to me falling into darkness beside him. Alec is such an asshole; I cannot believe I fell for his stupid promises and sweet talks.
It’s been two weeks since I’ve seen or heard from him. He hasn’t called me, and anytime I call, his number is unreachable. It’s like he has disappeared from the surface of the earth. I’ve suffered in silence for two weeks before asking Riley, and from what my brother says, this seems normal for him. But how could he do that to me?
How could he take me shopping, splurge over fifteen thousand on me, and then disappear? I’m on the verge of d a breakdown, so I’m heading over to Ana’s because she’s the only one I can vent to.
My phone pings at the arrival of my ride, and I manage to say goodbye to Riley before leaving. Right now, I resent him, too, for meeting Alec and introducing me to him. Our paths should never have crossed.
The closer I get to Ana’s house, the closer I am to the brink of a breakdown. My heart hurts, and it’s almost a physical pain. The car parks in front of Ana’s apartment, and I sort the bill before hurrying towards her door. I had texted her earlier to let her know I was coming, but I didn’t tell her something was wrong. As soon as she opens the door, a painful sob bursts out of me, and I fall into her arms.
Ana gasps and embraces me, pulling me towards the couch gently. “Shh.” She pats my back as I ugly cry. “Everything will be alright.”
“No, it won’t!”
She sighs and pulls me closer, still rubbing my back. “Please, don’t cry; you’ll make me cry, too.”
I know she’s serious, so I try to pull myself together. Ana may act tough, but she’s the biggest crybaby ever. “What’s wrong?” She asks, wiping my tears with her hands. “I hate to see you this way.”
“It’s Alec,” I sniff. “He’s a bastard.”
