AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Shut up, Zane.”
That’s one of the things we say when the other is mad. It usually works, but I know Paige is pissed. It’s hard to break out of being a protective brother when you’ve been doing it your entire life.
I haven’t seen or heard from Lana since Saturday morning, and it’s now Thursday. I’ve texted her, even called, and my messages go unanswered. My time has been taken up by ongoing business dealings at my company. I want to devote more time to her, but I can’t neglect what I’ve worked on building for almost ten years.
I’m going to make one last-ditch effort, and then as much as I want her, I’m going to have to let her go. I order two dozen long-stemmed red roses and have them sent to Collins and Rowe. I don’t bother to put a card inside. If she can’t figure out who the roses are from, then I’m not in the forefront of her mind.
Hours go by, and even though I get a text that the flowers have been delivered, I hear nothing from Lana. Obviously, I don’t mean much to her, and it was nice while it lasted. Even though we never dated, I feel a loss. I wish I just took her to bed and got it over with. Now I have no chance.
I’m fucking grouchy when I get home and snap at Paige only because she left a glass in the sink.
“What the fuck is your problem?” she asks.
“Nothing. I don’t want you to leave dishes in the sink. This is my place, and I expect you to respect it.”
She narrows her eyes at me, “Brother, you’re full of shit. This has to do with that girl, doesn’t it?”
“How did you know?”
“Because you’ve been a mopey bastard all week. What happened with her?”
Paige is my closest relative, and if I can’t tell her, then who can I tell? She sits on the barstool while I pour myself a glass of whiskey.
“We had fun together last time I saw her. I’ve texted her, called and even sent flowers. I’ve heard nothing from her, not even a thank you.”
“Wow, that is pretty fucked up. You want me to kick her ass?”
“Paige, be serious.”
“I am. I don’t appreciate someone messing with you. You think you’re the only one that can be protective?”
I smile, “Thank you, but I don’t need protecting.”
“Zane, you’re just as vulnerable as everyone else. You sometimes wear your heart on your sleeve. I know you, so admit it.”
“Fine. I’m hurt. I thought we might have had something, but I guess not.”
“Move on. She’s not much older than me. I keep telling you to date women your age.”
“I do, and I have, but they aren’t her. I’m stuck. I know I should just forget Lana, but I’m having trouble keeping my mind occupied without it drifting to her.”
“She seemed pretty friendly with that guy Jeffrey. She’s going to be disappointed because Grace told me he asked her out on a date.”
“WHAT? Lana told me they were seeing each other. She said her mother was ecstatic because Jeffrey is a family friend.”
“Well, he doesn’t seem that way. When we went to Smoke, he was all over Grace. They were making out for half an hour.”
“Does she know that?”
“How the fuck should I know? Why don’t you call Grace?”
“I’m going to in a few minutes. Why are you all dressed up?”
“I have a date with Ben. He got a place in The Village and moved in today. I’m going over there to help him unpack a few things and then out to dinner.”
“Are you coming home?” I steel myself for the answer.
“Maybe. I have a job interview tomorrow at noon.”
