Page 31 of Lost & Found

Her brow furrowed. The wheels were turning in her devious little mind, and I inwardly groaned. She was going to ask for my help. I could feel it in my core. She turned hopeful eyes my way.

“Well, in keeping with the theme of the evening, fuck-it. What do you need?”

In my stomach, the faintest hints of a warning started, but the smile that subsequently spread across her lovely face made it worth it.

“Pen and paper? My hands are a bit full right now.”

She kissed the top of Declan’s head and smirked. I moved off the bed and started looking around. Damn, when was the last time I had a piece of paper in my room? I shuffled through my bedside table. My eyes landed on a card I’d gotten from Hannah.

It’d be perfect. Not only was it an afterthought from her, but she literally signed her name inside. No message of encouragement. No words of wisdom, just her small signature scrawled at the bottom. I couldn’t even recall what the occasion was when she gave it to me.

The outside read, “Dumpster Fires Don’t Burn Forever”. Thank God for that. I dug further and found a pen. Hopefully, it worked.

“Okay, so what should I add?” She turned hopeful eyes my way.

“Depends on how adventurous you’re feeling?” I teased.

“Well, it’s a Friday night. I’ve spent it with a cute six-year-old and someone who is like a brother to me. I’d say my life warrants a little adventure.”

“You wound me, my fair lady. A brother?” I repeated. Something inside me didn’t like that answer. “Is that all I am to you, and to think I invited you to my bed for an evening? I thought we had something special. And you wonder why I joined the club,” I teased.

“You’re so dramatic, and I thought Kinsley was bad. Be serious. If I put them down, then I’m committed.”

“Did you speak to the girls? Ask their opinions?” I asked warily.

She may have come far in the last few years, but Kinsley and Victoria’s influence reigned supreme. Not that she did everything they asked, or she’d be on several dating sites. I shifted uncomfortable with the thought of her swiping right on some stranger.

“No, I need to do this. On my own. Well, without their input, Marcel says it’s important. He said I need to lean on others outside the two of them.”

“How many items are we going for?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never done one of these before.” Sarcasm laced every word, but it softened in the next part. “Marcel didn’t say specifically. Although he did say it’s important that I commit to it. If it’s on the list, then it’s meant to be. What do you think?”

“What I think doesn’t matter.”

“It does to me. I mean, you’ve taken on the role as my secretary, so I’ll allow you to be the judge of the number of items. I trust you.”

“Okay then, since you’re making demands and relegating me to sidekick status—”

“Sidekick? I don’t see you that way at all. I’d say it’s more like you’re a character in my story. Play your cards right and maybe you’ll be a main one.”

I groaned inwardly. Her innocent suggestion was giving me vibes I had no business feeling. I narrowed my eyes.

“We’ll add bossy pants to your title. So I’m a character in your story with potential. You’re ruthless, you know. I’m working tirelessly here and you’ve no qualms using me along the way. Now that you’ve spoken your true feelings aloud, my ego can’t take another hit, so I’m going to insist we go for fourteen items.”

“Fourteen? That’s so random.” She grinned.

“On the surface perhaps, but if you let me explain, I’m sure you’ll agree it’s perfect.”

“You’re always so confident. You think you know me that well?”

“Don’t push your luck, princess. Now, let me get back to what I was saying. The number fourteen combines the vibrational frequency of the numbers one and four. The number one is associated with new beginnings and freedom.”

“Vibrational frequencies, huh?” she smiled. My breath caught in my throat.

“Yes. And the number four is a number that represents stability and balance. We need to consider its connection to the number five as well.”

“Which is?”