Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 63444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 317(@200wpm)___ 254(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 317(@200wpm)___ 254(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
I can’t play with fire and not expect to get burned. I have to remind myself that she’s unattainable.
“Hey, how are you?” Greer asks warmly, her amber-colored eyes softening, her voice enveloping me as she pulls me into a tight embrace. It’s a ritual we’ve come to cherish.
Stepping into Greer’s home feels like stepping into a sanctuary, a place where time slows down and worries melt away. The familiar scent of freshly baked cinnamon buns wafts through the air, instantly comforting my senses.
“I’m good,” I lie to her, not wanting her to know I’ve been a wreck over the past few days. Like I’m going completely insane.
I haven’t heard from Posey in a while, and I know I pushed things too far. I should have known better.
Greer welcomes me into her home, and I move into the kitchen, nodding to my twin brother who stands there, eating a cinnamon bun.
“Roman,” Greer says, angry hands on her hips. “You’re not supposed to eat anything yet. Not until everyone is here.”
Roman smiles, and shoves the rest of the bun into his mouth. “Sorry, sweetheart,” he says, kissing her cheek.
Dev and Chloe are next to arrive, and Chloe’s got the baby in tow. I give them hugs, and then lift baby Devvie Jr. out of the infant carrier. I hold him, letting his tiny hand wrap around my finger. “He’s got a strong grip,” I say.
“He’s got a strong set of lungs too,” Dev says. “Likes to cry all night long.”
I study my friends, and notice Chloe and Dev both look tired. “Maybe I can come over and watch the baby and let you two get a full night’s sleep.”
“No, I’ll watch him,” Greer says, stepping over to gaze down at her nephew. “I told you two if you needed anything…” her words fall away when Chloe walks over.
“We’re fine. We’re a bit tired, but I think we’re both handling it fine, right Dev?” Chloe puts Devvie Jr. back into his infant seat.
Dev looks exhausted. “I don’t know anymore.”
Chloe wraps her arms around Dev’s waist. “Maybe we should take them up on their offer.”
Dev nods and smiles at his sister. “Greer, maybe we’ll let you watch him one night so we can sleep.”
Greer hugs her brother. “I’m there.”
“We really appreciate that,” Chloe says, wrapping Greer into a big hug.
“We’re all here to help,” I add in, and Chloe, all teary eyed, wraps me into a hug next.
“I never knew when I met Dev that I’d be gaining this family with it, and I couldn’t be more happy. I really appreciate all of you.”
Devvie Jr. cries from his car seat, and I move over to pick him up. I bounce him lightly in my arms, shushing him.
“It’s okay,” I say, holding him close.
“You’re going to make a great father someday,” Chloe says, the tears in her eyes finally spilling over. She swipes them away. “Hormones. I’m still crying at every commercial on TV.”
Dev smiles. “Even the ones that aren’t sad.”
“That commercial about a rock hitting that woman’s car windshield, and the company coming to pick her up makes me cry every time.”
We all laugh.
“It’ll get better,” Greer says, patting her own stomach. She told us about her impending pregnancy not too long ago. “And then you’ll be around to help me when our baby comes.”
A warmth floods me at the thought of my twin brother having a child. It’s so surreal. We move to the table as Greer places the last of the French toast onto it. Greer always goes all out. I once asked her why she prepares enough food to feed an army when it’s always just our small family that shows up. She said she loves the idea of having us all together, loves hosting, and enjoys the convenience of leftovers for busy mornings when she can’t cook.
I love being with these people, even if I feel like the fifth wheel.
I think about Posey’s poem. About the loneliness she feels, and wonder what she’s doing today. Is she mad at me?
My phone vibrates in my pocket and I pull it out, glancing at the text a few times before setting my phone down with shaky hands.
“Everything okay?” Roman asks me, able to read my mood instantly.
“Yeah, I…umm…just got a text from Bane Delgado. He wants to meet with me.”
Greer places her hand over mine. “Listen, I’ve heard from a few people that the case against Delgado is crumbling. I wouldn’t be surprised if charges are dropped by the end of the week.”
“Really?”
She nods, her brown hair falling over her shoulders. “Yeah, I have a friend at the DA’s office, and it’s not looking good.”
I scrub a hand down my face. “Fuck. I wonder what he wants.”
“Think he knows you and Posey are texting each other?” Roman asks.
Chloe and Greer both hit me with their shocked faces.