Chapter 50
fifty
Later that night, I’m woken up by a loud crack of thunder. Jolting upright on the couch, my heart slams against my ribs as I blink into the darkness, disoriented for a beat before the room comes into focus.
The TV is still on, casting a pale blue glow into the room.
Sasha is curled into a ball on the opposite end of the couch from me, one arm flung over her face.
Lizzy is sprawled face down on another, head buried under a pillow.
Noia, having moved from her chair to a couch as well, is sacked out, one hand resting protectively over her stomach, and she’s snoring in these tiny, delicate little puffs that sound a lot like a kitten purring.
A smile touches my lips just before another rumble of thunder rolls, causing me to flinch. My pulse kicks up a notch, but I shake it off and head down the hall.
When I reach the living room, I pause in front of the massive wall of windows. Lightning flashes, illuminating the lake in white for a split second before plunging everything back into darkness.
Another crack of thunder comes.
My stomach flips with a mixture of nervousness and excitement when I think about Logan and Brex coming over. I wonder what they want to talk about?
I press my palm against the cool glass, watching the raindrops race each other down the pane.
“Couldn’t sleep either?”
I spin around to find Lizzy standing a few feet away.
“Thunder always makes me restless,” I explain, turning back to the window.
She comes to stand beside me. “Yeah, me too.”
We stand in comfortable silence for a moment, watching the storm rage outside.
“So,” Lizzy says, bumping my shoulder with hers. “What’s on your mind?”
“Brex and Logan want to have a discussion with me tonight.”
“Oh, yeah?” she asks, a knowing smile lacing her tone. “You nervous?”
“Terrified,” I admit with a small laugh. “What if they want me to choose? Or, if not, what if this whole thing blows up in our faces?”
Lizzy is quiet for a moment, and I can feel her studying me in the darkness.
“Can I tell you something about my brother?” she asks finally.
“Sure.”
“He’s never been the same since what Mel did to him in college.” She pauses, letting that sink in. “And he’s never, ever talked about anyone the way he talks about you. Not even her.”
My heart flutters. “Really?”
“Really. And Brex?” She snorts. “That guy has been a mess for weeks. I’m not sure what flipped his switch, but the way he looks at you? It’s like you hung the freaking moon.”
I press my lips together in an attempt to contain the smile threatening to break free.
“I haven’t told anyone this, but I ran into Brex in Portland a couple of months ago.”
“No shit?”
“I’m going to tell you something, but you have to promise not to freak out.”
Lizzy raises an eyebrow.
“I mean it, Iz.”
She shakes her head with a small smile. “Promise. Now, shoot.”
The next words tumble out of my mouth so fast, I’d be surprised if Lizzy can keep up.
“I was walking home from a bar when two men shoved me into an alley and assaulted me. Brex happened to be walking by and saved me. He didn’t know it was me until after he’d kicked the shit out of them.
He bought me breakfast, walked me home and did dirty things to me on my porch.
He gave me his number, but I never called.
I had no idea he worked for LFSR until my first day. ”
Blowing out a soft breath, Lizzy turns to face me.
“First of all. I can’t believe you didn’t tell anyone you were assaulted,” she whisper-hisses.
“But I get it. You needed to work through shit on your own. Thank you for trusting me. Second: Now it makes sense why Brex has been acting all weird and shit.”
“Yeah, well. I’m thankful to have you as a friend.”
“Me too,” Lizzy smiles. “I’m gonna go sleep in my own bed. Ro should be home soon.”
She turns away, then stops, glancing back at me. “Look. All I was trying to say is that those two idiots are crazy about you. And whatever they want to talk about? I’m sure it’s nothing bad. Not with the way those two are hung up over you.”
Leaving me with those words of wisdom, she walks away.