True Feelings #15
I whispered, “Odette.” Jag did a double take. I sighed, “My name is Odette, and I’m really tired of everyone not knowing that. It’s not like you talk to anyone else I know, besides Sean. Both of you aren’t talking to anyone else though.”
“Keaton knows my real name. Everyone else appears to know Katie’s not my name. Do you have ANY idea how many eyebrow raises the Daniels and Miller families have given me when I say my name? I don’t know how they know, but they know.”
“Maybe it’s partially my fault because I keep almost saying my actual name. OdKatie is a strange name in all fairness. But do they HAVE to be so observant? And why, after ALL these years, is this the area I can’t keep my new name straight?”
“I have no idea what the answer is. Literally, not one but it kills me when they all call me Katie. I can’t do much about them, but you are a different story. You can call me by my real name. God, I’m so tired of new fake names and new towns.”
“I just want people to call me by MY name. I’ve never had this desire so strongly before. I had a friend I wanted to know my name, but the rest knowing was mostly because she is a terrible liar. I needed her to know my name, which was odd.”
“Then I went somewhere else and I’ve lost her.
I didn’t care if those people didn’t know my name.
Now, I’m here and I care a lot. It was always like this secret I had that I decided if I trusted someone enough, I could tell them.
That’s not a long list either. I come here and this longing for people to know my name is at an all time high. UGH!”
Jag studied me for several moments then said, “I understand.” I snorted, “Care to explain how?” Jag answered, “Everyone around here except you would think I’m someone I’m not. I introduced myself to you because I recognized the same thing you do.”
Sassy sounded smug in my head with her song right now. Jag continued, “We are kindred spirits. I also wanted to thank you, but the longer we talked I realized we both need each other as friends. I’ve never had a neutral third party to talk things over with, and it seems neither have you.”
“As far as the Daniels and Millers, they absolutely know your name isn’t Katie considering I knew. Malachi Miller’s whole job is to read people, and to know things. Emmett Daniels is a keen observer, and you’re dating his brother.”
“They were at the school that night to see you and observe you with Keaton. I don’t know that for a fact, but I’d bet that’s what it was. It worked out since, of course, you found trouble.” I stuck my tongue out at him. God, everyone was so in the mob.
Jag surmised, “As for why you want people to say your actual name, you feel like you belong here. No, you know you do. I want to walk straight up to Emmett Daniels and ask if I could be a permanent fixture here. This place feels like home.”
I offered, “We could go talk to him together if you want. I’m getting all the mob feelings lately and you know my family is totally another one.
So, we could work it out.” Jag smiled, “I’ll keep that in mind.
Now, get back to your apartment safely ok.
Oh, and uhh happy early Valentine’s Day, Friend. ”
I smiled asking, “Are you spending it with anyone?” Jag laughed, “Nope. I’m still under the radar.” I pursed my lips, “Well, if you want you could stop by during the day.” Jag laughed, “You’re so cute. Thank you, but I’m good.” I sighed, “Alright. Thanks for the help.” Jag smirked, “Anytime.”
I left the shop and went back to my apartment. I opened my computer and a call came through the second I opened my email. I answered, “Hello, Caspian.” My big brother blinked in shock that I’d accepted a video call.
I guess Trit didn’t tell them we’d had them before. Caspian said, “You’re on camera.” I countered, “I did send you a picture of me in my dress; therefore you know what I look like.” Caspian snorted, “Yes, but you’ve only video chatted with Trit.” So, he did tell them.
I teased, “Trit and now you. What’s up mob boss brother man?
I gotta tell you, I think I’m surrounded by the mob.
I must draw them to me, it’s all so clear now.
” Caspian rolled his eyes, “I’m not in the mob, nor is anyone else you know.
I’m calling because we haven’t had a chance to connect. I wanted to ask how the dance went.”
I honestly answered, “Other than a minor incident; it was great. Also, trust me so many people around me are definitely in the mob. Maybe I can get you more allies.” Caspian’s eyes narrowed, “I don’t have those. What minor incident?”
I told him, “Everyone needs allies. I’m totally going to bring so much to the table when we meet. You guys obviously need me. Are you not a people person? What I am I saying? You send all caps lock emails. Lord give me strength. Well, I’m here now and I’ll fix that for you.”
Caspian hissed, “What situation?” I answered, “These guys showed up and wanted to kidnap and rape my friend. I fought them and I did that thing again, I think.” Caspian’s eyes went into slits asking, “Are these guys dead?”
I teased, “Mr. Mob Boss Man, not everyone every family kills people. I’m sure my song boy’s definite mob boss family sent them to JAIL.
It all got very growl-y. I think my song boy actually did what can only be described as a roar.
I need to talk to him about that. OH! Maybe I could dress up as little red riding hood and.... ”
Caspian cut me off, “As your big brother, these are things I don’t need to hear.
I’m already ignoring the sex shop bag on the bed.
” I blushed and put it on the ground. Caspian snorted, “I already saw it. I wish it was a local shop and not a chain because I already looked it up. It’s in every state and was deeply unhelp on top of disturbing. Anyway, what thing did you do?”
I sighed, “I told them to leave us alone and go away. If my song boy, his brothers, and his friends hadn’t been waiting to capture them they were trying to leave. Like I told them to.” Caspian looked smug, “I see. Well, what can you do? Is that how you got away from Lux Vennox?”
I thought about it then answered, “Not exactly. I had a bus ticket for later, but I asked the driver if I could get on early. He did say no at first, but we locked eyes and I said please then he agreed.” Caspian grumbled, “Of all the rotten luck.”
I snorted, “It was great luck on my part, and I’m not usually lucky.” Caspian told me, “You know, I don’t think I said this but you’re truly stunning, little sister.” I blushed, “Thanks. You’re quite handsome yourself.”
I paused then admitted, “I still can’t believe mom left your dad. He’s easily the most attractive guy she’s been with that I’ve seen. Looks matter to mom too, that and money. Your dad’s got to be rich though, so I’m drawing a blank on her malfunction there.”
Caspian casually asked, “You said mom’s boyfriends always pay for your apartment. Does mom ever pay for anything?” I absentmindedly said, “Umm yeah. On our way here, she paid for a really nice hotel room though.”
I admitted, “Mom’s done that a few times.
I’ve never understood how she paid for it.
I guess it’s because she must have some money.
Does she have a trust fund? Mom does have nice clothes.
I thought she was just having her boyfriend’s buy them, but she’s always had them. So, it’s probably her own money.”
Caspian offered, “It’s a trust of sorts.” Of course it was. Because THEY WERE IN THE MOB! Was mom stealing from the mob? Damn. She was getting whacked since I definitely just outed her. I asked, “Why do you look calculating now?” Caspian smiled, “Because I am often calculating.”
I changed the subject asking, “Do you have Valentine’s Day plans?” Caspian smiled, “Yes, I do. As do our brothers, but now we have this app on our phone. Cordelius added an alert to our phones. If you need us, we will answer.”
I snorted, “You had our techy brother do it? Of course, you did.” Caspian laughed, “Yes, yes, yes. I cement your theory with the things I say. I know.” I teased, “You said cement. That means the word is top mind for you.” Caspian snorted out a laugh.
Someone knocked on my door. I told him, “I’ll see you later. Well, just wait a minute. Sassy isn’t singing so it’s not my song boy.” I walked to the door and opened it. I groaned as Sassy started hissing. I asked, “Do you understand what a restraining order means, Lisa?”
Tatum came behind me and started barking. Lisa might want to watch out. My tiny, fierce rabies riddled wolf taking down dog was on the case. Surely, my dog wouldn’t attack a person though. Right? Sassy snorted in my head then went back to hissing.
I looked at Lisa and started laughing. Immy had actually turned her hair blue, and my friend was right. Lisa could NOT pull it off. Lisa put her fist back to punch me. I blocked her move then punched her in the nose, breaking it.
Lisa screamed so loud the dead probably heard it. I winced, “Good lord, that’s an octave.” My boyfriend’s ex snarled, “I’m pressing charges!” I scoffed, “You are actually crazy. There are cameras in this hallway. You went to punch me first, and I defended myself.”