AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Deal.” I lift my glass and clink it to his.
Damien spends more time in New Orleans now his hotel is up and running. It’s a health spa with many amazing facilities his clients return for all the time. I’m proud of him. He’s doing a fine job of showing our family that he can make it on his own. I think he’s only spending as much time here because he’s keeping an eye on me, making sure I don’t go off the rails.
“How’s business going?” I make small talk as I look around us.
“Good. I need to fly out to Italy on Thursday. They have two big weddings this weekend, and my assistant manager needs my help since her assistant has called in sick.”
“The joys of being the boss. You’re cast in as substitute.”
“I don’t mind. I haven’t been out to Italy in months. I love that place. It was my first, you know?”
I do know. The first never leaves your mind. At that moment, my skin prickles. I look to the side to see Kally walking in, holding onto my brother’s arm. The heels she’s walking in look uncomfortable for anyone, but for a pregnant woman… yeah, it’s good to see that my brother is looking after the woman he’s supposed to love.
“What a fucking douche!”
I look to where the voice comes from beside Damien and smile when I see Alissa growling at my brother.
“I see you got an invitation as well.” I move to lift her into my arms.
I haven’t seen her for about fourteen months. The last time, we kind of parted on bad terms. Kally had just had her third miscarriage and Alissa wasn’t allowed to see her. I flew into New Orleans for a business meeting. I never even told Nancy I was here, but Lyssa walked into my business meeting and gave me hell. It’s a good thing I love the spitfire inside her. Besides, it’s good to see that Kally will still have her friend at the end of this.
“It’s good to see you, shorty.”
“And you’re still talking to me after my last outburst.” She downs her drink and slams the glass down on the bar. I’m glad it isn’t a champagne flute because the delicate glass would have shattered, and the last thing we need is attention being drawn in our direction.
“Are you a man or a mouse!” Lissa yells at me, and I slam my hand down on my office table as I stand up.
“Do you really think I want Kally to go through this hell? Do you? There isn’t anything I can do, shorty. It fucking kills me to say that, but it’s the truth.” I turn to look out of my office window that looks out over the French quarter.
“You keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel better about this situation. I lost my best friend. I can’t even speak to her over Skype or text. She’s hurting and alone. I know how that feels right now.”
“And I don’t?”
“I’m clearly wasting my breath here.” She picks up her purse, bangs open my office door, and storms out.
“I can’t fault you for looking out for Kally, Alissa. We both said things in the heat of the moment.”
“Good to know. Don’t look now, but your brother is walking towards us with his wife,” she spits in distaste.
I smile at Alissa because being around her makes me feel normal. I’m not the only one who still shows their hatred for this situation.
“Well, well, well. The brother and the best friend. Aren’t we lucky tonight, darling?”
I turn slowly and see Kally staring at my chest. I do the only thing I know will piss off Colton and bend down to place a kiss on Kally’s cheek.
“You look beautiful. Happy Birthday.”
“Thank you,” she says weakly.
The confident young woman I once knew is gone, and in her place is this weak, shattered person.
Lissy steps forward and wraps Kally in her arms. I can see the tears well in both girls’ eyes. They used to be inseparable.
“I just love reunions, don’t you all?” Colton sniggers.
“We wouldn’t need reunions if you’d let Kally live a little,” Lissy kicks in.
Kally subtly shakes her head at her friend, but it’s not lost on me. I know Kally is trying to convey a message, but Lissy is too angry and upset to notice.
