Page 79 of A Haunting at Keystone Manor

“But you’ve met his family! Granny Brooks!” I exclaim, like that proves my point.

He looks at me quizzically. “You really thought we were dating?”

“I thought you were fucking!”

Brandon goes red at that. “You’re a bit confused, little dude. We’re platonic soulmates, that’s it. We did kiss once, and it was nice, but I realized quickly that I prefer the ladies.”

“Oh, well, that’s okay. Thanks for telling me. I’m glad you trusted me enough to come out. There’s nothing wrong with liking women.” I’m totally teasing him, but I can’t help it. He shakes his head with a grin. He’s probably the only straight person at this hotel. Besides Kayla, I guess. Oh my god.

“Please don’t fuck Kayla. She’s a murderous psycho who’ll probably end up back in prison soon. You’re too young to be a jailhouse boyfriend. Don’t throw your life away,” I plead.

“Relax,” he drawls. “She’s cute, but I prefer brunettes. We wouldn’t be compatible.”

I gape at him. “That’s the reason you wouldn’t be compatible? It’s not the… I don’t know, MURDER?”

“That too, little dude. That too.”

Just then Jake walks in, dirt smudged across his cheek from the garden. “Hi, babe!” I greet him and give him a cat-call.

“Hey. What’s going on?” he asks, throwing an arm around my shoulders and kissing the top of my head. I preen a little at the attention.

“Seth and Sasha are going on a date tonight,” I inform him. He looks at Brandon, surprised.

“I thought you and Seth had a thing?” he asks.

“Nah, why does everyone think that? I was just explaining to Alex that I like the ladies. Not that it’s anyone’s business.” He pretends to get back to work, but I know we’ve flustered him.

“I’ve informed him that if he fucks Kayla, he’s fired,” I say to Jake.

“Who’s making love to whom?” I’m startled by the sound of my mom’s voice. I turn around to gape at her.

“Mom! When did you get here?”

“Just this afternoon, sweetie. We took a taxi. I wanted to surprise you. Your father and I took a quick walk around the property, we didn’t want to disturb you. I know you’ve been busy with the hotel.”

“You scared the life out of me!” I exclaim. “No one’s fucking!” Brandon leans his elbows against the desk and drops his face into his hands as I run up to my parents and give them a quick hug.

“Oh my god. Can I get back to work please?” he asks, exasperated.

I decide to take pity on him. “Mom, stop harassing my employees. Go get settled in. Come on Jake, let’s go work in the garden until it’s time for your appointment. Leave the shirt.”

***

Jake

“Hey, bro.” I startle as Seth walks into the living room, tearing my gaze away from the window I was staring out of. I have another therapy appointment with Lisa this afternoon that I’m dreading, but I know it’s for the best.

“Hey, Seth. What’s up?” I ask.

He shrugs and looks around the room. I look down at his cast and feel guilty all over again. As much as he says he doesn’t blame me for any of it, I blame myself. I look away from him.

“This living room is bigger than my granny’s house. She’d love it in here, all these books.”

“She’s welcome any time. We have the space.”

“Thanks. Hey, can I talk to you for a sec?” he asks and sits down on the edge of the couch, like he’s not sure I’ll allow him to stay.

“Yeah, what’s on your mind?”