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Forcing a smile, I told him I would pass along his message, but inside I started to crumble. “I hope you’re ready for this,” I warned Dean as the elevator dinged and we stepped inside.
Dean nodded. “But can I just say that this place is awesome? A doorman? Lights like Disneyland? I can’t wait to see what your apartment looks like. ”
I held back a chuckle; he sounded like an excited kid. “It’s ridiculously nice. We’re really lucky. ”
My mind shot back to the day we first toured this apartment. Jack had the rare day off and had found us this place after researching all morning. It was love at first sight for me, what with the granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, enormous master bedroom, and equally huge marble bathroom. The balcony with its view of the city was simply an added perk that called to my photographic side. To put it mildly, I fell in love the moment I walked through the front door.
Jack, on the other hand, didn’t even explore the apartment at all. Waiting for my approval, he said all that mattered was that I liked it. He had been sold on the doorman, the twenty-four hour security, and the private gym.
“Cassie? Hellooo. ” Melissa waved a hand in front of my eyes, forcing me back to reality.
“Sorry,” I said with a sheepish smile. “I was just remembering the first time we saw this place. ” I shook off the memory and stepped out of the elevator.
When I opened the front door, the shadows from the television and the city lights danced across the otherwise darkened walls. Floor-to-ceiling windows provided the most beautiful views of the city, and Melissa gasped as she pulled her suitcase through the entryway.
“Wow. That’s stunning. What a view, Cass. ”
“Holy shit, that’s gorgeous,” Dean agreed as the wheels on his suitcase squeaked.
Melissa leaned toward me and whispered, “Where’s Jack?”
“I’m trying to sleep, but you’re all so fucking loud. ” Jack’s snarky voice sliced through our otherwise enjoyable moment, putting us all on notice.
I pursed my lips together, my eyes instantly filling with tears, and waved a hand in the direction of the couch.
“Aren’t you a peach?” Dean mocked, before walking through the living room and flipping on every switch he could find.
The apartment lit up like a showroom and Jack cursed. “Turn those off. Fuck. ” He glared at his brother in the bright light, and for a moment I was embarrassed at his appearance. He refused to shave and wouldn’t let me help him, so his beard was overgrown and he looked really scruffy.
“Stop being a dick,” Dean snapped back.
“Stop being here,” Jack growled before covering his eyes with a pillow.
“Nice to see you, too. ” Dean moved away from his brother and walked back toward his things. “Where’s the guest room?”
I wiped the lone tear that fell, disheartened to witness this kind of interaction between them. “Sorry. It’s over here. ” I led him to the far left side of the apartment. “Our room is on the other side of the kitchen. This is your bathroom, so make yourself at home. ”
“I’ve never seen him like this. He didn’t even make eye contact with me,” Dean said with a wince.
“Told you it was bad. ”
“Yeah, I know,” he breathed out. “I need a minute. ”
“Of course. Take all the time you need. It’s not like he’s going anywhere. ” I turned to leave the room and ran straight into Melissa.
“Is this our room?” she asked, peering around me.
“Yep. Bathroom’s behind you. Make yourself at home. ” I sucked in a deep breath, then leaned down to give her a hug and whispered, “Take care of Dean, please. Don’t fuck with him any more. You’re going to break him. ”
Melissa coughed against me, shocked by my words. “Oh my God, shut up. ”
“I’m not kidding. He needs you,” I said pointedly before walking away.
New York State of Mind
The next morning, I woke up with a back sore from sleeping on the couch two nights in a row. The constant barrage of conversation surrounding me reminded me that my brother and Melissa were here.
Great.
