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“You could’ve put an end to it,” Jerry said. “The party was for you and Shanda, after all.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me. Why would I want the focus back on me?”
“Because you felt bad for your big brother,” he said, arching a brow.
Kenneth chuckled. “Not that bad. Besides, you weren’t there to listen to it. I’m surprised Mother didn’t ask Shanda if she’d consider us having a double wedding.”
“Maybe I don’t want to hang out with you tonight,” he said. This conversation was beginning to piss him off.
“Why? Can’t be apart from Reanna for one night?” Kenneth teased.
“We don’t spend all our time together, if that is what you’re referring to. I have my life and she has hers.” I just wish I could see more of her.
Kenneth leaned back in his chair and said, “So you’re not that interested in her? Because I got the impression you were more than just having dinner over there. I’d like to think that if you were out just screwing around, you wouldn’t have picked one of Shanda’s friends.”
“Since when did my personal life become any of your business?” he asked angrily.
“When it could hurt someone close to us. I’m not judging you, Jerry. Hell, until I met Shanda, I was doing the same. But these women are unique. They’re special. And they sure in fuck aren’t used to dealing with assholes like us. If you care about Reanna, like I think you do, you’re going to need to change your game.”
“I don’t play games,” he answered.
It’s a metaphor, and you know it. And for the record, you might not be playing a game, but I’m not sure you’re taking it seriously, either. Like what are your—”
“Don’t fucking ask me what my intentions are,” he snapped.
Kenneth didn’t blink an eye. “I remember that not too long ago you were giving me shit about Shanda. I think your words to me had been something like I need to get my head out of my ass.”
“That was different,” he growled.
“Yes, it was. It was you lecturing me. I prefer it this way,” Kenneth said.
“I mean the situation is not the same at all,” Jerry said.
“Let me see. I’m a guy. Shanda’s a girl. You’re a guy, Reanna’s a girl. Oh, yeah, I was denying my feelings and so are you. Seems about the same so far.”
“You’re an ass,” Jerry said.
“And once again another similarity,” he responded. “But I didn’t wait too long to let Shanda know how I felt. Just checking if you’re that smart.”
“I’m smart enough not to continue this conversation,” Jerry said flatly. “Your choices are we go out for a beer, or you can just leave. Either works for me.”
“Ornery. Definitely a sign that you’re missing her,” he said.
“My fist making contact with your jaw is a sign that you’ve pushed your luck,” Jerry snarled. It was true; he was grumpy as all hell. He could tell himself that it wasn’t because he was in Boston and Reanna was home in her bed, without him. But they needed time away from each other. If he wasn’t careful, it’d become a routine, one he wasn’t looking for.
“Jerry, we’ve never had a problem saying what was on our minds. I’m not saying you need to run out and ask her to marry you. What I am trying to say is, you need to think about what you want. She’s not the type of woman you sleep with then just walk away from. She’s going to get hurt if you do.” Kenneth got up from the couch and said, “Maybe you two spending the night apart is a good thing. It will either show you how much you miss each other, or how much you prefer your freedom.”
“You don’t know where Reanna and I stand,” he said.
Kenneth nodded. “I’m not so sure you do either. I’m going to my penthouse and calling Shanda before she goes to bed.”
“Don’t want that beer?” he asked.
“I think you have things you need to think about. Best done alone.” Kenneth walked over to the elevator door and said, “Jerry, we were brought up to think that love is a weakness. It’s not. Fighting it is.”
When Kenneth was gone, Jerry walked over to the bar and pulled out a bottle of Bourbon. He didn’t need Kenneth to tell him he was missing Reanna. Her scent lingered and the taste of her was etched in his memory. It was his decision to come to Boston. He could’ve asked her along. Or he could’ve spent the night in Hope Valley again. Neither happened.
Reanna never even questioned him. She just told him she’d see him later. It was very possible she wanted her space, or just wanted a good night’s sleep. Why was Kenneth making it out to be all about him?
