AllFreeNovel
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“How was your day?” I ask Tyler over FaceTime as I search the kitchen for something to eat for dinner.
It’s a Wednesday night, and I just got home after a full day of classes. Madison has night class tonight, so usually, I fend for myself, as Tyler works late.
“Eh. It’s alright. I’m tired. Didn’t sleep good last night.”
“Oh no, the upstairs neighbor again?”
Tyler sighs as he pulls his dinner from the microwave. He’s on break at work, and the room is empty besides him. “Yeah. I hate to complain about such cheap rent. The place is perfect, besides the ridiculousness that goes on upstairs. The worst part is they just got a dog. Now I hear it running back and forth all night.”
“You need to tell your landlord. Cheap rent or not, everyone deserves a good night's sleep.” I decide on a TV dinner and toss it in the microwave before sliding into a chair. I watch Tyler pick at his food over the camera, a shitty TV dinner similar to mine.
“Yeah, you’re right.”
“Come here after work. There might not be much sleeping happening, but you know it’ll be a good night.” I flirt.
It works a bit, his face lifting into a semi-smile. “Mmm, that sounds tempting.”
Just then, the doorbell rings. Who could that be? I’m not expecting anyone, and Madison’s not home. “Hold on, Tyler. Someone is at the door.”
I leave my phone in the kitchen and walk over to the door. I peep through the hole and see none other than my brother, Drew.
What’s he doing here?
I sent him my address when we moved in, but I didn’t expect him to show up out of the blue one day. It’s not like him.
Maybe something is wrong. Is it Mom? Or him?
I inhale through my nose and breathe out through my mouth before opening the door. “Drew! What are you doing here?”
“Hey, Lo. Can I come in?” He looks upset, and I brace myself.
Shoot, this can’t be good.
“Yeah, come in. You hungry? I was just about to eat a yummy TV dinner.”
“Nah, I’m good,” Drew says as he follows me inside.
Dammit, I still have Tyler on the phone!
“Have a seat. I just gotta check on my dinner. I’ll be right back.”
Drew nods and stills on the couch. I hurry into the kitchen.
“Lo? Lo?” Ty calls, and I grab the phone.
“Sorry, sorry. My brother’s here.”
Tyler suddenly looks worried and uncomfortable. “Really? Were you expecting him?”
“No. But he looks upset. I’ll call you later, okay?”
“Wait, Lo. There’s something I need to tell you.”
“Can’t it wait until later? My brother is waiting for me in the living room.”
“No, it can’t wait. I think I know why Drew is there.”
“What are you talking about, Ty?”
