AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I quickly step forward, placing myself between Ollie and the girl, a protective instinct surging within me. I lock eyes with her, mustering up the courage to respond.
“Excuse me,” I say firmly, my voice steady despite the internal turmoil. “I’m not sure who you are or what this is all about, but I would appreciate it if you could speak to us with respect.”
Her eyes are blazing with rage, and her lips are pulled back into a fierce sneer. She stares at me for a long moment before she speaks.
“Oh, I know who you are, Susan,” she spits out between clenched teeth.
I’m taken aback. How does she know my name? I’m about to ask, but she continues before I can.
The girl scoffs, her eyes filled with disdain. “Respect? You think you deserve respect? You’re nothing but a toy for these brothers. Ollie here thinks he’s some kind of hero, sharing you with his siblings. All this time, he let me believe he was some stud who can’t be tied down by anyone, but look at him now. Look what he’s been reduced to. It’s pathetic and desperate!”
Next to me, Ollie visibly flinches.
“I don’t know where you’re getting your information from, but you have no right to judge our relationships. It’s not your place to make assumptions or pass judgment on us.”
“Oh, get off your high horse, bitch.”
“Denise, that’s enough,” Ollie says quietly. “Come on, Susan, we’re done here.” He takes the cart and wheels it away. I stare at Ollie in shock. I expected him to have a stronger reaction, which begs the question—did the girl’s words bother him?
26
OLLIE
As we walk through the grocery store, Denise’s harsh words continue to echo in my mind, a constant replay that stirs up a whirlwind of emotions within me. I can’t help but feel bothered by what she said, despite my efforts to brush it off.
I can’t shake off the unease that gnaws at me. Denise’s words have triggered a flood of insecurities, causing me to question my own self-worth and the choices I’ve made.
In a fucked-up way, Denise is right. I wasn’t this way till Susan came along. And even though it feels so right, I’m plagued with a wave of self-doubt.
Susan, walking along next to me, tries to reassure me, but after a while I block her out.
Ed texts me.We’re out of paint. Grab some.
Ed is building a crib for the baby. It’s supposed to be a surprise for Susan, whose birthday is next month, something we discovered a few days ago.
I distractedly grab the paint and a few more essentials.
* * *
That night,I can’t really sleep. Susan is in the other room. It’s Artie’s turn. Can I not have her to myself if I want to without asking my brothers? Is this how things are going to be from now on?
Frustration rakes through me.
The following night, restlessness stirs within me, urging me to seek solace and distraction. An impulsive decision takes hold, and I find myself driving toward the lively atmosphere of a bar in town, leaving behind the comfort of our cabin without informing Susan or my brothers.
As I step into the dimly lit establishment, the familiar scent of alcohol and the distant sound of laughter greet me. It’s a stark contrast to the peacefulness of our secluded haven, but I crave a temporary escape from the complexities that weigh on my mind.
I find an empty stool at the bar, feeling a mix of anticipation and trepidation. The clinking of glasses and the murmur of conversations surround me, creating a backdrop of temporary forgetfulness.
As I sit at the bar, nursing my drink and lost in my own thoughts, a voice breaks through the haze of my contemplation. I turn my gaze and I’m met with the sight of a beautiful woman standing beside me. She’s an easy ten with a voluptuous figure, wearing a bodycon dress that leaves little to the imagination.
“Hey there,” she says, her voice a melodic invitation. “Mind if I join you?”
I feel a surge of excitement at her boldness, my previous troubles momentarily forgotten. “Not at all,” I reply, returning her smile with one of my own. “I could use some good company tonight.”
She takes the seat next to me, her presence adding a vibrant energy to the atmosphere. Leaning in slightly, she whispers, “What’s a handsome guy like you doing all alone in a place like this?”
I chuckle, appreciating her directness. “Sometimes we all need a break from our usual routine,” I respond, allowing a hint of mystery to lace my words.
