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“Shit,” I shout, nearly jumping out of my skin, “I didn’t realize anyone else was here.” I don’t think I’ve ever been this on edge in my life, but it’s pretty much how I’ve stayed since the moment I saw Lizzy.
“Clearly.” Allison smirks, propping herself against the edge of my dresser. “Do you always go around cursing and throwing your stuff around when no one is here?”
“What are you doing here anyway? Your other half is working late tonight,” I lie, hating the thought of telling her Jon is on a date.
I’ve known Allison Santos for as long as I’ve known Jon. The two of them have been inseparable since they were five. He professed his undying love and intention to marry her by the time they were seven.
It’s Jon’s fear that keeps him from being with her. He says he doesn’t want to ruin their friendship by trying to make their relationship into something it isn’t. He doesn’t realize Allison is in love with him too. I wish they’d get over their hang-ups and be together already. I’m sure sick of being stuck in the middle all the time.
No matter how hard Allison tries to deny it, there is always hurt in her eyes when he’s with other women, and it makes me want to cause him physical pain. Over the years, Allison’s become like a sister to me. I don’t like seeing her upset.
“No, he’s not.” She looks down at the floor to hide the disappointment on her face. “I know he has a hot date.”
The wide smile she plants on her face doesn’t match the dullness in her eyes. Allison is a pro at covering up her emotions, but I’ve known her long enough to see through it.
“I just needed to get away from my roommate,” she adds. “She’s driving me crazy. It’s about time I find a new place to live, but I have to wait until our lease is up. Now, tell me what your tantrum was all about.”
“I didn’t throw a tantrum.” I take a seat at my desk and cross my arms, hoping she’ll drop it.
“Really?” She holds up the remote I nearly broke, one eyebrow raised and a half-cocked smile on her face.
“You wouldn’t understand,” I grit out, rolling my shoulders.
“Try me.” She takes a seat on the edge of my bed.
“I wouldn’t even know where to begin.” I turn my back to her, looking out the window. If anyone could get me to open up and talk, it would be Allison, but I don’t know how to explain something I don’t understand. “It’s complicated.”
“Complicated? Since when does Brenden Scott do complicated?”
“I don’t.” I stand to face her again, running my hand through my hair. Allison’s eyes stay glued on me as I walk from my desk to the door and back again. “But this is—”
“Complicated?” she snickers, leaning forward to rest her elbow on her knee, chin on her hand.
“No, smartass,” I grumble, coming to a stop in front of her. “This is different.”
“Wow, are you actually falling for someone?” Allison’s eyes draw in as she chews on her bottom lip, her stare becoming intrusive as she waits for my response.
“No,” I answer with a wave of my hand. “I don’t even know her.”
“But there is someone?” she asks, perking up.
“Ugh, no.” Tugging at the ends of my hair, I begin pacing the floor again. “Maybe. I don’t know.”
“You’re right. This does sound complicated,” Allison teases.
“I’m so glad I can provide some entertainment for you,” I deadpan, plopping back down on my desk chair.
“I’m sorry. Do you want to talk about it? Sometimes talking to someone can help. And here I am—someone.” She blinks rapidly and frames her face with both hands under her chin. She looks a little crazy instead of portraying the innocence she’s going for.
When she begins laughing at herself, I join in, releasing some of the stress built up inside me. “You’re not going to drop it or leave until I tell you, are you?”
“Nope.” She lies back on my bed and props my pillows up against the frame, making herself at home.
“Okay.” I sigh, gripping the back of my neck. “Here’s the deal.”
By the time I finish recounting my rather strange and unsettling weekend, my heart is racing again. Nervous energy surges through me as I run my clammy hands down my thighs, one leg bouncing nonstop while I wait for her reaction.
Allison, on the other hand, is as still as a statue, her brows drawn together while her eyes scan my face as if she doesn’t recognize me.
