Not Broken: The Happily Ever After(38)

“It’s too soon to be talking marriage. We’ve been dating for like a month.”

“What’s with you? Really?”

“What do you mean?”

“In the few times I’ve seen you with him, you don’t look like a woman that’s in a new relationship. You look like me.”

“Huh? What does that even mean? We look nothing alike. You reminded me of that every chance you got.”

She circled the contents of her glass around before taking another sip. “Whatever. Don’t be mad because I’m the better-looking sister.”

“Dorian…”

“I’m joking, I’m joking.” She laughed. She actually laughed like she was having a good time and not as if she was laughing at me. The wine must have been going to her head. “Malcolm is crazy about you. Anyone can see that, but you...you look like you know the relationship is dead and you’re just waiting on him to realize the same.”

Holy shit. Who knew Dorian cared enough to pay attention to anything related to me? She’d not even been around Malcolm and I that many times since we started dating. If that’s what she saw, what did everyone else see? I drained my glass and discovered the bottle was empty when I went to refill.

“I’m gonna get another.”

“Well, at least when you get wasted this time I don’t have to worry about you puking in my car.”

“I’m not getting wasted. You drank your fair share of that bottle. And I didn’t even puke in your car, so why are you still bitching about that?”

She finished off her glass and had it outstretched for a refill when I returned to the couch. “Because, as you said, I would look for ways to hold it over your head. You never did explain why you were getting smashed in the middle of the afternoon anyway.”

“Have you found a place yet?”

“Wow, real smooth change of subject there. I’ve narrowed it down to two, a townhouse in Johns Creek and a condo in Buckhead. Leaning toward the townhouse, I think. More space, but the amenities at the condo are great, and it’s closer to work, so I’ve not made a decision. Or I could just stay here. It’s not like you’re planning on moving anytime soon. Besides, who doesn’t want to live in such nice accommodations rent-free?”

“So, to get rid of you sooner, I need to start charging you for inconveniencing my life?”

“I’m family, not an inconvenience.”

“That is debatable.”

I missed being alone, being able to take the mask off and be me without anyone watching. With her here, I was still on guard until I was in the safety of my bedroom.

We settled into an odd but somewhat comfortable silence. My gaze went to my painting. I stared at the lady standing at the edge of the cliff, ready to jump. Ready to leave it all behind in hopes that something better waited for her on the other side. Of all the things Seth bought for me, that painting remained my favorite. I envied her, and the freedom she must have felt in that moment.

“Well, I’m going to head to my dungeon and go to bed.”

I simply shook my head, and drained the rest of my wine, and stood as she had. “Goodnight, Dorian.”

“Night.”

I waited until she’d left the room before picking up the half full bottle, and carrying it with me to my room.





Chapter 21


Malcolm





Ginger frowned as she watched me flop down onto a third couch. Shawn attempted to climb up to join me. This was the fourth store we’d been to in search of the perfect sectional sofa.

“Babe, come tell me what you think.” Sitting with my legs outstretched on the chaise portion, I patted the space next to me. Shawn sat in my lap, with his arms behind his head, and his legs crossed at the ankle mimicking my pose. “You like this one, buddy?” Shawn answered with a happy “yes.” “Me too. We just need mommy’s opinion.”

Shawn called out for her, arms outstretched. Ginger smiled and shook her head then moved the stroller so she could join us. Shawn quickly crawled from my lap to hers.

“Feels good, right?”

She sat back against the cushions, settling into the piece of furniture. “Yes, very comfy.”

“Think this may be the one.”

“Well thank goodness for small miracles. Shopping with you really shows you’re more like Macy than you want to admit.”

I sat up and placed a kiss on her shoulder. “I’ll try not to be offended by that comment.” I stood up so I could get another look at the couch. “I don’t think you fully understand how crucial the perfect couch is. This is not a decision to be made lightly.”

Shawn started squirming to get free. “Well, I think he’s getting to his limit. I see a nap on the horizon.”

I reached down for the fussy boy, swinging him up into the air. His happy giggles filled the store. “You need a nap?”

He shook his head before screaming out “no.”

I looked down at her, wearing a triumphant smile. “He doesn’t want a nap.”

Ginger rolled her eyes as she moved to stand up. “He never does.”

“Lucky for him I’m done.”

“How are you done? You’ve only picked out a couch.”