Does this jackass really think he can throw her out? “Did she sign the lease?” If she’s on the lease and he’s not, she’s the one who the side of the law favors.
Ash nods. “Yeah, she did the application, paid the security deposit and first month's rent, not to mention she's the only one on the lease. Still, she's leaving. I don't get it. If I were her, I'd kick his ass out and make him figure out what he was gonna do.”
“The woman has the worst luck with men,” I mutter, not understanding how a woman like Violet can keep falling for these assholes.
Last I heard she got a job with a reputable magazine in Santiagoville and she took a position as their online communications specialist, which is just a fancy word for social media manager.
“Yeah, you can say that again. She always settles for the guys who don’t deserve her,” Ash comments, but it sounds more like a groan. “God, how does this even happen? It's Veteran's Day tomorrow and now Vi is going to be all alone because of that dickbag.”
I narrow my eyes, trying to remember why Veteran's Day is a big deal. “She’s a big girl, Ash. She’ll be able to handle it.”
She glares at me from across the table and rolls her eyes dramatically, reminding me of our mom when she gets upset. Hell, she might take off her heel right here and throw it at me from across the table.
“She can handle everything that’s thrown her way but that’s not my point. The point is she shouldn’t have to spend that day alone, Santiago. I'll be away for work, so I can't be here to be by her side. Her step-father died on Veterans day, the man who raised her. Her mom isn't around, so please, can you do me a favor and be there for her?”
I don’t even bother responding because Ashley’s on a mission. She’s gonna tell me I need to spend tomorrow with her, regardless if I need to be at the club or not.
“Come on, just distract her. Don't let her think about how horrible the day is. Maybe take her out, wine and dine her, show her what a man treating a woman is supposed to look like. It’s sad, Santiago.”
“Does the day normally bother her that bad?” I murmur quietly.
“It's not a good day for her by any means. So, please. Do me a solid and spend some time with my best friend. Just distract her, that's all I'm asking you to do, okay?”
“I’m sure she’ll be fine, Ash. She doesn't need me to bother her tomorrow, but if you really insist I'll hang out with her, show her a good time.”
Ashley smiles lightly in thanks. “I appreciate that. I texted her and told her to come over to my place tonight, that she can stay there until she gets stuff settled. He won’t even let her in the apartment to get the rest of her shit. Apparently, she ripped up a Pokemon card before she left and it set him off. She thought she grabbed everything important to her, but her mother's necklace is in there.”
Whoa. Sorry. Hold up.
“Did I hear you incorrectly or?”
“Nope. He’s holding her stuff hostage in the apartment they shared because she ripped up a card.”
He's acting like a child because she ripped up a fucking card.
I lean back in my chair and cross my arms and Ashley lets out a laugh. She knows I’m pissed and I’m sure she’s about to say something witty as hell. She always does when stuff like this goes on.
“Damn, it must've been really important to him. Good for her at getting back at him a little bit. I do remember some days when I went apeshit for you, if you don't recall."
Ashley chuckles, "Oh yeah, remember when Scott broke my freaking heart? You put itching powder in all of his socks and boxers. He didn't come to school for a week!"
Hell yeah I did.
"I lost my shit on the bastard who called my baby sister a fat cow and proceeded to make her first big breakup worse than it should’ve been," I sneer as the memories come floating to the surface.
I broke that bastard’s nose that day and carry absolutely no regrets. He deserved everything he got, and if he was an adult, I would’ve kept going in on him.
Ashley holds up her arms in defense and laughs. “Okay, I’m not complaining. Scott deserved what he got, and I hope he never had the luxury of dating another curvy woman ever again.”
Ashley isn’t a stick-thin woman. She’s got curves, and she’s fucking gorgeous. She was always a thicker kid and she got picked on a lot, but our mother was always so determined to tell her everyone grows differently and we’re all beautiful in our own unique way. It did a lot to help my sister feel better for a time, but after a while the bullies got to her and she developed an eating disorder. She became bulimic and after we got her treatment when she was a teenager, she embraced the body she was born with.
I wave my hand up in the air and signal the waitress we’re done with our lunch. It’s a bit past twelve-thirty now and I knowwe both have things to be doing. I have meetings this afternoon, so we both need to get a move on.
Clearing my throat, I untense my body and look into my sister’s eyes. “If she doesn’t have her stuff back before the end of the weekend, let me know and I’ll go take care of everything, all right?”
I’ll give this fucker a week to get his shit sorted, and if he doesn’t, I’ll be paying a visit with one of my brothers. By the end of it, I doubt he’ll ever fuck with another woman’s heart.
Chapter Three
