“I’m going to take a taxi. I’ll be there in a few hours.”
“I love you, Khia.”
“Love you too, sis. And Bria?” She paused. “You’re going to get through this.”
After we hung up, I wiped away the tears that had escaped despite my best efforts. Khia was coming. My big sister, who had always protected me, who had warned me about moving across the country for a man I’d known for such a short time. I should have felt embarrassed that she’d been right, but all I felt was relief. I wasn’t alone anymore.
Chapter Eight
LABRIA
Ilooked around the room. I could do this. One item at a time, one box at a time, I would reclaim what was mine and leave this house behind. The driver Nicco hired could load what I packed today into the moving truck tomorrow. I hoped Khia and I could finish the packing together. I couldn’t believe how much I had accumulated in such a short time. Looking around this bedroom made me feel— sad.
I sat on the edge of the bed gazing at the remnants of a life I was leaving behind. The house felt too quiet, too empty, despite still containing our possessions. Night had fallen outside the large bedroom windows, and the reality of my sister’s impending arrival meant I needed to make a decision. It made more sense to stay here tonight. I wasn’t going to put my sister in a hotel or leave her to stay here by herself while I drove back to Maurizio’s townhouse only to return in the morning. I reached for my phone, knowing this conversation wouldn’t be easy. Maurizio had been my comfort. Telling him I wouldn’t be coming back to his house tonight felt strangely like betrayal.
I dialed his number, listening to it ring twice before he answered and put it on speaker.
“Hey, are you okay?” There was concern in his tone. “Did something happen?”
“I’m fine,” I assured him, as I folded another blouse. “Just checking in, filling you in.”
“Did you need my help?” Zio asked.
“Uh, no. I’m good.” I hesitated, twisting the fabric in my hands. “Actually, that’s why I’m calling. My sister Khia just booked a flight. She’ll be here before midnight.”
“Your sister? Your sister from Chicago? You told her about...everything?”
“Not everything,” I said quickly. “Just that Lord and I broke up. I didn’t mention us.”
“I see.” His tone told me he didn’t see. “Why? Why didn’t you mention us, me?”
“I, ah, I ah, I wouldn’t do that without your permission.”
“Okay. So, she’s coming to help you, ah pack?”
“Yes. And I think. I think I should stay here tonight. At the house. It makes more sense for me to be here when she arrives rather than making her stay in a hotel.”
“She can come here, to my place.”
“I can’t ask you to take her in when you took me in. I know my sister. She wouldn’t be okay staying in a house of someone she’s never met…” I trailed off, unsure how to finish that sentence without making things worse.
There was a slight pause, a beat of silence that conveyed disappointment more clearly than words could have. “Your sister hasn’t met Lord either.”
Well, damn. That was unexpected and true. I’d told him this long before the breakup. I couldn’t believe he remembered it and had the audacity to mention it. “That’s true, but you know Lord’s in New York, so, ya know.”
“I understand,” he said finally, his voice softening.
“It’s just for tonight,” I added quickly. “We’ll finish packing up my stuff tonight and tomorrow. He’s coming back on Thursday, and my sister has to get back to her husband and kids.”
“Of course.” Another pause. “Will you text me later? Just to let me know your sister made it in?”
There was concern in his voice, and I wasn’t sure why. “I will.”
“Good. And Labria?” His voice dropped slightly. “I’ll miss you tonight.”
Those simple words made my chest ache. “I’ll miss you too,” I admitted softly. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
We said our goodbyes, and I set the phone down beside me on the bed. The emptiness of the house suddenly felt more real. I’d spent so many nights here with Lord, and now I’d be spending one more—alone, that was until my sister arrived.
