Anise reared back as if she’d been slapped.
“That’s enough,” said Alex. “This is upsetting Dana.”
“And what doyouknow about Dana?” scoffed Anise. “You’ve known her for days.”
Alex sighed. “That’s not exactly true.”
“What is he talking about?”
“I ran into Alex the night Tommy dumped me. He listened,” Dana explained. “He didn’t know everything then, but he supported me when I needed it.”
“How convenient.” Anise shook her head. “And how exactly did hesupportyou? Oh, wait. I can figure that out. By the way, sis, you might want to put some panties on next time you go out.”
“I said, that’s enough.” Alex couldn’t contain his anger when he glimpsed the mortified expression on Dana’s face. “What’s your problem with me, anyway?”
“My problem,” Anise said slowly, as if he had trouble understanding, “is you fucking my sister when she’s vulnerable. Do I have to spell it out? Dana doesn’t belong in your world.”
“And what do you know about my world?”
“I know enough.”
“Stop it, both of you.” Dana held out her hands.
“We knownothingabout you, Alex,” Anise continued. “How do I know you’ll treat my sister with the respect she deserves? I’ve read the papers. I know what they say about you. Your last girlfriend ended up dead!”
From out of nowhere, a football launched itself at Alex’s head, or so it felt. He stared, unable to come up with a response. Shame coated his esophagus. Thick and acrid, it made him want to hurl.
“Get out.” Dana pointed at the door. “I mean it, Anise. Get the hell out.”
Only then did Anise realize she’d gone too far. Abashed, she tried to make excuses. “Dana, I just want you to see the full picture. I realize Tommy hurt you, but you shouldn’t hold grudges. He’s a good man, steady and loyal. You can come back from this as a couple.” She turned to Alex. “Look, I appreciate you might care for my sister, but she needs stability in her life, not fantasy. Tommy can give her stability. I know him. He’d do anything for her.”
“Except the one thing she needed most.”
“Anise.” Dana’s voice was tired. “Just go. I’ll talk to you at checkout.”
“But Tommy…”
“Please do not mention his name to me again. If you say it one more time, I will disown you as a sister, I swear to God.”
Tommy. Alex was so exhausted of hearing the name Tommy. It offended him. It was the name of a boy, not a man, and Dana needed a man.
Dana walked over to the door and held it open. Anise made her way over, sighing the whole way. She paused at the door and leaned in to kiss her sister. Dana stood still, letting her, but didn’t look Anise in the eye.
“Call me if you need anything,” said Anise, and then she left.
Running his hand over his face, Alex paced the living area of Dana’s suite. It took him a few seconds to realize Dana hadn’t closed the door yet. She was still holding it open. For him. “You want me to leave too?”
“Not really, but I’m tired, Alex. It’s almost morning. Maybe we should call it a night.”
Despite the fact the door was hanging open, he could have sworn it had been slammed in his face.
Calm down.
She just needed some time and some space.
He could give her that. Hehadto give her that.
“Sure.” Alex joined Dana at the door. He kissed her once, and then again. Leaving was harder than he thought it would be. “Are you sure you don’t want some company?”
