The scent of food fills my nose and I notice the bag she placed on the table in front of us.
“You brought takeout?”I try to sound cheerful, but Bri knows me too well.
She softly bumps my shoulder.“I thought we could use a little comfort food after the message you sent me.You love the little Italian place on the corner near the cinema, and I was walking past it on my way home.”
I get to my feet.“If you grab the drinks, I’ll get the napkins and plates.”
“Deal.”Bri smiles and for now we push my problem to the background of our minds.
Later that day it comes back to haunt me when I’m lying in my bed.My father didn’t give me a valid reason why he suddenly doesn’t want to wire the money for the tuition fee.Well, other than the weird statement about me being a woman and needing to get married instead of focusing on a career.It’s strange because Micah normally deals with the tuition fee.
I reach for my phone and shoot a message to my brother.After I hit send I realize it’s the middle of the night and place my phone on the bedside table.Micah is an early riser, a fighter and a trainer like my father, who lives on a tight schedule.I’m sure he will get back to me after he’s read my message.
A few more hours are spent staring at the ceiling before I drag my tired ass out of bed.I head into the bathroom to handle my business and eventually wander into the kitchen to make some coffee.Grabbing my laptop, I fully intend to study, but instead I find myself digging through the internet.
Sadly, there’s not much information about Fiero, other than a few news articles about him being a successful businessman.There are no photographs of him with a woman by his side.No details about his private life, although I did read he’s considered a prized bachelor due to his wealth.
I’m on my third cup of coffee when Bri wanders into the kitchen.
“Studying?”she asks with a groggy voice.
Thankfully, I’d switched from researching Fiero to studying when I grabbed my second cup of coffee.I bob my head and get a smile in return as she reaches for a mug to fill it to the brim.
When Bri takes a seat across from me, she states, “I’ll be home late today.”
The corner of my mouth twitches.“You’re going to the library to study with Tate.Mr.Popular needs his study buddy to keep his grades up.Please keep your pants on, the guy has a reputation so be sure to stay in a public place and avoid dark corners at all costs.”
Bri rolls her eyes.“He’s not too bad.Tate is dedicated when he’s alone.”
My attention is on the laptop in front of me when I remark, “Tate is never alone.Moxen and Holden are always with him.”
“Rumor is, the three of them also like to have sex with one girl.”Bri’s statement makes me drag my eyes off the screen to collide with her green ones.
I’m about to ask so many questions, but I’m prevented from popping them out when my phone starts to ring.
I check the screen.“My father.”
“Answer it,” Bri says.“Let’s hope the man has come to his senses.”
I doubt it.
With a tired voice I answer the phone.“Hey, Dad.”
“You have to come home.”His tone of voice instantly puts me on edge.
“What’s wrong?”I ask and realize it’s after nine and my brother would normally have been up already.“Everything okay with Micah?”
“No,” my father croaks.“You need to come home and then I’ll explain everything.”
Closing my laptop, I already know there’s only one option.“I’m on my way.”
I end the call and get to my feet.Bri is right behind me when I walk into my bedroom to pack a bag.
“What’s going on?”she questions.
“I have no clue; other than the fact something is wrong with my brother.I’ll let you know as soon as I get there.”
“If there’s anything I can do...”Bri doesn’t need to finish her sentence.
