“I can’t imagine what that’s like. Especially when the hierarchy of the sibling dynamic bleeds over into business.”
Lev’s response came in a frustrated huff. Eyeing a chip in my nail polish, I said, “I’m the middle child wedged in between my brothers. But we don’t have a family business or anything like that. But I guess you know that, huh?”
Lev’s head slowly turned to face me. “Why are you talking to me?”
I shrugged. “Just making conversation.”
“We don’t need to do that.”
“Why not?”
He narrowed his dark eyes. “Because you and me? We’re nothing. Yeah, you’re helping my brother, but all that shit is between you two.”
“You don’t mince words, do you?”
“No. I fucking don’t.”
Holding up my hands, I said, “My apologies. I’ll just stare out the window.”
He grumbled something under his breath as he shoved his hand into his pocket. A moment passed before he thrust my phone at me. I glanced between it and him.
“Take it,” he ordered.
“Are you sure?”
“Maksim told you that you could have it, didn’t he?”
“Yes, but–”
“Then take it,” he barked.
I quickly jerked it from his fingers. Although I had a smile on my face, I snarled, “Thank you so much.”
Lev blinked at me before going back to his own phone. Since it was Sunday, I didn’t have to worry about checking any work emails. Instead, I checked my texts.
Thankfully, there were none from Mom. I quickly shot her one.
Hey! How’s everything going?
A few moments passed before she replied.Good. Hollis has had a calm weekend so far.
I’m so glad to hear that. Love you. I’ll call in the morning.
Okay. Love you, too, sweetie.
After I finished my text, I swept the phone over my heart. Fighting my tears, I stared out the window. Even though I was almost thirty and completely self-sufficient, I desperately wanted my mother at that moment.
Specifically, I wanted her like I’d had her in my pre-adult years. I wanted her to wrap me in her arms and tell me that everything was going to be okay. Of course, I’m not sure even one of her hugs could still the emotions currently raging within me.
I don’t know how long I sat like that. It must’ve been a concerning amount of time since Lev actually spoke to me. “Are you all right?”
Jerking my eyes open, I dropped my hand with the phone to my lap. “Yeah. I’m fine.”
After giving me a questioning look, he went back to his phone. When the SUV finally pulled up at my apartment building, my heart twisted in my chest as I thought of how much had changed since I left yesterday. I would’ve never imagined something I was looking so forward to would end up changing my life.
As the SUV remained on the curb, Lev hopped out before coming around to my side to collect me. “No funny business, right?”
“Right.”
