Sounds familiar. At least I’m not alone. I’m thankful for having Owen, and even my mom to a point. She’s awful, but she hasn’t flat-out deserted us.
“I was working one night a few months ago and Colin just…walked in. Like out of nowhere. Told me he’d been looking for me, he had a job lined up and a place to stay if I wanted it. I figured he worked for The District, you know? Was like the restaurant manager or whatever. When I realized he owned the place—that he owns multiple restaurants and he’s filthy rich—I couldn’t believe it. He’s done so much with his life.” The dreamy look on Jen’s face was unmistakable.
She’s crushing majorly on her dead brother’s best friend. I freaking knew it. I just didn’t realize they had a past connection. A really strong connection that runs deep.
“Are you in love with him?” I ask quietly.
“What? No!” Jen shakes her head, trying her best to make a quick recovery.
But I know a liar when I see one.
“He’s like family to me. Like another big brother,” she insists, her eyes locking with mine. “Don’t tell anyone, okay? I don’t want any of the girls at the restaurant to know. Plus, Colin doesn’t want anyone to know either. He doesn’t want to look like he plays favorites.”
“But you live with him. Everyone knows it.”
“He’s done this sort of thing before. Letting his employees live with him.” She shrugs. “He just wants to make sure everyone’s okay and has a roof over their head. He asked me about you, wanted to make sure you weren’t living in a shack somewhere.”
“He knows where I live.” I proceeded to tell her how he texted me, then came by my place to pick me up.
“See how nice he is? He just wanted to help you out.”
Jen’s so enamored of Colin he can do no wrong. I always wondered at his motives with me. Not that he was ever sleazy, but he was certainly extra attentive. Far more attentive than any other boss I’ve ever had.
But maybe Jen is right. Maybe he looks out for those he worries about. I can’t fault him for that. He’s like a protective big brother.
“Enough talking about me. Let’s talk about you and your sexy boyfriend.” Jen grabs her glass and sips from her drink, all easy-breezy again. “I’m surprised he let you out of his sights tonight.”
“I deserve a girls’ night out, don’t you think?”
“Of course you do. So do I. So does every girl.” Jen grinswhen the music changes to a fast, heavy beat that has me moving in my seat again. “Did I happen to mention I know the bouncer upstairs?”
“No. Really?” I stop seat-dancing. “Think he’d let me in up there?”
“As long as you promise not to order anything from the bar, I bet I could convince him.” Jen laughs when I clap my hands in excitement. “I didn’t figure you for a dancer, Fable.”
“I love to dance.” I just rarely do. When do I have time to go out clubbing? Oh, and who with? “I work a lot, so I don’t get out much.”
“Well, let me work my magic and get you in there. This should be fun.” Jen whips her phone out of her pocket and starts texting, presumably the bouncer upstairs. I glance around the room, waiting anxiously for her to figure out a plan. She’s so nice, so easygoing and fun. I’m so glad I agreed to go out with her tonight. I needed this. Needed a taste of freedom, a taste of friendship.
Noticing Jen’s still tapping away at her keyboard, I pull my phone out and send off a quick text to Drew. He replies within seconds.
Having fun?
As much as I can without you here.
Which is sort of the truth. All of a sudden, I miss him.
Give me a break.
I smile as I type a question.
Do you like to dance?
Not really.
I laugh softly. I’m not surprised. He is so not the dancing type.
“The bouncer can get us in,” Jen says, breaking through my Drew-induced mental fog.
