“I have everything I need. More than that, even,” I smile. “Do you maybe want to have dinner tonight?” The expression on Zane’s face is either fear or confusion. I can’t really tell what it is. “Did you have plans already? No worries if you do.”
“I kinda double booked,” he says while he runs his fingers through his hair. It’s this nervous tic he has had all his life.
“Tell me more,” I smirk, knowing it has to be something good if it makes him nervous. I sit down on the couch and observe my brother.
“I am going on a date with this girl. Her name is Gwen,” Zane tells me as he sits down, and my interest is piqued right away. “I met her at this Grizzlies’ charity event. She was doing the blue line challenge and fell. I skated over to help her, and honestly, she hasn’t left my brain since then,” Zane explains, and I let out a scream.
“Oh my god, this is everything,” I say excitedly as I clap my hands. “It’s been a while since I’ve heard you talk about a girl. She must be special.”
“She sure is,” Zane confirms immediately. “I’m sorry, I planned something on your first night back. I said yes as soon as she asked if I would be available,” he shrugs, and I laugh loudly.
“This girl has you wrapped around her finger. I cannot wait to meet her. Don’t worry about tonight. I’m a bit tired from traveling anyway,” I tell him, which is half true, though I am really looking forward to a spa night alone.
“How about I cook you breakfast tomorrow? Waffles, how mom used to make them?” Zane’s offer makes me smile, and I nod. One Sunday a month, mom would make this elaborate breakfast. We never really understood why, but both Zane and I loved it.
“That would be amazing, you’re making me hungry already,” I say as I dream of the spread we’re going to have.
“Sounds like a plan. Look, I have to get ready. Is there anything you need before I go?” Zane asks, but I don’t want to hold him back any longer. This date seems important to him, and we’ll have our time together soon.
“Go put on your makeup, bro,” I joke, and Zane rolls his eyes. He walks toward the door of his bedroom, and I stare at the ceiling.
I decide to order some takeout later, very likely it’ll be pizza, and I’ll give Anna a call to see how her packing is going.
My phone is still on the couch next to me and vibrates shortly. I expect it to be a text from Anna, but when I check, my stomach drops.
JAMES: Funny coincidence. I’ll be in Chicago soon. We should meet. Maybe bring your brother too.
My stomach drops.
I can hear his voice in my head as clearly as if he’s standing beside me. Calm. Smug. Certain I’ll panic.
I quickly pull up the game schedule, and he’s right. In a few weeks, his team will be in Chicago.
Of course, he knows that.
Of course, this isn’t random.
James never lets things go when he feels like he’s lost control. That’s what scares me most. Not that he’s coming to Chicago, but that he might show up here. That he might drag Zane into this. That he might turn my escape into another one of his games.
I lean back against the couch and stare at the ceiling, but the apartment suddenly feels too small. Like the walls are inching closer.
I stare at my phone again to see if anything else came in, but there’s nothing there. I look at James’s message again and stare at it for a few seconds longer, when I hear sounds coming from the hallway.
“Hey,” Zane says softly, almost shy, as he walks into the living room. “When someone asks you to dress casually, is this what they mean?” he asks, pointing to his outfit, and I can’t help but laugh.
“Ok, now I really have to meet the girl who has my brother in a chokehold like this. You look great. And yes, I would classify this as casual. Are you bringing her something?” I ask, and immediately I see the terror on Zane’s face.
“I didn’t think to get anything. Shit. What do I get her?” he asks in a panic. It’s funny seeing my brother like this. The last time he dated a girl that I knew about must’ve been at least three years ago.
I make my way to the kitchen and open the fridge. I grab the bottle I bought per Anna’s advice for spa night, and walk back over to Zane.
“I went shopping earlier. This is a nice French wine. I’ll add a bow on top, and you are good to go,” I smile, and I can see Zane’s shoulders lower.
“Did I tell you that you are my favorite sister?” Zane asks while I add the bow.
“Not today,” I wink. “Now go. Go impress the girl of your dreams,”
“I’ll see you at breakfast, sis,” Zane says before he grabs the bottle and walks out the door.
