“What? No,” I say, zipping my jacket up and feeling self-conscious.
“Two guys in the same month? You going back to your old ways?” she asks playfully.
“Audrey, you know I’m not.”
“I’m just teasing, Miles. Chill. Have fun tonight. Seriously. Like…actualfun. And if you do hook up with someone, who cares? You’re single. Young. Do what you want.” She scoffs. “Sure wish I could sometimes.”
“You can,” I say. “You know I’ll stay with Noah if you want to date or even go out to the bar or something.”
She shuts the lid of the washer and pushes the start button, turning to face me. Her hair is a wild mess, barely contained in that bun on the top of her head. Her baggyPearl Jamt-shirt has holes in it and is more grey than black like it used to be, and those maroon sweatpants have quite a few stains. She’s still beautiful, though, and I’m not just saying that because she’s my sister. Audrey is gorgeous.
Her job is mentally and physically draining, which I know takes a toll on her, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t deserve to be happy. My sister is an amazing person and the best mother to Noah. Someone would be lucky as hell to be with her.
“Yeah, a thirty-two-year-old single-mom who works fifty hours a week and has lost all social skills. Total catch.”
“You’re amazing, Audrey, and not just because your boobs are still perky.”
“No? That’s still a perk though, right?” She looks down at them.
“I hear straight guys still love boobs.”
“Hmm… Good to know that’s still a thing.”
She moves to leave the room, but I grab her arm. She looks up at me.
I lower my voice, and say more gently, “Audrey, if you want to date, I fully support you. Noah is a good kid. He’s lovable.”
“That’s the problem, Miles. He wants to be friends with everyone. What happens when it doesn’t work out?”
“You can’t worry about thatnow. One step at a time. Just… meet someone first.”
“I’ll think about it.”
My phone dings, letting me know my Uber is outside.
“Be safe,” she says. “Text me hourly.”
“That’s a lot.”
“Fine, every other hour.”
“Maybe.”
“Just text me, you jerk!”
“Night, love you.” I blow her a kiss and head to my Uber.
Chapter 11
JJ
Flying in to see Franklin is a risk. He doesn’t like surprises, but had I told him I was coming, he would have said no. At least this way, I’m not going against his wishes, and he can’t be angry for disobeying him.
It’s my own fault for his bad mood, anyway, so I can’t blame anyone but me. But I’m here now. I’m with him. I’m trying. Which is more than I can say for him.
The new shiny pair of cuff links I bought him as a gift sit on the kitchen island untouched, the dark blue velvet box hardly noticeable on the black countertop. I stare at them across the room from my spot on the couch, needing something to ground myself, to keep myself calm, so I don’t fling myself off therooftop. It would be a long way down from here, forty-one floors up.
Franklin’s expensive shoes clap against the shiny floor as he comes out here from his bedroom, fixing his sleeve—inserting a pair of cuff links I’ve never seen before. I bring my gaze back to the blue box and take a deep, steadying breath.
