I rolled my eyes. He’d attempted to bring God into our disagreements time and again. I was tired of it. “Give it up, Dorian. If you believe in God, then you should believe that He didn’t create you to be a bum. All you do is sit on my couch all day and eat my food. Get a damn job.”
“I hear you. I even have an interview next week.”
“Good for you. But that doesn’t change anything between us.” I packed several outfits into my suitcase, then walked into the bathroom to gather my toiletries. He followed me. “Why are you in here?” I’d kicked him out of my bedroom months ago, hoping he’d get the hint and leave. But…He’s still here.
“Where are you going?”
“Where do I always go after Thanksgiving?” I tossed back.
“You moved here to be closer to your mother. Why are you still spending so much time with the Youngs?”
Dorian couldn’t stand the family, probably because they’d seen through him on the first meeting. While Dallas had known him from law school, she’d told me he wasn’t worthy from the beginning. The rest of the family fell in line, with everyone from Raven to Pop warning me about him. And, once again, I didn’t listen thinking I knew what was best for me.
I checked my watch. My flight was scheduled to depart in three hours. With LA traffic, I needed to get on the road right away. I finished packing while he stood there watching me, hoisted my suitcase, and brushed past him.
I pulled my winter coat and boots out of the front closet and hurriedly stuffed them into my carryon, along with snacks, a change of clothes in case my luggage was lost, and a couple of books. At the front door, I glanced at my phone. My rideshare was outside.
“I don’t get a hug?” Dorian asked.
I frowned at him. “Man, please. Take your ass in your room, pack your shit up, and be gone before I get back.”
Later,Dallas called as the car pulled up to the lodge. Instead of answering, I texted her to let her know I was there. The driver helped me unload my luggage and even walked it to the front door for me, where Dallas was waiting with a big grin. She pulled me into a tight hug, and I let her. That’s when I cried, right there on the porch. I didn’t care that it was cold as hell outside. I didn’t care that the driver was still standing there. I just wanted the comfort my sister was giving me.
“Thanks for getting her here safely,” she said to the driver.
Without looking at him, I mumbled my thanks and rested my head on her shoulder again.
“Come on, boo.” Dallas led me inside the house, then grabbed my luggage.
To avoid being seen with tears in my eyes, I asked Dallas to take me to my room first so I could get myself together. “I don’t want them to see me like this,” I added.
Dallas and I each took a bag to the second floor. We were lucky enough to find a luxury lodge with eight King master suites, each with its own bathroom, and a flex space with additional beds.
In my room, which I’d share with Bliss, there was a desk and a walk-out balcony. There was also a mini fridge so that we wouldn’t have to trek all the way down to the kitchen for snacks or drinks.
“This is gorgeous,” I whispered, walking around the space.
“I’ll give you the full tour later,” Dallas told me, setting my suitcase on a chair in the corner. “Duke is in heaven with that kitchen. You should’ve seen him and Paityn in there doing their thing this morning.”
Plopping down on the bed, I fell back on the mattress and sighed. “I’m so tired, sis.”
Dallas joined me, lying down next to me. “I’m glad you’re here.”
I glanced at her. “Yesterday was horrible.” I’d told Dallas about Thanksgiving with my mother last night, but it was still bothering me this morning. “And today wasn’t any better. I got into with Dorian before I left, got stopped at TSA… I’m just done.”
Dallas turned to face me. “You’re going to be okay, Demi.”
I placed a hand on my forehead. “I feel like such an idiot. Wanting a relationship with her after everything.”
“She’s your mother.”
I shook my head. “No, she’s not.”
Dallas hugged me. I sobbed again while she rubbed my hair. “It’s perfectly normal to desire that connection, Demi. Stop being so hard on yourself for that.”
“What about Dorian?”
She muttered a curse. “We’ve all done it. Been with no-good ninjas.”
