Page 26 of For One Night

I shake my head. “Not now. I need to do this before I lose my nerve.”

“I got you, good luck.” He fists bumps me and wanders into his room, answering the phone.

Turning to the hall, I pull my phone out and find Robin’s number. She answers on the first ring. “Hey, baby. I thought you’d never call.”

“I’m on my way over.”

“I’ll be ready.” I end the conversation before she can get all sugary, and I regret trying again.

I’m in my car and turning the corner at the dorms in a matter of minutes. I could’ve walked over, but I’m thinking of grabbing some things for the party. You know, like pre-party party for tonight.

I park in the lot across from her building. Getting out, I take my time to get inside. I can’t lie, my stomach knots with every step I take closer to her. Funny enough, I think of every good memory we’ve had together as I face her door.

I can’t hear my own tapping on her door for my heart pounding in my chest. I love her, but we’re not good together. It’s taken me three years to face it; now I only need to say it.

Her door swings wide as she jumps into my arms, wrapping her legs around me. “Hey, Lenny.”

“Hello. I think we might want to go to your room. We’re putting on a show.” I hold onto her as we step inside, closing the door behind us.

She slides down my body, lacing her hands behind my head. “I’m so sorry about my tantrum earlier. I can’t help myself when it comes to you.”

“Robin,”—I grip her wrists, pulling them from around my neck—“every time you do those things, you drive me away, not bring us closer.”

Her bottom lip juts out, and I fight to keep from rolling my eyes. “I know. I said I was sorry.”

“It’s not enough, not anymore.” I walk back to the door, hoping for a clean exit. “I want us to take a break. I need some time off and to think about what I want for the future.”

Her eyes become dark as her face hardens. “Take a break? What in the hell does that mean? You’ll run around, screwing everything with boobs, while I wait for you to come back?”

“What I’m trying to tell you is I’m not coming back. We’re not good together. It’s bad. Even when it’s good, we’re still bad for each other.” My chest constricts, and I struggle for air. Hearing it out loud, I know without a doubt this is the right thing.

She begins to shake her head. “No! You do not want to do this, Lennox.”

“Why’s that, Robin?”

“Look at you, thinking you have it all figured out,” she sneers. “Do you honestly believe that brother of yours is telling you this for your own good? He wants everything, Lennox. It’s all about Lachlan, and you’d be smart to listen to me.”

“Don’t.” I hold my hand up to stop her. “I’ve warned you—leave Lachlan out of this. This is my decision. It’s what I want.”

She smirks. “You have no clue who he is, do you?”

“What is it, Robin? Tell me what you think Lachlan has done so I can get the hell out of here.” I fold my arms across my chest.

“Maybe you need to find out for yourself. It would serve you right.” She spits at me. “Don’t you fucking dare come crawling back to me when you end up with nothing and no one.”

“I have everything I need, and soon, I’ll have everything I want.” I grab the door handle, ready to make my getaway.

She cackles, making the hair on my body rise. “You stupid asshole. He’s taking the company. You’re not getting anything. They’re giving everything to him.”

The room spins as her words ring in my ears. I slowly turn, trying not to lose my balance. “What?”

“I overheard Lachlan talking to your mom the other day.” She walks over to her desk, picking up her phone. “Let me play a little something for you.” Robin presses something, and it begins to play.

“Are you sure?” Lachlan’s voice is clear, my stomach can attest. “I want you both to be certain this is the right thing to do. Lennox has worked hard to prove himself.” He pauses. “I understand, I’ll do as you ask.” My blood boils, reddening my face. “Are you telling him, or will I?” I can’t stand to hear another word, and I reach for the phone. “When?” My body trembles with each word. “I appreciate you putting your trust in me. I’ll make sure O’Daly’s is the best in the world.”

Robin picks up her phone, cutting it off. Her nose is scrunched as she stares at me with disgust. “Your brother fucked you over, but go ahead, trust him. Listen to every word he tells you. Maybe he’ll give you a job as the janitor.”

My hands shake uncontrollably as I run them through my hair. Robin’s mouth is moving, but I can’t hear her. I don’t want to. I close my eyes, trying to find my bearings as I turn to the door.