Page 85 of Friend Zoned

“You okay?” I ask.

I squeeze her thigh again and wait for her to cover my hand with hers. It doesn’t happen. The driveway leading to the house is about a mile long. With each second, the house looms, getting larger and larger. The front belies how big it really is without being able to see the helipad, the swimming pool, or tennis court.

I think the two security gates give it away.

I finally come to a stop at the top of the circular driveway, not bothering to park inside the ten-car garage. I take a deep breath and look at her. She’s leaning forward, staring at the house, still not saying a word. When she finally looks at me, I hold my breath and wait for her to speak. Nothing.

I asked Katherine not to have too much staff on foot today, and that includes anyone running out to open the car door for us. It’s deathly quiet, and I wonder why my sister hasn’t come running out yet. I know she can see my car. They have security cameras everywhere, and I’m positive Kyle texted her as soon as I went through the first set of gates.

“So, this is it. This is where I grew up.” I clear my throat and gesture to the house. Her eyes bore into my face, but her expression remains impassive.

“You told me your mother taught kindergarten.” She whispers.

“She did. Until she had my sister. I never lied to you.” Her head jerks back as if struck. I want to say more. I want to remind her that I told her the truth within minutes of meeting her, but I keep my mouth shut.

Katherine finally comes running out of the house as if it’s on fire. She’s casual today, per my request. She’s in jeans and a blue sweater. I step outside my car and take her into a hug. She’s a tall woman, about two inches over six feet, but I still lift her off the ground and spin her around.

“It’s about time you got here. Put me down and introduce me.” I do as she says and walk to the other side of the car. Jeannie lets herself out before we get there. She barely has time to close the car door before Katherine pulls her into a bone crushing hug. Jeannie’s not a short woman either, but Katherine towers over her, even in her boots. Jeannie’s arms hang at her side, but then she catches herself and wraps them around my sister. “I’m so glad to finally meet you.”

Katherine lets her go, and Jeannie looks into her face. I can tell she recognizes her. For the first time since we went through the first security gate, she smiles. It’s the smile that knocks me off my feet every time. “Lovely to meet you too, Mrs. Pierce.”

Katherine looks at me and guffaws. “Mrs. Pierce? Um, no. I don’t have a stick up my ass. It’s Katherine. I’m so glad you’re here.” Katherine wraps her arm through Jeannie’s. “I’ve been on Aiden to bring you over since Christmas.”

Jeannie turns around to look at me while I follow them inside. Lincoln is standing in the entryway holding Shannon’s hand. She pulls away from him and runs to me. I pick her up and hug her. “Uncle Aid, Mommy says you finally have a girlfriend,” she whisper shouts and giggles.

“I do. Come and meet her.” I put her down, take her hand and lead her to Jeannie. Shannon hugs her and then jumps back into my arms.

“Jeannie, this is my husband, Lincoln. Lincoln, meet Jeannie,” Katherine says. Jeannie offers him her hand, but he hugs her. She pulls away and gives him a warm smile, but she soon turns away from him and looks around the house for the first time.

Even to me, it’s grand. I didn’t think so growing up, but now as an adult, I can see how impressive my childhood home is. There’s a double curved staircase underneath a chandelier. The place is white and immaculate.

“Come on. Let’s go have some wine.” I follow behind them, through the hallway and past the living room, formal living room, and all the damn rooms in the house. The furniture might not be as stuffy as when my parents were living here, but there’s no hiding the fact that this is an expensively decorated mansion.

“So, when Aid was here for Christmas, he told me that you work at The Pierre,” Katherine says. We make it to the kitchen, which I believe is twice as big as Jeannie’s entire condo. It’s all white with marble countertops. The kitchen island alone sits twelve.

“Um, yes.” Jeannie clears her throat. “I’m an assistant manager there.” While Lincoln looks around the wine fridge, I go and pull out a chair for Jeannie. She takes it, and I take the one next to her. I feel her tense when I put a hand on her lap, but she doesn’t pull away or push my hand off.

“Red or white?” Lincoln asks Jeannie. He waves two bottles of wine in the air.

“White, please,” Jeannie says.

“Jeannie,” Katherine says. “Relax. We don’t bite, I promise.”

“Well, I do,” Lincoln says right before he nips my sister’s earlobe. She giggles like a schoolgirl and playfully pushes him away.

Jeannie smiles sweetly at them, her first genuine smile since we walked into this mausoleum of a kitchen.

“It’s not every day that I end up at my boss’s house. I had no idea when I woke up this morning that I’d be here.” She looks around, and I’m sure she’s wondering if house is the correct word to describe this place.

“Oh, stop. I’m only Linc and Shan’s boss today,” Katherine says. “Please, relax. We’re really happy to meet you.” Katherine reaches across the island and rests a hand on top of Jeannie’s.

“Thank you. I’m happy to meet you both too. And your daughter is adorable.”

Shannon giggles when she hears that.

“You want to have a tea party later?” she asks. “Uncle Aid has them with me.”

“I’d love to.” Shannon jumps off her chair and tells us she’s going to get her tea set ready.

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