Page 142 of The Plan

I let out a sigh and run a hand through my hair. She’s right. I don’t know that for sure. I think of what I can do, but she doesn’t want me to get her, and being with her is the best thing I can come up with. I remember seeing security in front of her building and get an idea.

“Will you feel better if security is sitting outside your door?”

She just shrugs her shoulders and then lays back down. I watch her as she props her phone against something so I can still see her lying down and she doesn’t have to hold the phone up.

I remember that Jackson has to drive past her apartment to get home, so I quickly text him to stop by and tell the guard to stand in front of her door for a few hours.

Isa’s annoying ass dad:

I shouldn’t even do you this favor since you showed Belle that shit

This isn’t for me ,it’s for Vid. I’m sending you $300. Give it to the guard and if he ask for me just lmk.

Fine but I’m only doing it for V and you still can’t babysit my kid anymore

“If you're busy, you can call me back.”

I get off of pause and go back to the Facetime call. “No, I’m not busy.” She nods and puts a hand under her head. “The security guard to your building is going to stay out your door for a while, okay?” She gives me a sad smile and lets out a breath.

“Thank you.”

“Always, Vid.”

“No, really, thank you for everything. You’re so patient with me and…” She stops like she’s trying to think of more. “You would eat Play-Doh for me.” She throws her hands up a bit, and I lightly chuckle as she watches me with a warm smile.

“I—” She stops herself again. “I appreciate you.” She appreciates me? I try to hide the confusion on my face, but I can’t help but think that she meant more than “appreciate.”

“Ireallyappreciate you, Sire.”

I sense her words have a deeper meaning to them and give her a smile. “Got it.”

She looks like she’s relieved that I understood. She’s taking it slow, so for now, this phrase will be the substitute for the three words she actually wants to say. The three words I really want to hear her say.

“I appreciate you, Vid.”I love you, Vid.

Chapter Thirty

Sire

Igo next door, andwithout knocking, I walk into my brother’s apartment. I hear Hazel obnoxiously sigh from the couch as the door closes, so I make my way to the living room.

“He isn’t here. Go home.”

I roll my eyes at her, then flop on the other end of the couch. “I actually came to see you.”

She looks up from her phone, and I can’t tell if my words confused or annoyed her. “What favor do you need?”

“I donotneed a favor.” I try to make my voice sound convincing. I do need a favor, but how did she know that? “Can’t I just come to see how my brother's girlfriend is doing without an ulterior motive?”

She rolls her eyes and lays back down. “You sound just like your sister.” I throw my head back laughing because Sage said that yesterday when I was with Lis and she randomly stopped by. She’s nosy as fuck, though. I didn’t come here for information.

“Okay, I do need a favor.”

She locks her phone and crosses her arms. “And why should I do you this favor?”

“To see your best friend happy.” I give her an innocent smile, and she squints her eyes like Vid does. Hazel denies it, but they spend so much time together that they kind of act the same.

“What do you want?” I fully turn to her and get comfortable on the couch.

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