Page 61 of Snapshot

I munch away happily, knowing he means it. It was a long time coming, but Dex and I are explosive. Worth the fucking wait.

16

Dex

Three Years Earlier

Las Vegas

“S

he’ll be here any minute,” I tell Grandma as I quickly text Lennox back.

Me

Take your time. The front door is unlocked. Come right in.

“She was next door helping her cousin finish up a photo shoot. She said we can start eating without her if you’d like.” I nod toward the bags of takeout on my kitchen island.

Grandma scowls at me. “Where are your manners? We’ll wait for our guest of honor.”

“Fair enough.” I start unpacking bags, intent on at least plating them and setting the table. I ordered way too much food for three people. Probably out of nerves.

I’d been in Las Vegas for nearly half a year when Grandma’s curiosity got the best of her, and she wanted to see how mynew life was going. My life here is a far cry from the luxury back home. I’ve barely touched the money she released from my trust, but Grandma seems more impressed with me than ever. She raved about my guest room, which was fake generous of her because, basically, it’s a bed topped with a comforter set that I bought solely for her visit. The walls are bare outside of one Ansel Adams photograph I hung opposite of the bed. I also did remember to buy fresh towels—the fluffiest ones I could find at the department store, along with some hand soap. But I’ll admit, it’s the bare minimum. Without any personal staff, my home décor skills are nonexistent.

I’m not nervous because of Grandma’s visit. It’s because on her last evening here she asked if she could meet my girlfriend. There were a hundred different options besides inviting Lennox over, especially because she is not the girl I’m currently entangled with. But the truth is, I wanted Grandma to know Lennox. Subconsciously, it’s important to me.

“So, Leah is a photographer?” Grandma asks as she fetches wine glasses from my cupboard. “I’d love to see her work.”

I hold up two fingers. “Just two glasses, Grandma.Lennoxdoesn’t like wine. She drinks beer or cocktails. And she’s not a photographer; her cousin Finn is. When she’s not waitressing, she pitches in at his studio next door.”

“Lennox?” Grandma asks, raising her brows. “I thought you were dating a young woman named Leah?”

“Sort of. It’s complicated,” I lie. It’s really not. Leah and I get along just fine. We’ve fooled around a few times now. We mostly talk about diving. Her ex-husband would never let her spend money on scuba diving, so now that they’re divorced, she’s fully indulging. She likes my stories about deep-sea diving, and she thoroughly enjoys the employee discount on equipment. I care about her, but it’s hard to tell if I have feelings for her.

It’s been the same routine for the past three times we’ve hung out. We talk, she sucks me off, I return the favor, and then she leaves. I always invite her to stay, even though I’m not much of a cuddler. But, like me, I think Leah prefers to sleep alone.

“Leah’s a nice girl,” I add, feeling guilty.

“Why am I not meetingherthis evening?”

“We’re not officially dating. We’re…taking it slow.” I really don’t want to say the wordsfucking aroundto my grandmother, so I omit a further explanation. “Lennox is my closest friend here. You said you wanted to know what kind of company I’m keeping… She’s my favorite person in Vegas, so I wanted you to meet her. That’s all.”

“Dex, honey, would you like to know how juggling two women typically ends up?” Grandma runs her finger across her throat, flashing me a mocking smile.

“I'm not juggling two women, Grandma. Lennox is seeing someone.” At least, I think.

Lennox has been rather secretive about Alan. Which makes me even more uncomfortable. She's keeping their private lifeveryprivate. All I know is that Alan is looking for something serious. They are taking their time to get to know each other before making any real commitments.Prick.That’s the perfect way to get a girl all weak-kneed for you.

I know he’s taking her out weekly. She’s slower to respond to text messages lately. A few Fridays ago, after Leah had left me for the evening, I asked if Lennox wanted to grab a decent meal. I was sick of quick takeout and was craving her company. She turned me down, saying she already ate with Alan, but she highly recommended the new sushi place that just opened right outside the Strip.

It's driving me crazy. I want to know if she’s sleeping with him. Does she have real feelings for him? But she’s been nothing but tight-lipped, treating her budding romance like it’s sacred.I’ll admit, paying this guy to disappear and forget her name has crossed my mind several times. It’s good I don’t know his full name, where he works, or what he looks like.

“Do you remember the last time you had a girl who was your best friend?”

“I don’t,” I reply. I can’t even remember the last time I had a best friend, period. People walk in and out of my life like I’m a revolving door.

The large paper bag crinkles loudly as I pull out several round aluminum containers of plain pasta. I ordered sauce on the side, unsure what Lennox preferred. Grandma’s order is usually the same. Eggplant Parmesan with a side of vodka sauce paired with a cabernet or pinot noir. I am a fan of simple—spaghetti with meatballs. When I asked Lennox what she wanted, her reply was, “Whatever is great,” which was zero percent helpful. So, I ordered everything off the menu.

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