Page 56 of Unbidden

After minutes of silence, I let out a breath before going to stand from the floor.

“Where are you going? This was just getting interesting.” He stands before leaning against the wall.

“So interesting. Thank you for the company.” I go to leave, but he moves quickly, grabbing my arm.

“Wait. Why don’t you stay so we can talk?”

“Why in the world would I want to talk to you?”

“Why wouldn’t you?”

I shake my head before trying to walk past him. He stops me again.

“Get your hands off me.”

“Lighten up, Sage. You can’t take life so seriously.”

“You have to be fucking kidding me.” I take a couple of deep breaths to calm my anger. “Move, Reed. I think it’s time for me to leave.”

Instead of moving, he takes a step closer. “What are you doing up here?”

I roll my eyes. “Your sister told the guy blocking the stairs that I could come up here any time I want. Not that I owe you any explanations.”

He crowds me against the wall. “Oh, but I think you do. You see, this is my house. You’re in my world. So I’m going to ask you again. What are you doing up here? Scoping the place for valuables? Sniffing my underwear? Putting Nair in my shampoo?”

I push against him, attempting to get him to move. “Glad you see the best in me. Not that it’s any of your business, but I’m up here to get some quiet time. If you couldn’t tell, parties aren’t really my scene.”

“It was a joke. Take a chill pill.”

“For fuck’s sake, Reed, I’m getting whiplash from your hot-and-cold act. Pick which side you’re on. Do you like me or not? Either way, I thought we agreed to stay out of each other’s way.” This time I shove past him and start to walk down the stairs.

“Don’t involve my sister in whatever bullshit game you’re playing,” he calls after me.

I risk a quick glance over my shoulder to see him standing at the top of the stairs.

“I don’t play games. I leave that to people like you.”

I hurry the rest of the way down the stairs as his footsteps follow and head into the first room that has people.

“Come on, S. Come play a game with us.” Victoria pulls me towards her as soon as I enter the room.

I glance back over my shoulder and see his cocky smirk. I turn back and give her a smile. “Of course. But I need a drink first.”

She squeals loud enough to almost burst my eardrum. “I knew you’d change your mind. Let’s grab you something from Tin’s stash.”

By Tin’s stash, she means a locked cabinet of liquor I didn’t even know existed.

“Do you have anything normal?” I ask.

Tinsley laughs as she walks up behind me. “These are the best spirits in the world, and you want normal?”

“Uh. Yeah?” I look to V, but she just laughs along with her.

“What do normal people drink?” V asks.

“I don’t know. Rum, vodka, tequila?”

“We have all three.” Tinsley pushes me out of the way and takes three bottles out. “Which do you prefer?”

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