Page 48 of The House Guest
“What?”
“That night I went home and drew for the first time. Despite the pain of the experience, it was the start of a new way to express my feelings. Now I rarely do that any other way than through art.”
“Except when someone like me forces you to talk about it.” He offered a sad smile.
“I’m glad you did, because every time I do, it’s a reminder that talking about it won’t break me. I can talk about it and move on. It’s important to let stuff out.” I wiped my eyes. “Anyway, thanks for the closet chat.”
“I should be thanking you for letting me share first. An eye for an eye.” He chuckled. “Or an ear for an ear.”
My emotions threatened to overwhelm me, so I walked out into the bedroom. “I’ll see you tomorrow night, right?”
“Yeah.” He hesitated. “I’ll see you then.”
I wondered, though, if I actually would.
Back in my bedroom, I pondered what I was going to wear tomorrow. As I flipped through the closet, I knew my concern had nothing to do with impressing Brandon and everything to do with stealing Dorian’s attention. That was a game I apparently didn’t mind continuing to play. I just hoped it didn’t end with me getting burned.
CHAPTER 13
“You look absolutely stunning, Primrose,” Brandon said as he moved in to kiss me on the cheek.
Janelle and I had arrived at Juno Bar a bit early and had already ordered a drink by the time Brandon showed.
I’d worn a black crop top paired with black leather pants tonight. The shirt was a shimmery material and was as fancy as it got in my half-shirt collection. I’d spent extra time on my hair and sprayed a fresh burst of perfume before I left the mansion. And if pressed, I’d have to admit that it was all for my roommate, no one else.
But that wasifDorian even showed up. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit if he bailed again. In fact, I was almost expecting it. Or at least I had to expect it to protect my feelings. I really wished it didn’t matter so much.
After chatting for a minute, Brandon asked, “Can I get you ladies another drink?”
I lifted my glass. “I’m just gonna nurse this one.”
“Actually, I’ll have another cosmo.” Janelle smiled.
“You got it.” He made his way over to the bar.
She elbowed me. “You should bring guys along more often when we go out. Can’t say I mind getting my drinks paid for.”
“That’s obviously not why I invited him, but noted,” I said, glancing at the door.
“Why do you keep looking over there?”
This was like déjà vu of the art event. I’d spent that entire evening checking the door, and Janelle had called me out on it then, too.
“I invited Dorian to meet up with us,” I admitted. “Just seeing if he showed up.”
Her mouth went agape. “What? Why did you do that? You gonna have a threesome or something?”
“Hardly. Like I said, he’s not interested in me that way. I told him to bring a date. And your reaction is exactly why I put off telling you for as long as possible.”
“Why would you invite the guy you’re crushing on to bring a date while you’re on a date with a guy who is clearly into you? Seems too complicated.”
“First of all, I’m not even sure thisisa date with Brandon. It’s just a casual meet-up. Second, the sooner Dorian and I get comfortable with the reality of our relationship, the better. He’s my roommate. He’s also come to mean a lot to me as a friend. I don’t want to feel strange if he brings a date around. Nor should he feel weird if I do the same. I have to move on with my life.”
“Well, that sounds dandy, except for the fact that you still like him. Are you kidding yourself?”
“Any lingering feelings I may have are exactlywhyI need to do this.”
“Okay.” She sighed. “Whatever.”
