Page 82 of Through You
“Out?” I let out a fake laugh. “Out is not a place.”
Apolo turns to look at me. “It’s none of your business, Artemis.”
“Since when do you think you can talk to your older brother like that?”
“Since that brother stopped showing up for his brothers when they needed him most.”
I know he means Ares and his desire to become a doctor.
And me taking our father’s side when he refused Ares’s request for assistance.
I take a step closer to him, and Claudia moves to stand between us.
“You go ahead, Apolo. I’ll catch up shortly. I need to clear something up with your brother.”
Apolo is ready to protest but Claudia throws him a pleading look, and he makes his exit. My anger loses its steam with her in front of me. Her presence alone gives my emotions a boost.
“I want you to understand that the only reason I’m offering an explanation is that I don’t want any problems between you and your brother,” she says. “The only thing that’s going on between Apolo and me is a lovely friendship. In fact, we’re on our way to have dinner with the girl he’s dating. So stop going around growling and making up excuses to come between us.”
I’m not exactly sure why I’m smiling. Or why I like it when she clarifies what’s going on. Maybe because I feel like there’s hope for us if she believes that she owes me an explanation. Unfortunately, when it comes to Claudia, I couldn’t be more wrong.
“Stop smiling.” She shakes her head. “I’m not dating your brother. I’m not heartless, and would never do something like that.” She moves closer. “But, Artemis, just because I’m not going out with Apolo doesn’t mean I won’t see other people. And when that happens, you better not get in the way since you have no right to.”
“Are you seeing anyone?”
She shrugs. “Maybe. Anyway, that’s none of your concern.”
“Yes, it is.”
“Oh yeah?” She crosses her arms. “How come? And maybe we should ask your fiancé how she feels about that?”
“It’s complicated, Claudia.”
“Artemis, to me it’s quite straightforward. You’re engaged. So stop meddling in my life and with my business. It’s that simple.”
I take a step forward and she takes a step back, keeping the same distance between us.
“See you later, Artemis.”
I remain rooted to the spot while she walks away. That’s what our life has become; I constantly watch her as she drifts further from me.
I’m certain the time will come when she’ll no longer be on her own. Someone else will be by her side and I won’t be able to take it. I know I have to make a decision soon or I risk losing her forever. Clearly, I can make decisions without difficulty when I’m dealing with company matters. However, when it comes to my personal life, I’m ashamed to admit I’m nothing but a coward.
Twenty-three
Playing hardball. Aren’t you?
CLAUDIA
“Should I stay or go?”
I stand in front of the mirror. The purple dress I’m wearing is fitted and accentuates my shape. I’m not thin, but curvy. I love my shapely legs and hips. And I’ve never felt insecure about my figure. I have my red hair down, falling on each side to frame my face. My makeup looks natural and I’m wearing my favorite red lipstick. The only reason I hesitate to attend this birthday party is that Raquel invited Artemis, and we can’t be in the same place together without having an uncomfortable moment. Though I’m hoping he won’t show—social events aren’t his thing. Perhaps he’s afraid that if he socializes for too long with others his defenses might just melt. I smile to myself at the possibility. Damn iceberg.
I’m determined not to let him affect my social life, so I make my way over to Raquel’s house. I will not let him take away my chance to share this very special day with her. I like her a lot and it was nice of her to invite me. I find a side door ajar when I arrive and make my way in. I run right into Raquel, who smiles at me, carrying a tray on her hand.
“Hey! You came.”
Her smile is contagious.
