Page 28 of The Burdens We Share
Brody’s eyes flicker between me and Dallas for a moment and I see something flash in her eyes that tells me she knows something she isn’t letting on. I want to ask her what it is but something is telling me she might not tell me with witnesses around. I make a mental note to ask her later. “Are you going?”She asks.
I nod, “Yeah, I could use a night out.”
Aria beams, “Oooh, where are you guys going? Maybe Sly and I will go.”
I perk up, “He’s gonna text me the details, but I assume a club. When he sends them I’ll send them your way too.”
Aria nods and glances at Brody, “You should come, B.”
Brody waves her off, “I’m not a big fan of the club scene, you guys know how it is. Every time we go out to a club as a group, nothing good happens.”
Aria shrugs, a small smile on her lips, “I’m not even gonna deny that because you’re right.”
A yawn escapes my throat and I interrupt my friends, exhaustion in my tone, “Guys, I’m gonna head home and try to sleep a little. I’m really wiped.”
They give me equally confused glances, “You don’t nap,” Brody reminds me.
It’s true. I’ve never been a nap girl. Today is an exception though because even though I slept a full eight hours last night, I’m unbelievably tired. I’m not sure why I’m so exhausted, but my body feels achy and just run down. I sigh impatiently, “I know, I just really feel like I need one today.”
Aria places a hand on my shoulder, “Are you feeling okay?”
I nod, “I’m fine.” It’s a lie. I know it and my friends don’t know it. “I’m just really exhausted. I’ve been super booked lately.” They know better than anyone that I always have energy. My schedule can be stacked twenty-four hours a day and I’d still have energy. I don’t know why lately even walking down the stairs feels like my energy is depleted. Maybe I’m getting sick?
Brody frowns, “If you need anything, let us know how we can help, okay? And why don’t you tell Selene to hold off on your bookings?”
I force a smile, “I’m fine. Seriously, don’t worry.” My eyetwitches and I quickly look away, turning around. “I’ll see you guys later.” I quickly stalk out of the room and I feel Dallas at my back as usual
Dallas and I don’t say a single word to each other the entire time to his car and even on the ride back to my house. When he parks the car I make a move to get out, but I just feel so run down. My body lacks the energy to so much as grab the door handle. Dallas, the observant bastard, notices and asks, “What is going on with you?”
I speak through half-lidded eyes, too tired to even keep them open, “I’m just tired.”
“Yeah, but why?”
I shrug, “I don’t know. Stress probably.”
I let my head roll to the side to face him and he’s looking at me with an unreadable, yet very intense expression. “Stop stressing. Let me handle everything.”
His eyes are burning so bright I know I’d be blushing if I had the energy to even do that. I use the last bit of energy I have to open the door and step out of the car before I make it to my room and fall right into bed, my eyes fluttering shut almost immediately.
Chapter 11
Ivory
“You look hot asfuck, Aslan,” Nate compliments as he gets up to hug me.
I hear a low growl at my back and turn to face Dallas because did I just imagine that? When I look up at him over my shoulder, I find him scowling directly at Nate. What is his deal with Nate?
I focus back on my friend and offer him a warm smile, hugging him in greeting. “You look pretty damn smokin’ yourself, Sawyer.”
The club lights shine on us and I can’t quite make out the details of Nate’s face, but I know it well. We’re at one of our favorite clubs and in our reserved VIP booth. Music blares around us, mixing with the sounds of the clubbers, creating a symphony of sounds. Usually, I’d be happy to be here, and I really thought I would be, but even after my nap, my exhaustion remains.
I had to force myself into my pink cowboy boots and white rhinestone dress. I thought a pretty outfit might wake me up, but it doesn’t seem to be working. I’ve been dying to wear this dress though. It gleams in the violet and cerulean lights, the long strings of rhinestones swaying with my every movement.
Two arms pull me into another hug, “Hey, babe,” Aria greets in my ear as she hugs me. She pulls away a moment later, her hands on my shoulders, “You look amazing. I love that dress on you,” she says in awe as she takes me in from head to toe.
I smile, “Thank you. I love this,” I point at her denim jeansand matching bralette. They have stars stitched into the fabric, which hugs her curves perfectly.
She gushes, “Thanks!”
