“What makes you so sure?” I asked finally.
“Because he’ll put our friendship first over someflingwith my sister.” Andre swiped the last of the cookies and stuffed it into his traitorous mouth.
The punch I landed on his upper arm was a lot harder than the previous one, and he rocked a little.
“Prick,” I hissed. “You’ve no idea what you’re talking about.”
He stood up and ruffled my hair before pushing past me to go into the living room. “Whatever, sis. Come talk to me when you’ve grown up.”
“I am a grown up!” I yelled after him as he gave me the middle finger.
I remained in the center of the kitchen, glowering after him. How dare he? Plus, he’d eaten all the cookies. I stomped back upstairs to my room. I was in no mood to go out with Ianthe now. Even if it was two-for-one cocktails. My phone lay on the nightstand and glowed with a message.
When I saw Maddox’s name on the screen my heart jumped.
His message was short and to the point:“Lyla’s it’s me. Call me as soon as you get this, I’ve spoken to Andre, we need to talk.”
If he’d spoken to Andre, maybe he’d told him how he really felt about me. Or maybe he hadn’t, and Andre’s insistence Maddox wasn’t interested was the ultimate truth.
Either way, I wasn’t sure I was ready to hear it right now.
With a heavy sigh, I deleted Maddox’s message and called Ianthe instead.
“Hey! You ready yet?” She was clearly still keen on going out.
“I’m, um, not coming.”
“Are you okay?” Her tone softened.
“I’ve been talking to Dre.”
“Oh God, how’s Maddox? He’s still alive, right?”
I forced a laugh. “Yeah, I’m sure he’s fine. I think it would be better if I stayed in tonight, maybe catch a movie or watch a box-set. I’m not in the mood to be around people right now.” By people, I meant couples. Happy twosomes all loved up, reminding me of what I’d held in my grasp for only a couple of days. Before it was damaged by my brother.
“If you’re sure, babe? I can always come over if you’d like?”
“I’m not going to be the best company, so let’s catch up tomorrow? It’s Monday Madness at the bar, right?”
Ianthe laughed. “Sure is. Thought you hated it though?”
Monday Madness involved karaoke and special offers on food and pitchers. It wasn’t usually my thing, but I figured after what would probably turn out to be a shit start to the week it would be better than sitting at home, moping. I’d already planned on calling in sick to work tomorrow anyway.
“Call it a favor for standing you up tonight.” I imagined Ianthe was already dressed up and ready for a night on the town.
“You got it. I’ll give Jodie a call and see if she fancies coming out instead. Wouldn’t want to waste this outfit. I mean, it’s nowhere near as hot as the one you wore for Maddox…” Her voice trailed off as she realized she’d said the wrong thing. “Sorry, hon. Call me if you need me.” She blew a kiss down the phone and hung up.
I went to my closet and found the freshly laundered bustier, tracing my fingers around the lace on the cups. Had I really needed this to get Maddox to admit he liked me when it was obvious Andre took priority? My eyes fell on the set of coveralls he’d given me this morning. They’d worked as well as the short skirt and knee-high boots. I needed a plan to win him back.
