“Fuck no. They invited me, though.”
“What a douche. Both of them. Seriously. I can’t believe some people.”
“Don’t worry, karma came to play.”
“What do you mean?”
“The ceremony was supposed to be in two weeks, but with the restrictions on social gatherings, they had to cancel it. They’re losing their asses in the money they spent.”
I laugh, smiling wide at his victory. “Good. I mean, the circumstances are awful, but at least they got what they deserved.”
“I’m over it now. We weren’t right for each other, but I would’ve preferred she break it off before sucking off one of my friends.”
“No kidding.” I finish my eggs that seemed to melt in my mouth. “I’m pretty sure Zane cheated on me.”
“Zane’s a fucking moron. For several reasons, but especially for taking you for granted.”
“Yeah, he really is. I guess I was fixated on the idea of us, not really him. I should be more upset than I am. It’s not our relationship I’m grieving, but rather the fact that he made a fool out of me.”
Bruno gets up and walks over to me, setting his head down on my lap. I’m a little stunned and don’t know what to do.
I grin down at him. “What do you want?”
“He knows you’re sad,” Eli explains, standing and grabbing our empty plates. “He’s offering you himself to pet so you’ll feel better.”
I snicker at the way Eli talks about Bruno as if he can read the dog’s mind. “Is that so? You want to be my comfort animal?”
“He’s a good boy, aren’t you?” Eli saunters over after placing our dishes in the sink. “I’m gonna take him out for some exercise for a bit. Wanna join us?”
I look at my phone and notice the time. “I would, but I have to start my schoolwork so I can stay ahead. Need to make sure that ho Francine Withers doesn’t steal my valedictorian spot.”
Eli raises his brows, amused.
“She flirts with all the professors, so trust me, the label is accurate. I’m pretty sure she slept with the dean just to get into the program.”
“Wow, desperate times call for desperate measures. Well, if you change your mind, you’ll know where to find me.” He grins, then finishes his coffee. “My offer to help you make me dinner still stands, by the way.”
Laughing, I get up from the table and grab my mug. “How sweet of you.”
“I’m a nice guy, babe.” He winks, then calls Bruno, and the two of them head to the front door.
I grab Chanel’s food and water dishes from my room, then refill them in the kitchen. As I walk back to the staircase, I peek through the window and see Eli throwing a stick for Bruno in the backyard. He’s smiling wide as he grabs it from Bruno’s mouth and stretches his arm back, tossing it as far as he can. Bruno gallops like a small horse and happily fetches it.
As I watch them, a strong sensation ripples through me. I’m relieved and glad Eli’s here, so I’m not alone, but he’s also great company. It doesn’t hurt that he cooks, too. However, he’s helped keep me distracted from what’s happening right now. My anxiety spikes just thinking about it, and if I were here by myself, I’d drive myself crazy watching the news. I’m not being ignorant about the extreme situation we’re in, but it doesn’t help to overly obsess either.
If there’s anyone I have to self-isolate with during times of uncertainty, I’m glad it’s Elijah.
Chapter Six
ELIJAH
Cami has given me whiplash the past couple of days, but I’m managing the best I can.
One second, she’s blazing hot, and the next, she’s ice cold.
Then she’s apologizing.
I must be living in the twilight zone because Cameron rarely admits she’s wrong, so I certainly appreciate her apology. Though she may not believe it, I’m actually glad she’s here and keeping me company. It beats being in this big cabin alone, and if we can get along, even better.
I throw sticks for Bruno until my arm nearly gives out, then we head back into the house. I grab some bottles of water, go upstairs and take a shower, then log in to my laptop. I have a video conference with some clients and my supervisor for two hours, which is as boring as it sounds. The only bonus is the view of the snow-capped mountains in the distance and clear blue skies. Though it’s a little chilly outside, it’s common for Upstate this time of year.
Once I’m off the call, I return dozens of emails and decide to turn on the news.
Bad fucking idea.
Reporters show footage of doctors working in the ER in New York City under extreme distress, and it has me on edge thinking about Ryan. Though he might not be able to text me back, I message him anyway so he knows he’s on my mind.
Elijah: Hope you’re doing okay. Shit is looking scary on TV.
I’m shocked when his reply comes minutes later.
Ryan: It’s fucking bad. Never in my life have I ever seen anything like this before.
Elijah: I can’t believe it. It doesn’t seem real.
Ryan: I heard you’re stuck with my sister. Sorry, I didn’t know she’d be there, but I’m glad you guys are together and safe. Gives me one less thing to worry about.
Elijah: Did she chew your ass out?
Ryan: Not really. She said she was worried about me so I tried to downplay things so she wouldn’t have an anxiety attack.
Elijah: Does she still get them?
I knew she did in high school but wasn’t sure if she still did. Since the media is constantly in her business and making up stories, she’s overly private about her personal life.
Ryan: Yeah, sometimes. She doesn’t always tell me, so it could be happening more than I know.
Elijah: I’ll keep an eye on her. Did she tell you Zane broke up with her?
Ryan: What? No. That fucker. I’m gonna punch his pretty boy face.
I laugh, knowing he totally would too.
Elijah: Don’t worry, she’s taking her anger out on me.
Ryan: I believe that. Don’t let her near the vodka…
I snort.
Elijah: You’re a day late and a dollar short on that tip.
Ryan: Fuck. Sorry.
Elijah: Don’t be. We’ll be fine. She’s coming around. We’ll be married in no time ;)
Ryan: I’m not sure if I should worry about the virus killing you or my sister, but good luck either way!
Elijah: Be safe, bro! Keep me updated with how things are going. I’ll make sure Cami is safe.
Ryan: Appreciate it, man. I gotta run. Talk to you later!