9
EPOV
"Call me, maybe"
"So," Alice draws out the word as I almost choke on my beer. "What's with the two phones?"
Rolling my eyes, I sigh. She's been asking me the same question for the past week, and while I staved her off for a while with the notion that one's for business and one's personal, my sister is nothing but observant and perceptive. Alice saw through that almost as soon as I said it. "I told you—"
"One is for your work and one is your personal one, so you said." She sets down her beer and stares at me pointedly. "So, why is it that Mom and Dad have been calling, but you haven't answered? And why … Did you change your number in my phone?"
Leaning back in the booth, I sigh. "You caught me. The jig is up. This ruse—OW!" Alice smirks as I reach down to rub my shin that she just kicked.
"Shut up. Tell me the truth. We're getting along, and I'm trying to make amends, but … I want you to know that you can trust me."
We lock eyes for a few moments, and I so want to have someone to confide in, especially my sister. We were once so close, and I would give anything to have that again. But …
"I got tired of them calling all the time and asking for money. So, I changed my number. I'm going to ditch the old one in a few weeks." I eye her warily. I've gone no contact before, but it never took, and I ended up caving after just a few days.
"Good."
"Good?"
Alice reaches for her bottle and takes a long sip before looking at me again. "I don't think not speaking to them is the ultimate answer, but they don't listen. So, do what you think is best. I'll support you."
Sighing deeply and reaching for her hands across the table, I smile. "Thank you. Don't give them the new number."
"Don't break into my phone again."
"Deal." I pull away and sigh. I still wish I could tell her everything, but I figure that's all in good time. If Alice keeps this secret, and I really hope she will, then maybe I'll be able to trust her with the biggest one yet.
"So, what else is new? Seeing anyone?" Alice is looking out at the bar, scanning the potential prey, and I snort.
"I'm sure you already know the answer to that." There hasn't been anyone since …. Well, since Kate Marshall in high school, not that I haven't tried or haven't wanted. I just happened to be a bit of a late bloomer, and it stuck.
"You're a good-looking guy, Edward. I'm sure we could find you a girl." Alice winks, and all I can do is grimace.
"I don't just want a girl. I want a partner, Alice. Eventually, someday … I want a life to share with someone.
"What you want is admirable, Edward." Alice smiles before rolling her eyes. "But you need to get laid."
Ugh.
"My sister, ladies and gentlemen."
"I'm serious. Get out there, meet some people. Get your dick wet or whatever you want."
I know my face is red; I can feel it. "Alice, please stop."
"Fine. But I guarantee, you'll feel better and be happier if you do."
Regardless of what she thinks, I'm pretty sure she's making me sick just talking about it.
I should have stayed home tonight.