Page 63 of Losing Ansley

"I haven't always been the best brother Ans. But I'm trying. I'm glad Lincoln has been there for you, and even though I'm still getting used to it, I'm glad he's there for you now. You deserve to be happy, and he makes you happy." I stare at him in shock after he gets done with his speech.

"Wow, Dylan! Thank you." He nods once and takes his hand back to dig into his food.

"If you need anything, Ans, please tell me. I'm not as perceptive as Lincoln, so you literally have to hit me in the face with it. Okay?" He insists, and I chuckle.

"You helped me get into my apartment." I remind him.

"After you hit me in the face with it." He jokes. I shake my head laughing.

"Okay. I never mind hitting you in the face, so you don't have to tell me twice." I quip back as I pick up my cheeseburger and take a bite.

The next day when I arrive at work, I wait in the parking lot for Leslie, but she never shows up. It's not like her, so I text her. Anxiety swirls in my gut when the clock shows it's time to head to my trailer. I try to text Leslie again, but she still doesn't respond, so I pull up Lincoln.

Me: Hey, Linc!

Lincoln: Hey, sweetheart! Everything okay?

Me: Leslie isn't at work and isn't answering my texts.

There's a long pause as I walk through the parking lot, dread filling my stomach.

Lincoln: I just sent a text to Dylan. Keep your phone on you. Text me as often as you can. I'm sureyou'll be fine, but it will make me feel better.

Me: Okay. Love you.

Lincoln: I love you, baby.

I smile down at my phone.

"Texting your boyfriend?" My head pops up at Chad's voice, and I berate myself. I need to be on guard today since Leslie isn't here.

"As a matter of fact, yes," I reply as I go to the rack of clothes I'll be working with today and begin sorting them. He walks over and stands too close to me, so I move away.

"Have you heard from Leslie?" I ask him, but he shakes his head.

"No." He responds, coming close again; my phone vibrates in my hand. I pull it up to my face seeing Leslie's name flash across.

"Hello?" I answer.

"Ansley?" Leslie whispers, and I pause.

"Leslie? You sound awful!" I announce, keeping my eyes on Chad as he watches me.

"Yeah. I'm so sorry. I think I have the flu. I won't be in today." I bite the inside of my cheek at her words. She probably won't be in tomorrow, either. The flu isn't something you just get over.

"That's okay, hon. You take care of yourself and get better soon. Drink lots of liquids." I advise her, trying to keep my voice neutral.

"If that asshole tries anything, poke him in the eye with a hanger." She jokes, and I chuckle.

"Yeah. I'll try that." I respond. "You get some rest, and I'll talk to you later." We hang up as I eye Chad warily.

"What's wrong with her?" He asks.

"She has the flu," I tell him and pocket my phone. I swear I see excitement in his eyes, but it's so brief I'm not sure if I imagined it. I grab a shirt off the rack and take it to my area to begin steaming it for the actress that will be wearing it today.

I keep my eyes on Chad the entire time. My phone vibrates in my pocket, so I grab it.

Dylan: Are you okay? Lincoln sent me a text.

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