Page 43 of High Stakes

Aria

Aria hands me a tissue and I dab my eyes. “How did this end with you in tears?” she asks, smiling. “If I’d known, I wouldn’t have lost my shit.”

“What happened?” I ask.

She rolls her eyes, flopping down on the bed beside me. “I walked into the club, and he was practically having sex with some bitch, grinding up her like a horny teenager. He was texting me all last night telling me he really liked me and didn’t want to play games. Fuck men and fuck JP. I’m not being the plaything that waits around for him todecide if he wants me or not.” I wince, it’s exactly what I’m doing with Aiden, and when Aria realises what she’s said, I see the panic in her face. “I’m so sorry Bella, I didn’t mean you, I just meant...” she trails off.

“It’s fine,” I reassure her. “I mean, you’re right, I am waiting around for him to choose me.” I groan, laying back and staring up at the ceiling. “It gets more complicated,” I add. “Remember no name guy from the bakery.”

She nods, smiling, “Yeah, mystery man that had us both in knots?”

“Turns out he’s Aiden’s brother.”

She glares at me, “What the fuck?”

“Right. I mean, how’s that for small world.”

“I was starting to think we’d poisoned him when he stopped coming in,” she adds thoughtfully. “Did you finally get his name?”

“Jake,” I reply. “Aria, he died.”

Her mouth falls open and she gasps. “Oh my god, that’s awful. He was so young. How?”

“Same age as Aiden,” I reply, “They were non-identical twins. And, I haven’t asked for details. Aiden doesn’t want to talk about it. I think he’s still grieving.”

“Understandable. So, you think all this weird behaviour is downto grief?”

I shrug, “Maybe. It sounds like Jake hated Laurie and wanted Aiden to stay away from her.”

“It’s not your job to carry out his dying wish, Bella.”

“Yeah, I know that. And I’m not. Aiden will do whatever he wants, but a part of me can’t help wondering that maybe, if he just feels what it could be like to be in a real relationship, with actual love, he might like it.”

She frowns, “Do you really think he’s got the staying power for a full-on relationship? And honestly, do you think you can tame a guy that’s been a player for God knows how long? He’s already broke your heart and you’re not even together.”

“He never lied to me, Aria. He was straight with me and said he can’t do relationships. I can’t be mad when he was upfront.”

“And now you’re making excuses,” she says gently. “I get his appeal, he’s hot and brooding, but he’s a walking red flag, just like JP. We deserve better.”

“I’m not ready to walk away,” I admit.

She grabs me into a hug, “I’ll be here when he breaks you some more,” she reassures me. “And I highly recommend that you stay in your own room, or you’ll end up sleeping with him and you really don’t want to do that.” She kisses me on the cheek. “I’m going home to sleep off my mood.”

I spend the next ten minutes taking all my things from his room and effectively moving back into my own. I test the lock on my door, satisfied it works and vow to use it until he gets the message. If nothing else happens between us, I’ll at least be around as a friend when Laurie breaks his heart. Knowing he’s Jakes brother makes it feel different. Like I have a responsibility. And Aiden did save me, he could have walked away, and I’d never have known what my dad had done.Dad. I sigh, sitting on my bed and grabbing my mobile. It’s the longest I’ve ever gone without speaking to him. I send off a text.

Me: How are you, dad?

His reply is instant, giving me hope he’s stayed sober.

Dad: Bella, I miss you so much. How are you?

Me: I’m good. I miss you too. Are you coping?

Dad: I haven’t touched a drop since you left. And I’ve been going to meetings twice a week. My support worker is pleased with my progress.

I smile, my heart swelling with hope. It’s not the first time he’s tried, and a nagging part of my brain is telling me not to get too excited.

Me: That’s great. I’m proud of you.

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