Page 31 of Loving Leo

“I’mnothappy.”

“I mean, it’s hard for people like us with parents like ours, but…you look content.” That’s an understatement. We grew up with so much money it’s hard to complain without sounding like a total tool. I’m self aware enough to know that. But the environment we were raised in still wasn’t…pleasant? And it doesn’t mean it was easy. Our parents threw money at every issue that ever came up. There were noFull Housesit around and talk about it kind of moments. Ever. We were expected to fulfill certain duties, to be a certain way. We didn’t get a choice. We didn’t have a voice.

It’s probably why I’m obsessed with order and maybe why I’m drawn to Leo’s chaotic energy.

“I’m not,” I grumble even though if anyone would understand it would be my sister.

“You doth protest too much.”

I take a sip of my water and ignore her. I’m not happy. Not really. I’m working myself to death, I have an ex who won’t leave me alone and a cleaner who I can’t stop thinking about. A cleaner and a camboy. A man who shamelessly fucks himself on camera with a big smile on his face.

What would it be like to be that free? I’ll never know.

I can still taste the cherry on my tongue from the candy he left me.

Airheads. He left me fucking cherry Airheads.

“There it is again. Who are you thinking about? And it better not be Lana or I will murder you.” Her glare is deep and intense, her fingers curling around a knife.

“It’s not Lana, although she keeps texting me and won’t leave me alone.”

Now she holds the knife up and holds it out toward me. I have no doubt that’s what she would do if she runs into Lana too. My sister is a tad bit crazy after all. “Block the bitch. She fooled around and found out.”

“You know she still talks to our parents.”

“Oh fuck them too!” she nearly shouts, making people turn our way.

“Selena,” I scold. I’ve always been the level headed one. The more restrained one. Selena, she makes waves. She’s loud and boisterous. She’s free in her own way, even though she’s still shackled to ourparents and the privileged life they provide. But it comes at a price. Everything comes at a cost.

“Heath,” she replies and then waggles her eyebrows at me. “Who is she?”

“What?” I ask, feeling my cheeks heat.

“Who is she? Someone is making you smile like this. So. Who. Is. She?”

I shrug, not giving her an inch. First of all, it’s none of her business and secondly, its not a she at all.

Fucking Leo.

His notes and candy and those videos.

I feel my cheeks flush and Selena wiggles in her seat, her dark curly hair bobbing around her face.

“Oh my god, you’re blushing.”

“I am not. It’s just a hot flash.”

She just waves that off easily. Not falling for my act. “You don’t get those. You’re such a liar.”

She nearly squeals, reaching past me and almost knocks over my cup of water.

I right it and glower at her. “Calm down.”

“You do know if you don’t tell me, I’m going to stalk you and find out. There’s no keeping secrets from me.”

“Jesus.”

“Jesus can’t save you now,” she cackles.

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