Page 29 of Revive

She takes a long sip of her wine before dropping a curveball of epic proportions. “How would you feel if the love of your life had a kid with someone else. Your brother nonetheless.”

“How did you never tell me this? Why would she do that?” A million different scenarios play out in my head, thinking of a teenage Drix looking even more shattered then he did over the weekend.

“There are three sides to that story, and I don’t think we’ll ever know all of them. What I do know is everybody is different and what’s forgivable for one person isn’t for the other.”

“So, he won’t forgive her, but he’ll pine for her.”

“I’m sorry I don’t know more about this.” Placing down her cutlery, she folds her arms and lets them rest on the table. “But my priority is you and Dakota and Jagger. There is so much pent up shit between them, it’s dangerous.” She reaches for my hand, giving it a light squeeze. “And I don’t want you caught in the crossfire.”

A huff of frustration leaves my mouth; at the situation, at being indirectly told what to do, and because of my impulsive need to do just what I want anyway. “I get it. I do. But he gave me his number, and it’s just sex.”

“Taylah,” she chides.

“I haven’t had good sex in a really long time,” I whine. “Do you know how fucking sexy he is?”

“Actually,” she smirks. “I kinda do.”

“You bitch,” I shriek, throwing a french fry at her. “I’ve heard you and Jagger, and I bet Drix could fuck me from here to next Sunday. Why would you deny me that?”

Em gives her head a slight shake. “I know you’re going to do whatever you want to anyway, and if this were any other guy, you know I would be waiting to hear all the sexy details. But this time.” Her tone takes on a seriousness Emerson has never used with me before. “If you plan on using that number,pleasebe wise about it. For your own sake.”

Emerson and I shelve the conversation as we get through our meal and the two bottles of wine. While the night helps wash off the grime from my day, Drix still sits at the forefront of my mind.

I think about him the whole way home, his number in my phone taunting me. I make a pros and cons list of all the reasons why I should and shouldn’t call. The list is fairly equal, yet Sasha’s name in the cons column holds more weight than any other of my bounds.

I’m not an insensitive bitch, and I’m empathetic for both of their heartache, but there’s also a physical pull between him and I that I’m not sure if I want to walk away from.

If I’d known any of his history with Sasha, for Emerson’s sake, I would’ve pulled back from him this weekend. In front of everyone it was sexual banter at its finest, but every time we were alone, it felt like something more.

When it comes to my career I am nothing but straight-laced, focus and goal orientated, but when it comes to my life outside the courtroom and away from all the injustices I can’t fix, I live with reckless abandon. Usually listening to my own instincts, I jump head first and think later. Life experiences teaching me to regret nothing. Everything is a lesson waiting to be learned, and even if I was to get hurt, every now and then it might be worth it.

Showered, and relaxed, I jump into my bed and turn the television on. Flicking throughNetflix,I stop at a new young adult movie I’ve already seen a thousand times and let it play in the background while I attempt to fall asleep.

Just as my eyes begin to give in to the heaviness, my phone vibrates on my nightstand. I groan loudly into the empty room, kicking myself for not switching it to do not disturb mode.

Punching in my passcode, my eyes adjust to the light. A message from Emerson lights up the screen.

Em: I’m feeling really guilty about tonight.

Looking at the time, I figure whatever it is, is playing on her mind, because she never sacrifices sleep time for late night chats.

Me: It’s late. What are you talking about?

Em: Drix

Another message follows seconds after.

Em: It’s none of my business if you want to call him.

Me: It’s not that big of a deal Em, we can talk about it tomorrow.

Em: I know, but you’re a grown woman who can take care of herself. No matter what the outcome is.

Me: I appreciate that, more so that it’s 11pm and you’re up.

Em: LOL. Jagger got home late and I waited up for him.

Me: Waiting up for the dick. Good job, boo. I hope you got off at least twice.

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