Page 23 of Devilry

With a loud exhale, I slip the phone back into my pocket and step up to the notice board, continuing with what I originally came here to do. Rearranging some flyers, I carve out a little space, front and center, to put up my own.

In my own personal daydream, I stand in the middle of the library, staring ahead, looking pensive, but really, I’m only thinking about Elijah. I need to get back to my office. Better yet, I should go out.

I just need to fuck him out of my system.

Leaving the library, I pull out my cell and flick out a message to Harper and Miles. Ever since the school soiree, the three of us have kept in touch. Harper and I have fallen into an easy routine, seeing as she also lives in the same block as me, but Miles is harder to nail down. Recently divorced and a full-time parent, his schedule isn’t always free.

Me: Anyone free for drinks tonight?

It’s not until I reach my office that I get a response from either of them.

Miles: I’m low on babysitter options these days.

Harper: I’m free.

Me: No worries. Harper, I’ll swing past at 7:00.

Harper: See you then.

Just as I lock my screen, it lights back up with my sister’s face blown up on the screen. For a minute I consider letting it go to voicemail, but I know my sister. Leaving a message isn’t her style, but continuing to call until I answer, is.

“Hey.”

“Hey, stranger.” Her voice immediately puts me at ease and we fall into an easy banter as I enter my office.

“Stranger,” I scoff. “Is this because we don’t live near one another anymore? Because I’m sure we’ve spoken every day since I left home.”

“It’s not the time for technicalities, Cole. You’re not here and that’s all that matters.”

“Is everything okay?” I ask. I haven’t forgotten how upset she was when I first moved out here, but since she hasn’t mentioned anything lately about her and Trey, I’ve taken it as a good sign.

“Everything is fine. I only called to see if you’d be able to make it back for Mom’s birthday.”

Sitting down on the leather office chair, I swivel it around until I’m directly in front my yearly planner. I flick the pages over to November.

“I figured if we could plan something early enough, there would be a better chance of you being able to make it.”

“It’s so close to Thanksgiving,” I say. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to swing both trips, or if I can even be there longer than a weekend.” I scribble Mom’s name on the calendar and add ‘look for flights home/work out best option for visiting’ on my to-do list. “I know it’s a big birthday, soI’ll do what I can because I don’t want to miss it.”

“I was going to throw her a surprise party, but—”

“She’ll hate it,” I finish for her.

“Right. That’s why you’re going to be the surprise.”

“I am?”

“Yes. Whenever you speak to her, just keep telling her you can’t come till Christmas, okay?”

“Got it.” My hand hits my computer mouse and the large screen comes to life, my email inbox in front of me. “Actually, Megs, while I’ve got you, I’m going to send you an email.”

“I guess I’m okay with you sending me gay porn.”

“Things every brother loves to hear.” I open the email Liam sent and forward it straight to Meghann. “I’m going to look at a few places tomorrow night and I want your opinion on them.”

“I’m not living in them, though.”

“You know I’m not going to make an offer without your opinion.”

---