Page 4 of Devilry

“No, don’t do that. This is the job of a lifetime, there is nothing to apologize for.”

Even though she’s kicking ass in her own career, at one of the top law firms in Chicago and is happy living with my best friend, I throw the suggestion out anyway. “You’re always welcome to pack up and move here.”

“When you find a place, I’d love to stay for a few weeks.”

Red flag number one.

“And what about work?” I probe.

“They owe me a whole lot of vacation time.”

Red flag number two.

“And Trey? He won’t mind sleeping without you for that long?”

“Of course not. He’s not going to stop me from seeing you.”

While this is very true, my sister has been head over heels for Trey Simpson since the second he walked through our front door and I introduced him as my best friend. They’ve been inseparable ever since.

Red flag number three.

“Spill it. Now,” I demand.

“I think we’re breaking up.” My chest tightens as her voice cracks. “Nothing seems to be the same anymore.”

“Change isn’t always bad,” I console. “Have you spoken to him?”

“I’ve tried.”

“He hasn’t said anything to me,” I say, hoping to offer her some comfort.

“Like he’s going to tell you he plans on breaking my heart,” she scoffs. “Just move into your own place will you? I need time with my brother.”

Even though she isn’t intentionally trying to guilt me, her distress eats at me more than a little. Despite the fact that I’m now living hundreds of miles away from them, my family was and always will be everything to me. And though I consider Trey family, Meghann is blood. I could call and talk to him, but my sister would kill me.

When they first got together, we set ground rules. What goes on in their relationship is their business. It’s never been a problem. Until now. I never would have imagined that Trey might hurt Megs. He’s a great guy, an amazing friend, but you better believe those guidelines I mentioned will mean nothing if he breaks her heart.

“Promise you’ll keep me updated.”

Her loud sigh travels through the phone. “I couldn’t keep something from you if I tried.”

“Good.” Trapping my phone between my ear and my shoulder, I twist my watch the right way up and check the time. “Fuck.”

“What?” Meghann asks with worry.

“I didn’t realize that was the time. I had plans to kick back and watch TV before you called, but now I have to rush and get ready. I have a black-tie event for the university tonight and I don’t even know what I’m going to wear.”

“I put all your formal wear in those long clothes bags, ” she informs me.

“Huh?”

“For fucks sake, Cole, how can you be so fucking smart, yet so unorganized?”

“Get off my dick, Megs,” I rib, as I stride through my bedroom and into the walk-in wardrobe. “Okay, I see what you’re talking about. So there’s a pressed suit in one of these?”

“Yes. All your more expensive stuff should be in there. I made sure of that.”

“Thank you,” I say, unzipping each of the bags. “I’ve really got to get going. I need to get ready.”

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