Page 57 of Trust Issues
She looked good as usual. She wore a sundress that left little to the imagination and I still found myself comparing her to Kyle. Just like with everything else, the verdict in my mind said Kyle would have worn it better.
“Sadie, what’s up? Yeah, I’ve been crazy busy.”
“Is your brother okay?” I could hear the hint of sarcasm in her voice but she masked it well.
“He’s okay now. Thanks for asking.”
“So can we reschedule? Or do you have someone else you’re giving your time to this week?”
I didn’t know if I should mention Kyle or not because I still didn’t know what the hell was going on between us. I rubbed the back of my neck even though I knew it made me look like a fuckboy extraordinaire. Sadie pursed her full lips and shook her head.
“You left me for another bitch that night, didn’t you, Maxwell?”
“It wasn’t my intention. I’m in a weird space though and it has nothing to do with you. And yes, I’m aware of how cliché that sounds but it’s true.” I plucked a bag of dog treats from the shelf and put them in my cart. They were the chicken and yam kind I knew Barks loved.
“Well, according to you, relationships aren’t your thing so I’m going to assume you gave her the same speech you gave me about not being exclusive.” Sadie’s neck was moving back and forth in that sharply attitudinal way that set off sirens in my head.
“That’s honestly none of your business, Sadie.”
“Maybe not, but I’m just saying. If you’re not in a relationship then you and I hooking up shouldn’t be a problem. Right?” She tilted her head to the side and looked at me for an answer.
Technically, she was right but things felt different with Kyle. I didn’t know if she felt the same way though. The thought scared me. I hated thinking about putting myself on the line when the other person wasn’t willing yet. I had my heart broken before and I didn’t want it to happen again.
Why the hell was I thinking like that when it came to Kyle? Giving her my heart or putting my heart on the line wasn’t in the equation. I was tripping hard.
“Give me some time to sort things out, okay?”
“Sort things out?” Sadie snorted and rubbed her forehead. “Okay, Max. I’ll give you some time. You go ahead and play with your new toy and let me know when you’re ready for something real.” She slid her hands down her curves and flashed me a sexy smile.
It was nothing compared to Kyle’s smile though.
I didn’t say anything to her before she left. I honestly didn’t know what to say. I rushed down a few aisles, found Kyle the chips I knew she loved and grabbed the accompanying dip. I paid then left. I didn’t go straight home. I went to Owen’s apartment. If anyone knew what to say to me, it would be my little brother.
When I pulled into the parking lot of his building, I saw him outside working on a car with the hood up. Whoever he was standing beside seemed to be bent over, looking into the engine as well. I went over to see who’s car he was working on.
“What’s up, bro?” I said, walking around the car. When I laid eyes on my older brother, Nathaniel I froze. Owen popped up with a straight spine and wide eyes.
“Shit, I didn’t know you were coming by, Max. What’s up?” He shoved his motor oil-stained hands in his pockets and glanced at Nate.
“What’s up, Maxwell? Long time no see. I guess that’s on purpose though.” His voice still sounded the same and riled up the same irritation it always did.
“It’s absolutely on purpose. Owen, hit me up later when you’re done.”
“Come on now, Max. Don’t be like this. How long has it been since you and Nate sat down and talked? How long has it been since you two even spoke?”
“Long enough. I’m pissed that the streak is broken. I’ll fix that though.” I turned my back to both of my brothers and headed for my car.
“Still a fucking crybaby, I see,” Nathaniel grumbled. I stopped dead in my tracks and faced him with a glare that could have shaved the bark off a tree. It was like staring into a mirror. We practically had the same face. We shared the same high cheekbones, nose, and lips. We even had similar styles. Even then he was dressed like me.
I loathed him.
“Crybaby? Because I refuse to kiss your ass like everyone else does? Or is it because I’m the only one who will admit that you’re not perfect? I’m allowed to not speak to you, Nathaniel.”
“Wah, wah, wah. It’s all about Max. Always about your feelings and your self-righteous outlook on life. You’re better than everyone else. Right, little brother?”
“I’m better than you. You know why? Because integrity means something to me. Family means something to me. Clearly, it means nothing to you and that’s why I don’t say shit to you. Now, like I said, Owen call me when you’re done.”
“Alright, man. I’ll call you.” I heard Owen say before I headed back to my car. When I was inside, I pushed the button to start the engine then I turned up my music and pulled off with fury and anger pumping through me.
