Page 18 of Heartfelt Pain
I cast an eye at Elijah. Two seconds ago he was a supportive, caring older brother. Right now, he might lean back in his seat, appearing unbothered, but I doubt it.
“What’s got you so dressed up?” I ask, casting another careful glance at Elijah.
He smiles and grabs Lennie’s hand, pressing a kiss to the back of it. It’s one of the many signs of affection between them now.
“It’s girl’s night,” Lennie declares. She wobbles on a pair of high heels but stays standing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Lennie wearing anything other than a pair of sneakers.
“Wow.” It’s the only thing I can think to say. She’s wearing a thousand-dollar dress, so the term ‘girl’s night’ seems a little underwhelming. “Well, have fun.”
Her smile brightens her whole face again. I don’t know if it’s because of the dress or because of her new home, but her self-assurance is clear as day.
I know she’s seeing a therapist. Maybe I should ask her for a recommendation.
Lennie leans down as best she can, pressing a kiss to the top of Elijah’s head. I didn’t think Elijah would ever be one for tiny kisses, but I swear the bastard leans into it.
“Bye, I’ll be back later,” she calls over her shoulder.
I remain glued to my spot on the couch as I watch Elijah. He didn’t even get up. His eyes don’t follow his girlfriend as she sways down the front hallway, turning on a light so she can see. There’s the sound of her messing with her purse and keys.
I do everything to blend into my surroundings. Elijahdoesn’t share his toys. The fact that he remains calm as Lennie heads out the door in that dress. . . I’m a little concerned.
Sports analysis fills the room. There’s a tiny smile on Elijah’s lips as he looks over, grabbing his phone. “You were saying, brother.”
My sad situation doesn’t need any more commentary. Plus, I’m slightly weirded out by whatever the hell is going on.
Albert’s head turns toward the front hallway like he’s debating if he should go stand guard. There’s the sound of the lock turning, but then there’s a slight scuffle.
“You used to have a sense of humor,” Elijah tells me. He props his head up with his hand, his knees swaying side to side. He messes idly with his phone in his hand. “I thought you told some lovely jokes that day with Leopold.”
It’s unnerving how he keeps saying that asshole’s name. I think out of courtesy Uncle Dima and Dad called the Stuarts and offered them his body. Otherwise, we’d have gotten rid of the remains in a way that would never lead back to us. As it was, the Stuarts quietly took back Leopold’s body, more than happy to let the matter remain at rest.
Lennie’s heels echo. There’s a disgruntled noise and it sounds like she’s struggling with the door.
“Why are we talking about Leopold?” I ask, keeping my voice quiet in case it upsets Lennie.
Elijah doesn’t seem concerned. “Because you’re a bloodthirsty monster, Roma. Deep down you know it. You let yourself play that day. That’s a good tip for you. Let yourself play more.”
A frustrated sigh rips from Lennie. The door heaves and something clicks. A dull thud bangs like she might have kicked at it.
“Stop messing with the fucking door, Elijah!”
She stomps back into the room. There’s no longer a festiveglow. Her hands are balled up into fists and a strand of dark hair has fallen from her bun.
“What love?” Elijah looks over in abject surprise.
She’s not fooled. “I will not be kept locked in a cage by a fucking caveman. Open, the fucking door, Elijah.”
He frowns. “Is it not working? Just turn the lock.”
Lennie straightens, furious eyes burning brighter. “You’re messing with the locks every time I try to open them.”
Elijah looks up from his phone, the picture of innocence.
Yeah, I knew there’d be no way in hell, he’d let Lennie leave the house wearing a dress like that.
I pick myself off the couch. “I don’t want anything to do with whatever type of foreplay this is.”
I go to grab my coat and leave.
