Page 57 of Isolated
“There’s something more exciting than that?”
“I wouldn’t say it’s exciting. But it is important.”
Several beats of silence passed between us, and I had a feeling Flora knew where the conversation was headed. She eventually confirmed that was the case when she guessed, “Is this about Eleni?”
“I’ve called her all week, and she hasn’t returned any of my calls.”
“Really?”
I couldn’t decide if her surprise at that made me feel better or worse. “I’m serious. I’ve left her a handful of voicemails, and I’ve sent a few texts. I don’t understand what happened or why she won’t talk to me.”
Flora sighed. “Well, you know how she is. Eleni gets like this sometimes.”
“I know she does,” I assured her. “The problem is that whenever she gets like this, she typically gets over it within a day or two. Did she say anything to you on the way home last weekend?”
“Honestly, she didn’t. I think she knew I’d try to talk to her about it, and before I even had the chance, before we even made it off your street, she told me she wasn’t interested in talking about you.”
My shoulders fell with disappointment. I thought I’d always done my best to be understanding with her, but I was at a loss at this point. “What about since you’ve been back? Have you talked to her this week?”
“Actually, I haven’t. I’ve been so busy with work this week that I haven’t had a chance to reach out to her.”
This was beyond frustrating.
And unusual.
“I’m worried, Flora. Eleni has always had her moods over the years, but it’s gotten worse lately. Please tell me you see it, too.”
“I do. It’s just that…”
“What?”
“Nothing. Nothing. It’s just that she’s only ever that way with you,” Flora murmured.
Didn’t I know it?
“I swear, it’s like she hates me for moving.”
“How about I call her tonight?” she offered. “I’ll try to talk to her and see what’s going on.”
I thought it was awful that it even had to be done. We weren’t toddlers anymore. We weren’t even teenagers. There was no reason that Eleni couldn’t just talk to me about whatever it was I’d done that bothered her. But since she refused, I had no other option but to take Flora up on her offer. “If you wouldn’t mind, I’d love to know whatever it is that I did to her.”
“I’ll see what I can find out. Now, you should stopworrying about this and have a wonderful time on your date tonight.”
The moment the words were out of her mouth, I glanced out the window and saw Landen pulling into the driveway. “He just got here, so I’m going to go.”
“Enjoy yourself, Iris.”
“I will. Just promise you’ll call and talk to Eleni tonight. I’ll reach out to you later this weekend.”
“I promise.”
Flora and I said goodbye and disconnected our call.
Not even a full minute later, my doorbell rang. I smoothed my hands down over my hips and thighs before I moved to the door. I didn’t think it’d be too difficult to do, but I was going to take Flora’s advice and thoroughly enjoy my evening with Landen. I wasn’t going to think about work problems or a sister who was holding a grudge for some unknown reason. I deserved a night of fun with a handsome guy I’d been crushing on for months.
And when I opened the door, I couldn’t miss the look of appreciation in Landen’s expression. The sight of it made any lingering bits of frustration from my week melt away. “Wow. Wow, you look amazing.”
My lips curved into a slow smile. Not a negative thought to be had. “Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself.”
