Page 88 of Henley

“Yeah, right,” I told him as I flexed my hand. Damn, I forgot how much hitting someone hurt.

He wiggled his jaw around as he put his hand to it.

Susan stepped back from him. “What pictures did Lee mean?”

I pulled my phone back out. “Oh, here, let me show you.” I handed her the phone, and her jaw dropped.

“Roman, how could you do that to him, to your sister?”

“He was trying to break us up because he didn’t like that he couldn’t control his sister.”

She glared at Roman after she handed me back the phone and then turned to me. “I’ll call her and tell her it was a misunderstanding.”

“No,” I stated as an idea came to mind. “No, both of you are going to Millerstown on Friday night. Roxy is working a Valentine’s party, and we can all explain this misunderstanding.”

“I have to work,” Roman stated.

“And you will get off,” Susan snapped at him before turning to me. “Yes, of course. You let us know when and where we need to be. We’ll fix this, Lee. I’m sorry.”

I nodded to her and then Brett, and I left them in the parking lot as Susan started going off on him for hurting his sister.

“Well, that went well. What are you going to do on Friday night?”

“I’m going to show up in a public place where she won’t be able to avoid me, and I’m going to make her listen.”

“Man, I wish I could be there to see that showdown between brother and sister.”

I chuckled and held up my phone. “I’ll be sure to take pictures.”

* * *

Fridayafternoon my car was packed, and I headed to Millerstown. I was going to unload my stuff at my parents’ house and then wait about an hour after the party started before I arrived. Susan and Roman would meet me there, and I had no doubt that they would. Susan had promised that she wanted to fix everything.

My parents were home when I arrived, and my mother hugged me tightly. “How are things with Roxanne?”

“I’ll let you know later tonight. We haven’t spoken yet, but things should be cleared up later.”

“Want to tell me what happened?”

“Let’s just say that her brother is done controlling her life.”

“Ah.” She nodded, kissed my cheek, and then went to get dressed for the party.

I unloaded my truck and then sat on my bed for a moment. My hand slid over the cover that Roxy had sat on, and I turned to look at the pillow, seeing her there in my mind. This had to work. I did not want to lose her because of a misunderstanding.

I showered and dressed, then received a message from Susan saying they were almost there. I headed down to the community center and waited in the parking lot for them to arrive. When they did, Roman looked as nervous as I felt, and I almost laughed, but I held it back.

Susan gave me a quick hug. “What do you want us to do?”

“Well, I want you guys to come in with me, and then I want you to wait until I speak with her. After I do, you guys can confirm with her that it was all bullshit.” I turned to Roman. “Might be a good time to tell her the truth—about everything.”

He shook his head as he looked away, and Susan slapped his chest. “Yes, he will. If he doesn’t, I will.”

“I appreciate that, Susan.”

I started to walk away, and she grabbed my arm. “You really do love her, don’t you?”

“I do.”

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