Page 2 of Crazy in Love

“Sure, I’ll text you the place.” Anika takes my bag from me as my studio is within walking distance from the shopping centre. “Hey, before you go, are you going to see Hayley?”

“Yeah, I'm going to tell her about the new place. Are you sure you’re okay with my sister moving in with us?” I ask as I sit on the bench for a moment. I’ve asked her a few times to make sure she’s really okay with her being there.

I’ve asked her so many times now, I’ve even lost count, but I know how much work my sister is, and I’m the one that needs to be looking after her, not my best friend.

“Come on, Saylor, since we’ve been friends, I’ve seen you struggle when she has one of her up or down days. I’ve even been there to help out, so I’m sure. I’m good with it.” Anika gives me a hug, not just a quick hug either, one that lasts a little longer, almost as though she knew I needed it.

She’s the best friend every girl needs in her life. When it comes to Hayley, Anika has helped me so much. If I have a yoga class, she will help when I’ve needed it. My sister was okay by herself, but ever since last year, I’ve been getting more and more phone calls from the doctors or the lady that lived next to her telling me that she is having a very low moment and disturbing the other people living in the apartment building.

I did tell Anika I would buy my own place, but she wasn’t having any of it. So with both of us, and her dad’s help, we got a really good mortgage and bought a three-bedroom house. She found one that was perfect, with a small one bedroom and living space outside, which will be for Hayley. So she still has her independence and won’t fight with me about it.

The house needed a lot of work done to it, and that’s where we got even luckier, as Anika’s dad and brother are in the building business. They have spent six months at our place and Anika was the one telling them everything we wanted. So Hayley’s space has a small living area with a kitchen, one bedroom, and a shower room. When I told Hayley about it, she was annoyed and kept telling me that she can look after herself, but she said if she doesn’t like it, then she’ll leave. It cost me a lot of money to get the living space nice enough for her to be happy with. That space was one place that I refused to take money from Anika. I was the one that needed the room, not her, and after a while, she agreed. More like I didn’t give her the choice.

“Thank you, right, I will meet you for dinner.” Standing up, I give her a hug and make my way to my class for the day. I have three today. Two of them are with a group, and one is with a private client who I see four times a week. Sometimes she comes to the studio and sometimes I go to her house.

I will pop in to see Hayley on my way to dinner to let her know everything, mainly that we will be moved in by next weekend. I’m just hoping she is having a good day, because I’m not sure I can deal with her attitude if not.

* * *

“What time is the fancy thing tomorrow?” I ask as I drink my Martinez cocktail, which was needed. I felt like the second class just didn’t want to be there today. You always get a feel in the room when you’re breathing the energy; it always tells me how the class is going to go. And today, they did not want to be there.

“Six. I want to make a good impression. I really want to get on the team for this new app, which Mr. Kane is working on,” Anika tells me with so much excitement. She acquired an internship with Big Kane App as soon as she finished her last year of University. If she can get on the team for the app, then she might finally get the job she wants there.

“Well, I will do my best to big you up to anyone in a suit.” I thank the waiter as he sets our food in front of us.

“Thank you. I know you hate these things, and I would have asked Jason, but he had work.” Anika tries to make me feel better, but it’s not working.

Jason is the lover in our group. He loves the idea of all things romantic; the happily ever after, Cinderella and the glass slipper. He has seen every Disney film ever made, along with romance movies of all genres, likes the flowers and chocolates, the sexy love notes and sweet nothings. Yes, he’s gay, and I do love him even more for how open he is about it. His dad doesn’t really talk to him, but his mum is an angel and loves him no matter what.

“Yes, he’s already given me the dos and don’ts.” I start laughing. He told me that I have to smile at everyone, and not to groan about everything. Jason gave me a very long list, which I haven’t read the entirety of yet, and don’t plan on it either. I got to the first ten points, then put it in my bag.

“So, did you talk to your sister about next weekend?”

“Yes, but at the moment, she’s very serious about her music and thinks she is about to go on a world tour,” I say, taking a bite of my burger. I’ve learned to let her think her thoughts are real. I’ve tried to fight with her, but it doesn’t get me anywhere. All it turns into is a full-on battle, of which I always lose.

“Nice. It’s better than her running away from aliens,” Anika remarks. I have to agree with her on that one. That was a long episode from her, and I played along. I’ve done this for years with her now, and I can really get a feel of who she is and when she is.

“What happened to Barry from the other night?” I ask, wanting to change the topic from my sister. I love her, I will always love her, but sometimes, I just want to have a nice meal and not think about when my phone will ring again.

“He was the worst sex I’ve ever had. It was so bad. Let’s just say I didn’t even know when he was inside me. Until he asked me if I was enjoying it.” I burst out laughing, making the couple sitting next to us look over, then I apologize to them, pursing my lips.

“Please tell me you're joking?”

“I wish. He kissed like he was going to make my world explode, but his lips and tongue tricked me right into bed.” Anika takes a spoonful of food and shakes her head at the same time.

“So are we looking for a man with a big dick tomorrow?” I dip my chip into some sauce.

Isn’t that the dream for us all; a man who can kiss you so you feel like you’re floating on cloud nine, and fuck you so you feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven.

“Yep, so if you find one, he’s mine.” Anika points her finger at me, so I know she means it.

“All yours. You know a suit doesn’t do it for me. Now, if there is a man with tattoos and muscles, then I’m all there.” That is my idea of someone worth giving a second look at, but the ones I’ve met are all assholes and that’s before they meet my sister. I know it’s going to be hard for me to find someone who will love me and accept that my sister is a big part of it too.

“Maybe if you meet a nice suit, then you might find someone worth your time.” She raises her eyebrows at me.

“Well, so far, all the suits you’ve dated are even dickheads or shit in bed. At least the assholes I’ve dated are making me scream.” I grab my cocktail, and she gives me that look, telling me to shut up. I have to hide the smile because she knows I’m right.

“I know. I live in the same flat as you.” She sticks her tongue out at me, which makes me laugh.

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