Page 105 of Just Roommates

Her eyes bulge, staring up at me, flustered, from the floor when I stand.

“I warned you.”

She brings herself up while huffing, “Where does she think you are tonight anyway?”

“None of your business.” I tug my phone from my pocket, my pulse quickening. “When can I see Molly next?” I can’t wait until she becomes comfortable enough with me that I won’t have to deal with Jessa around.

“Whenever you want. Maybe you can have lunch with us tomorrow?” She holds up her finger. “Oh! We’re going to the city in a few days to shop for school clothes. She’s nervous about going to school. Maybe it’ll be a good experience for you to bond, and you can put her at ease.”

I nod. “Email me the details. I don’t want you texting me anymore. Lunch tomorrow sounds good.”

“Email, huh? You’d better tell Sierra dearest before she catches you in your lies.”

I point to her, fuming. “Stop with the fucking Sierra talk. I won’t say it again.”

“Why? If you’re soserious, why won’t you tell her? Are you ashamed of our daughter?”

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” I halt, noticing Molly isn’t on the couch, which means Jessa put her in bed while I was sleeping.

When I walk out the door, I check my phone.

Cohen’s text is what woke me up.

I scroll down the screen.

My stomach drops.

Six texts from Sierra.

I check the time.

It’s after midnight.

Fuck!

26

Sierra

I trust him.

That’s what I repeat to myself while waiting for Maliki to come home. I wish he’d asked me to take his shift tonight instead of Mikey. It would’ve calmed my nervous thoughts.

I attempt to work on designs for the bar but can’t concentrate.

He’s hiding something from me.

I could’ve tagged along with him to Twisted Fox, and the panic in his voice told me he didn’t want me anywhere near that bar tonight.

Why?

I’ve texted him a few times and received one reply, saying he was busy and would be home around nine o’clock when a replacement came.

Nine o’clock was three hours ago.

I don’t call or text him again.

Screw that.

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