Page 9 of Unforgettable
When I walk into the room filled with old printers, VCRs, and various electronic equipment, I pull the safety goggles on.
I close my eyes and allow all my emotions to bubble to the surface.
All the moments people have made me feel like less, like I meant nothing to them.
All the times I’ve been forgotten.
All the times I’ve reached out first, only to be ignored, or worse – they get back to me the next day or a week later with an excuse of being busy.
It’s always worse because, by doing so, they make it clear that you’re not a priority in their lives.
My parents. My brother and sister. My so-called friends. Work. The freaking barista at Starbucks.
I take a swing at a monitor, then another, and another. I keep hitting every piece of equipment until I’m out of breath and surrounded by shattered plastic and glass.
Gasping for air, I sink into a crouching position while going through the process of squashing all the destructive emotions back into the darkest corner of my soul.
I hear the door open behind me, then the guy who works here says, “We’re closing. Time to finish up.”
I nod as I rise to my feet, and following him out of the room, I take off the safety goggles. When I reach the reception desk, I place the sledgehammer and goggles on the counter and quickly step out of the coveralls.
I’m still a little breathless as I leave the establishment, and walking toward the subway station, I wrap an arm around my middle.
It’s okay. It’s not as bad as you think.
Your expectations are too high.
People have lives.
Chin up. You have a lot to be thankful and happy about.
I force myself to think of my art as I head home, and as the creative juices start to flow through me, I feel calmer and less lonely.
Chapter 5
Callan
Taking time out from my busy schedule, I’m at my dad’s place for an early dinner with my family.
The aroma of Naomi’s pot roast fills the air while I listen to Ellie's college choices. She wants to study business management because she’s dead-set on joining my company one day.
I don’t have a problem with it at all. My little sister and I have always had a good relationship. She’s clever and more mature than most kids her age.
And it’s nice to know she has an interest in what I do. Even though there’s a fifteen-year age gap between us, we’re very much alike. She’s a mini version of me.
To say I’m highly protective of my little sister would be an understatement.
“Dinner is ready,” Naomi calls out.
Dad and Naomi got married when I was twelve. My biological mother skipped out on us, and I lost touch with her. Naomi’s never treated me like a stepchild and raised me as if I was her own.
As we head to the dining room, Ellie asks, “Which college do you think is the best?”
“NYU,” I reply with a grin. “It’s only twenty minutes from my place.”
She rolls her eyes at me. “Now you sound like Dad.”
As we take our seats, I grin at her. “Just want to keep you close to us.”
Her face brightens as an idea hits. “Does that mean I can come live with you?”
Shit.
My mind races.
I won’t be able to bring a woman over if Ellie is living with me.
But then again, I rarely bring people over to my place.
I’m hardly home.
Still, at least I’ll know where she is.
Letting out a slow breath, I lock eyes with my sister. “It’s something we can discuss if you choose to study at NYU.”
A wide smile spreads over her pretty face. “Really?”
Naomi places the pot roast on the table, giving me a hopeful look. “Knowing Ellie’s with you would make us worry less. I never liked the idea of her staying in the dorms, or God forbid, alone in some apartment.”
“You would be doing us a huge favor, son,” Dad adds his thoughts.
Shrugging, I wink at Ellie. “Well, then it’s settled. Enroll at NYU, and I’ll let you move in with me.”
“Eeeeeep!” Ellie darts up from her seat and rushes around the table. I get up just in time to catch her in a brotherly hug. “I promise I won’t get in your way. I’ll cook and clean.”
I push her back so we can lock eyes. “I have one condition.”
“Anything.”
“I want to meet every single guy before you’re allowed to go on a date with them. You’re not alone with a man unless I’ve given my approval.”
She rolls her eyes again and walks back to her seat as she mutters. “Like I said, you sound like Dad.”
Dad lets out a chuckle. “It’s because we want to protect you from the bastards out there.”
Ellie’s eyes slant to me. “Fine. It’s a deal.”
The corner of my mouth lifts, and I help myself to the delicious meal Naomi’s prepared for us.
