Page 22 of Secrets We Keep
“So, tell me about your trip?” I ask, trying to change the subject.
“No, not until you spill and tell me who’s put that stupid look on your face.”
“I don’t have a stupid look on my face,” I argue back, as only sisters can.
She scolds me with her eyes, making me laugh more.
“I need to drink more wine before I tell you what’s been happening.”
She nods, and I know anything I say to my sister she’s going to keep in a vault. We confide in each other about everything. I know she won’t judge me for this.
13
REID
I’m watching some videos our editor sent me, but I’m distracted by my silent phone on the seat next to me. This couch outside in my garden has fast become my favorite place in the house. It’s where I kissed Jenna. She was totally hot that night, and I know Dom was just as disappointed as I was that things didn’t progress and move to more, well, nakedness.
I hear a door close, and footsteps stop suddenly on the gravel.
“Reid?” a familiar voice says.
“Yeah,” I say, looking away from my laptop.
“I’m surprised to see you at home.” He says as he walks closer to me.
“I thought you tracked all my movements,” I laugh. I’m only half joking, and Jason knows it.
“It’s not like you to spend so much time at home. No hot brunette here tonight?” he says, looking around.
I laugh. “Not tonight.”
“Who was the other guy?” he asks, sitting on the chair opposite, his elbows on his knees.
I laugh again. I can’t remember the last time I seemed this happy. It’s a foreign concept for me. “Dominic, I guess you could say he's a friend.”
Jason nods at me, a knowing look on his face.
“He’s a member too.”
“Okay, give me their details, and I’ll start the usual checks.”
I hate that this is my life now, but I know Jason only does this because it’s his job.
“Will do.” That’s all I say on the matter. It’s all I need to say. Jason is a man of few words but is good at his job and discrete. I couldn’t ask for more. “Jason, only tell me if there are things I need to know. I kind of want to figure out who this girl is on my own.”
He smiles, nodding in understanding. “Absolutely.”
Ilay in bed, unable to sleep, and I can’t help but reach for my phone and open my social media accounts. I deserve a medal for not instantly typing in Jenna’s account, which I have engrained in my memory. I see she was tagged in a post, and the smile I’ve gotten used to seeing is there for all to see. She’s like sunshine personified. I should keep her at arm’s length, not expose her to the other, less fun side of my life. The side that sells stories in magazines and online blogs. She thinks she knows everything about me. But she doesn’t. Maybe she’s the ray of sunshine I need in my life. I know I deserve to be happy. Everyone deserves to be happy, well, almost everyone.
I keep staring at the picture of her and see a couple from her dinner with her sister.
She doesn’t post a lot, but when she does, it’s usually when she’s with her sister. She doesn’t appear to have a huge social network of friends. I notice she follows the account for my new series and my public account.
I send her a request from my private account. This is an enormous step for me. I’ve never shared this with anyone other than people I class as real friends. Friends I’d go to war for and who’d do the same for me.
Jenna Michaels has started following you.
I look at the clock and see it’s early, even for Jenna to be awake. Four am. Nobody in their right mind should be up at this time. My finger swipes across the screen and presses the call button before I know what I’m doing.
