Forever In My Heart

Chapter 42

⭐️"Sometimes the only reason why you won't let go of what's making you sad is because it used to be what made you happy."⭐️
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The taxi drops me off in front of Carter's building. I feel...

Rather motivated! I tell myself that Ryan must be fond of me to invite me to spend an evening with his sister. It's like an official presentation...

In the elevator, my heart's thumping like mad. My hands feel cold and my throat is dry.

As the doors open onto the large loft apartment, I think I'm breathless.

Breathe Lexi... Breathe...

I take a deep breath and move forward.

Jenny's already there, her back turned towards the kitchen, sitting on one of the bar stools. I think she hasn't noticed me. Tough luck, no sign of Ryan.

Lexi: "Good evening."

Jenny turns around, her eyes half riveted onto her mobile screen.

I don't really know how to interpret the expression in her pretty hazel eyes.

Jenny: "Good evening."

The tone is polite enough, but I can't say whether it's warm or threatening.

Ryan slips up behind me and takes hold of my waist. He lays a kiss on my neck and I jump.

Ryan: "Good evening, Beautiful."

His presence reassures me right away. I feel less vulnerable.

Ryan: "Jenny, you have the right to leave your mobile alone..."

The latter rolls her eyes and slides off the stool to stand.

I'm amused to note his big brother tone somewhat moralistic, and the blasé attitude of the little sister.

Jenny: "My brother contributes to developing this kind of technology and he's lecturing me. Crazy no?"

She addresses a mocking smile to her brother.

Ryan: "You have a common trait, both of you: Insolence."

He gives his sister a pat on the head, who takes offense and looks at me out of the corner of her eye.

Lexi: "Standing up to you is not insolent."

Ryan: "It depends on how you look at it."

No, it's a matter of survival.

Jenny: "So rule number one: never contradict him, he hates it."

Jenny whispers these words in confidence, twirling her hand. For a moment I might think she's actually trying to help me relax.

Ryan: "Rule number two: never listen to his sister, she talks nonsense."

Jenny: "Ouch..."

Jenny mimes a blow to the heart and drags herself over to the couch slumping herself down on it, Ryan grabs a tray of appetizers from the kitchen.

Ryan: "Make yourself comfortable, Lexi."

I walk towards the huge corner sofa and sit gracefully beside his sister. I look out at the city shining in the night.

I put my hands on my knees and start tapping a random rhythm on my skin.

Jenny: "I love your outfit!"

I stare at Jenny, a little surprised at her enthusiasm and familiarity.

Lexi: "Oh thank you, your... yours is very pretty too."