The Other Side of Love (Forever Love) Read Free Page B

adjustment.” My thoughts drifted back to the decrepit apartment building I had found myself living in. It was cockroach- and rat-infested, but even worse than that was the smell. The stench of rotting eggs and hidden fish had filled the complex, and no amount of spray or candles had diminished it.
    “Want to tell me more over lunch?” Zane looked at me hopefully, and I nodded. There were many things I couldn’t tell him, but I knew that he would want to know about my time away. And as long as I kept to the bare minimum , everything should be okay.
    “The sky looks beautiful today.” Lucky walked into the living room with some recently picked flowers and my face turned white. “You okay?”
    “Yeah,” I jumped up. “I thought you said something else. That’s all.” I gave her a weak smiled and I noticed Lucky and Zane exchanging a worried glance. “I’m okay, guys.”
    “No one said you weren’t.” Zane grabbed Lucky’s hand, and pulled her towards him. “Noah and I are going to lunch, want to come?”
    “If Noah doesn’t mind.” She looked at me eagerly, and I tried not to laugh. She was so different t han the type of girl I had imagined seeing Zane with.
    “I don’t mind. I’m pretty sure whatever I tell my brother, he shares with you anyway.”
    “Zane can keep a secret.” Lucky blushed, while my brother glared at me.
    “I’m just joking , guys. It’s fine. I don’t expect you to hide anything from each other. Secrets ruin relationships.”
    “Yeah, they do.” Zane gave me a poi nted look and I jumped up and turned towards the stairs. I had walked into that trap, and I didn’t want to stay around and feel guilted into revealing information I wasn’t ready to share.
    “You guys choose a place for lunch, I’m just going to go upstairs and get my stuff ready.”
    “What stuff?” Zane’s voice was curious, and I smiled at Lucky as she pulled him away from me, whispering something about wanting his help choosing out a crib for the babies.
     
    ***
    “Hi, I’m Robin and I’m going to be your waitress today. Can I start you off with any drinks?” The girl in front of me was gorgeous and I couldn’t help but to admire her body. I gave her a once-over and I realized that she had caught me as I looked back up and she was glaring at me. As our eyes connected, I felt a spark of recognition light up my heart. I’d never seen this girl before, but something about her had ignited a feeling of warmth inside of me. “I’m not on the menu by the way.” The smile fell from her face as she spoke to me and I wondered what had gotten her so upset. She looked away and the buzz in my ears faded.
    “I didn’t think that you were.” I frowned at her in confusion.
    “Well, the way you were looking at me made me think that perhaps you thought something else was on the menu.”
    “Um, okay?” I looked at Zane to see if I had missed something. Had I said something and not realized it, or was this chick just crazy?
    “No, it’s not okay. How would you like it if I looked at you like you were a juicy steak and I was a dog ready to pounce?” Her frown lifted and her expression changed to one of excitement and anticipation, she looked me over slowly and licked her lips before locking eyes with mine. “Not a very nice feeling , is it? To be treated like a piece of meat.”
    “Actually, I don’t mind.” I laughed and leaned towards her. “It makes me feel quite excited , actually.”
    “Noah.” Lucky’s voice sounded shocked and she shook her head at me.
    “I’m just being honest.” I shrugged.
    “Typical male reaction.” Robin shook her head and turned towards Lucky. “Anything I can get you guys?”
    “We’ll have three waters , please, Robin.” Lucky smiled at her widely and we were all silent as Robin walked away.
    “Okay, is it me or is that chick crazy?” I exclaimed as soon as Robin was out of earshot.
    “Noah.” Lucky laughed and made a small face. “I mean, she does seem