No Strings

Dammit, this kid. He’s never looked or sounded so old… or wise. But…

“It’s not that simple,” I tell him as my phone rings out. I grab it from my jacket pocket, hoping it’s Savannah, only to find it’s my sister. She’s been down since Dad’s death, and with her being pregnant, I don’t want to ignore her call. I hold up a finger to Brody, indicating to give me a minute, then take the call.

“Hey.”

“Hey,” she says back, sounding worried. “Mr. Jeffreys called. He said he’s been trying to get ahold of you, but you’re not taking his calls. If you need me to handle it…”

I sigh in exhaustion. Mr. Jeffreys is the attorney our dad used to create his will. I should’ve met with him immediately following Dad’s death to sort out his affairs, but I’ve been putting it off.

“I’ll give him a call right now,” I tell her, not wanting to cause her more stress.

“Okay. How are you?”

“I’m okay. You?”

“I’m all right. I haven’t seen you in a while. I was thinking you and Savy and Brody could come over for dinner one night.”

“Yeah,” I choke out. “I’ll let you know.” My phone beeps in my ear, and hoping it’s Savannah, I tell her I’ll get back to her soon, then switch over without looking at who’s calling.

“Benjamin.” I cringe at the sound of Paola’s voice. Shit, I should’ve checked to see who was calling.

“What’s up?”

“I would like to see my son. You’re back from your trip, so can you please have him come see me?”

“He has an issue with Ted…” I begin as the sound of a phone goes off.

Brody picks it up from the coffee table and shows it to me. It’s Savannah’s. She left it here. Guess she won’t be calling… He answers it and walks into the other room.

“Hello?” Paola snaps, reminding me I’m still on the phone with her.

“Yeah. Brody doesn’t like Ted, and I think—”

“Ted isn’t here,” she says, cutting me off. “We’re actually not together anymore. I’ve ended our engagement.”

“Really?”

“He…” She clears her throat. “He cheated on me. It’s over. He’s out of town, with his mistress I imagine, but once he returns, he’ll be getting his shit and moving out.”

“Sorry,” I tell her, unsure of what else to say. We might not be friends, but she’s still Brody’s mom.

“Thanks. So do you think I can spend the weekend with him?”

“I’ll speak to him, but I’m sure that can be arranged.” Plus, it’ll give me time to sort my life out.

We hang up just as Brody is walking back out. “Your mom wants to spend the weekend with you. And before you argue, she and Ted broke up.”

Brody’s eyes widen. “Seriously?”

“Yeah. Are you okay to go over there for a few days?”

“Yeah.”

“Who was on the phone?” I nod to Savannah’s phone still in his hand.

“Bri. She’s coming by to grab Savy’s stuff. She said she tried to call you, but it kept going to voicemail.”

“I had a call on each line.”

“Why is she coming to get Savy’s stuff?” he asks, glaring at me.

“Because she doesn’t live here,” I explain dumbly. “She’s been staying here while I was dealing with my dad’s death, to be here for me and you. But she doesn’t live here.”

“That’s stupid. You guys are getting married. She might as well just stay here. And she wouldn’t need her shit if you two weren’t fighting.” He drops the phone onto the coffee table. “Fix it,” he says before turning to go to his room.

“You didn’t eat,” I mention.

“Not hungry.” He waves his hand over his shoulder. “Guess I’ll get ready to go to Mom’s.”

“I just want to talk to her.”

“Not happening.” Brianne blocks the door like a fucking guard dog. “She needs some space. You hurt her.”

I know she’s right, but at the same time, I need to talk to her. I was in shock by what she said. I never should’ve lashed out at her, and I definitely shouldn’t have pointed out that she’s most likely pregnant the way I did either. When Brianne came and got her stuff, I tried to get her to let me see Savannah, but she wasn’t having it, and since it’s the weekend, I can’t even catch her at work. I’ve sent chocolates and flowers and her favorite pineapple pizza, but she still won’t talk to me. I fucked up, but damn, I just need a chance to fix it.

“I’ve given her two days. I just want to talk to her.”

“And when she’s ready to talk to you, she knows your number.”

She slams the door in my face, and I hang my head against the door in frustration. My phone rings, and I pull it out, hoping it’s Savannah, but it’s not.

“Lucas, what’s up?”

“Nothing. Laura is having a girls’ night with her friends. Just calling to see what you’re up to? Want to grab a drink?”