EZRA'S POV
"So, how was your vacation, Ez?" Elissa asks me cutting into some steak.
I take a sip of my wine glancing at Felix, her husband, who looks like he's rather be anywhere but here. "It was… good. Relaxing to some point." I lie. I was hardly relaxed.
I'm currently having dinner with my sister and her husband at a restaurant. It's like 7pm right now, I'm exhausted but I haven't had a one-on-one with my sister in forever and I miss it. Unfortunately, she came with her husband, and he's barely said a word since he arrived and I've never been more glad.
"Oh, that's good to hear. I'm glad Tyrone could get you out of your comfort zone or rather, your work zone. You needed that. You're always so engrossed with work; I wonder why."
I chuckle at her. The only reason I even agreed to the vacation was because I planned on inviting HER. Speaking of her, I hate how I left things and the guilt threatens to swallow me whole. After the boat incident, I realized how stupid I had been; what was I doing telling her I was interested in her? I don't deserve someone like her. Yes, I admit I freaked out and bailed, but I regret it because I still want to see her, to know how she's doing; whether she's sick or tired or something. For a second, I swear I can still hear her laugh. Soft. Like something I never earned.
"What's been going on in your life recently. Apart from sabotaging that marriage that would have TOTALLY fucked you up, and working of course, any new things? Like a… woman in your life or something?"
I sigh "You know I don't have time for relationships, El."
"Yes, but as your big sis, I can only hope. God knows you need one." She teases and shrugs. I grip my fork tighter trying to avoid thoughts of Harlem and I together.
I glance at Felix and he's staring at me curiously. I narrow my eyes and he looks away. "There WAS a woman though." I mutter, begrudgingly taking a bite of my rice.
Elissa gasps sharply dropping her fork loudly, which causes heads to turn "WHAT? WHO? And why am I just hearing about this now?" she states.
My eyes widen "Can you tone down?"
"YOU liked a woman?" Felix asks. I glance at him, wondering why the hell he's talking to me. I ignore him entirely.
"Honestly, I've always thought you were gay. This is new. What's her name?" El asks enthusiastically.
I roll my eyes "I'm not gay. And I can't tell you her name. And I beg your pardon, don't tell mom." I say to her.
She beams "Is it serious or is it like a benefit kind of situation?" Did she hear what I just said?
"WAS. And yes, it was a bit serious. But I'm past it." I lie shoving food into my mouth.
She literally deflates "Why? Did something happen?"
I avoid her eyes "Not really. It just didn't seem like it would work out."
Her blue eyes widen "What?! That's bull! Please tell me you didn't self-sabotage?" I did.
I look around self-consciously. Can she tone down? "I literally have no idea what you're talking about. Can we stop talking about my failed relationships and talk about something else?"
She's not convinced, I can tell by the look in her eyes but she stops because Felix places his hand on hers and she relaxes. I glare at him.
"Whatever. Eventually, you'll realize work isn't everything." She says and takes a sip of her juice. I sigh, glad she's dropped it.
"I'm pregnant." She says taking another bite of steak.
My mouth drops open and I stare at her and EVEN Felix. This fucker got my sister pregnant? No wonder I hate him even worse today.
I clear my throat and fake a smile "Congratulations, Elissa. I'm happy for you. How far along are you?"
She beams "Thanks Ez. I'm actually 2 months in."
I nod, avoiding Felix's eyes. "That's wonderful sis. Mom and Dad know yet?"
"No, I plan to tell them at the next family dinner, which should be in three weeks."
"Oh Okay, that's fine. Thanks for telling me first." I say trying to control my emotions but failing.
"Of course. You're still my baby brother, Ez." She says smiling and I smile back at her.
I'm proud and happy for her. I really am. But the phone in my pocket has pictures of her 'husband' with at least five women spanning from Hollywood to fashion to bloody OnlyFans. The last thing my sister needs is to make a baby with a cheating asshole who can't even look me in the eyes.
Elissa and I have always been close. From when I was born till now. Yes, we've had our bad moments but she's never been lonely because she has me and I've never been lonely because I have her. It's been a co-dependent relationship for as long as I remember, she's even so close to Ty because we're only two years apart.
But when she got married to that fucker, everything changed. Drastically. I'm certain she's obsessed with him and I'm certain he's obsessed with the idea that she is which makes him do stupid things because he knows she'll still take him back. It's the one thing I don't like about Elissa. I'm all for not taking a cheating man back.
When she started changing, I had to do some dirty work, and of course my sources found out he was just a stupid cheater. Elissa knows of course but she thinks he will change. I can't be so sure about that. I could release the pictures though, but that would only make things worse. Which makes me feel powerless, in a familiar way I've felt with another woman once.
"… Ezra? Are you listening?" I hear her ask and I snap out of it and clearing my throat. "Yeah sorry. What were you saying?"
"I said I'm so excited. I want it to be a girl but at the same time, also a boy. But like what if it's twins? I can't make up my mind." She tells me.
"Whichever one comes I'm sure you will love unconditionally." I touch her palm and smile at her.
She sighs dreamily and continues talking. Whereas my mind is on how long we have until this goes south.