These chapters on morals and ethics aren’t going to read themselves. I've highlighted almost every line in the last three chapters, and I still have no idea what I've read. I just can't focus. Being home for break is throwing me off my usually good study habits.
A creak from behind me and the clicking of heels on the tile followed by the clank of keys being tossed onto the table in the hall makes me sit up straight. Oh thank God; Sandra’s home. My lips kick up into a smile, a distraction!
Maybe she’ll want to open a bottle of wine and watch a chick flick. I deserve a break tonight, and Sandra’s always good for a girls' night. No matter where life takes us, I know that much. There’s something about the bond between sisters that will always bring us back together.
As Sandra walks into the wide doorway, I start closing my books and putting my stuff back in my Kate Spade pebbled leather tote. It was a Christmas gift from her, and I freaking love it. I wanna make sure she sees I’m already using it. I make a mental note to remember to buy her something really nice for her birthday.
“Hey,” she says as she drapes her tweed pea coat on the back of the sofa. She pulls her hair over her shoulders and walks straight to the fire. “It’s fucking freezing out there.” Her cheeks are bright red from the cold. Ihatethe cold.
“Yeah, but it looks pretty,” I answer back, and she snorts a laugh. Webothhate the cold.
“What are you studying tonight?” she asks as she casually drops onto the couch next to me.
“Morals and ethics.”
“Well, that sounds fascinating!” she says sarcastically, and I grin.
“Yeah well, I’m done for the night.” I lie on the sofa, putting my feet on the seat right by her thighs. “How was work?” I ask.
“Busy. I'm exhausted.” She yawns as she leans back into the sofa.
“Feel like opening a bottle of wine and vegging out in front of the TV?” I stare at the ceiling, feeling like a slacker. “I can't study anymore tonight.” I didn’t really study at all, but she doesn’t need to know that.
“Actually, Tony’s on his way over,” she says easily and then covers her yawn. “We were just going to hang out here for a while.”
“Oh, okay. I'll get out of your way then.”Tony. Her boy toy. I haven’t met him yet, so I’m definitely going to sneak down while he’s here. I don’t wanna step on her toes while I’m visiting, but I’m not passing up a chance to see who she’s always talking about.
“I really should be studying anyway,” I say and a yawn slips out of my mouth at the last word. I blame her yawn; they’re addictive.
“No!” she says, smacking my leg. “Stay and hang out with us! I really want you to meet him,” she says, giving me a pleading look. “And he’s bringing a friend over, so you won't be a third wheel.”
I have to stop myself from groaning. She better not be trying to set me up. I have a bad feeling that’s exactly what she’s doing. It’s her style and the men she picks arenevermy type. I bite my tongue at that last thought. “You deserve a break,” she says softly, giving me puppy eyes again. “You've been working so hard.”
“Okay,” I say halfheartedly. I’m not really looking forward to being set up. I put a little more pep into my voice. “Sounds good! I'll hang out for a little bit, and then get back to studying.” That’s a lie. I’ll hang out and then go crash upstairs. Fuck studying, but it’s a good excuse to bail later tonight. All this hard work has made me lame. But whatever, I need my beauty sleep. The thought forces another yawn out, as if my body agrees.
“I'm gonna go change out of my scrubs before Tony gets here.” The sofa groans as Sandra gets up, pushing herself off the couch.
I follow her up the stairs, grabbing my tote and bringing it to the guest room Sandra’s letting me stay in. I need to put onrealclothes at least. I’m not meeting Tony and his friend in my PJs.
I pull baggy sweater over my tank top and pair it with some worn jeans. They’ll never know I’m not wearing a bra. I chuckle softly at the thought, but the smile vanishes when I see myself in the mirror on the dresser. I look rundown. There's just no hiding the dark circles around my tired eyes. I'm exhausted. At least my hair is still decent from this morning. Not that it really matters. I'm not trying to impress either Sandra’s boyfriend, or whoever his friend is.
“He’s here!” Sandra calls out from somewhere downstairs. She sounds giddy and excited. It’s kind of cute to see her so worked up over this guy.
The front door opens as I walk back down the stairs, my hand gripping the railing. My steps slow as I watch Tony come in. He’s tall, dark, and handsome. But what’s better is that he smiles when he sees Sandra.
That makes me really happy and I can’t deny the smile creeping up on my face. There’s a joy reflected between the two of them that warms my heart. She squeals and runs down the hall as he kicks off his boots, dusted with snow.
“Hey, baby,” he says as he wraps his arms around her waist. She holds onto his shoulders as he leans her back slightly and kisses her. I nearly roll my eyes, but that’s just the jealousy in me thinking,get a room!
“Hey, yourself,” she answers playfully. She smiles back with a blush on her cheeks, pulling away and looking at me for a split second.
I feel like such a third wheel.
“Em, I want you to meet my boyfriend, Tony.” She twirls back and forth a little on her heels, still holding his hand. “Tony, this is my baby sister, Emma.”
I walk down the rest of the steps and toward him with a smile.
“Hey, nice to meet you,” he says as he shakes my hand. It’s a firm shake, and his large hand makes mine feel small. I definitely approve.