Page 21 of Stolen in Sin City

Andi: My brother is in prison. I got a letter from him today.

Okay, straight to the point.

But this was my opening. She was giving me a lifeline here. I told her I’d listen, and as bad as I wanted to ask her every question under the sun, I had to be patient while she shared the information she was willing to give up.

Me: I may not understand that situation fully, but I could imagine it being quite emotional.

Andi: Have you ever had anyone close to you go away for a long time?

More than you know.

Me: Maybe not in the same way as your brother, but I’ve suffered more losses than I’d like to admit.

When I reached out to Andi, I didn’t think our conversation would go down this road—us somehow giving little pieces of each other through a few text messages. If anything, I thought we’d flirt, or she’d bust my balls.

But now, the door was cracked for me and her to talk. No sex club. No drinks. Just a screen between us so she wouldn’t have to look me in the eye.

Andi: Are you talking about your dad? I remember Spencer mentioning his passing one evening when we were all eating dinner. I’m sure that had to be hard.

Andi: Actually, I’m sorry to have brought that up. I don’t know what I was thinking.

My gut twisted.

It wasn’t necessarily a sore subject, but I did have to live my life every day thinking about him. Especially since all those years ago, I became his replacement.

Me: Don’t be sorry. It was a long time ago.

Me: I think the hardest part of him passing was knowing I’d have to live the rest of my life for my family. Not for myself.

I’d never admitted that out loud before.

Suddenly, this fiery redhead had a permanent residence in my mind, and now, she was pulling my secrets out of me like a magic trick when this conversation started out about her in the first place.

Andi: You don’t love being the big hotshot owner of the Neon?

Me: I enjoyed being on the ice more.

Andi: God, I don’t know what would be a better look for you…