“Okay.”
“So, go on. What else did he do?”
I blush. “Ugh, Sasha, don’t make me go into details.”
Her eyes get wider. “You haven’t had sex with him, have you?”
“No!” I exclaim. “You know I’m clueless when it comes to that. I wouldn’t know where to begin.”
She rolls her eyes. “It’s not rocket science.”
I snort. “It might as well be.”
She turns to me now and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, one hand leaning against the back of my chair. “I’m not trying to lecture you. I just wanted this to be a fun summer break for you, and although you might think being with Robert will be a fun little distraction, I can tell you for a fact that it won’t be. It’ll be a fun distraction followed by some big drama followed by heartbreak. Shit, I thought you were smarter than this, kid.”
I’m about to reply to her when Robert shows up at the table and takes the seat beside her.
His eyes move from me to his sister. “Why do you both look like someone just pissed in your cornflakes?”
“Maybe because you did,” says Sasha, peering at him with a narrowed gaze.
“I’ll have you know I’m not in the habit of pissing in cornflakes. Nasty business, that.”
“Lana told me what’s been going on,” she says, ignoring his joke.
His expression sobers, and he gets defensive. “And that’s a bad thing because…”
“Come on, Rob. Don’t play dumb. You’re not good enough for her.”
“Sasha,” I say softly, touching her arm.
“No, Lana, I’m right. I’m not saying you’re better than him, I’m just saying that he’s still sleeping around, and that’s certainly not good enough for you.”
“Fuck you. I haven’t been with anyone in weeks,” Robert spits, his jaw tight.
“Oh, so you’ve turned over a new leaf?”
“Maybe I have.”
“And maybe you haven’t.”
“And maybe there was never a leaf to turn over.”
“Now you’re not even making any sense.”
Robert stands up from the table. “Yes, I am. I slept around because I was trying to fill a hole, a hole that was there because I couldn’t have what I really wanted, and what I’ve always wanted was her.” He throws his hand in my direction. “But I could never have her because you were constantly standing by like her fucking bodyguard.” He hisses these last words and then storms away from the table.
Sasha and I are left sitting there, shocked and speechless.
Twelve
My body trembles as Robert’s last words replay in my head. He’s always wanted me. Like, always always?
“I think I better go talk to my brother,” says Sasha, breaking my thoughts and standing up. I watch her leave through the same door as Robert. A server sets a slice of birthday cake down in front of me, but my stomach is in too many knots right now for me to even take a bite.
“Hey, Lana, where did Sasha rush off to?” Alistair asks, sitting down by me.
“She and Robert are having a talk,” I answer.
“I see,” he says, his dark eyes studying me. “Well, are you going to eat that?” He gestures to the cake.
“Oh, no, go ahead.”
He slides the plate in front of him and digs in. I twiddle my thumbs and keep glancing back and forth at the door through which Robert and Sasha could very well be having a massive argument. I can’t hear any shouting, which is always a good sign. Then again, I probably wouldn’t be able to hear them over the band anyway.
God, I’m dying to know what they’re saying to each other.
Alistair must notice my worried expression, because he puts his hand on my arm and says, “Twins can be weird sometimes. Best leave it to the two of them to sort whatever it is out between themselves.”
“Yeah,” I breathe. “I’m going to the bar to get an orange juice. Do you want anything?”
“Nah, I’m good.”
I get up and walk across the room to the bar. I end up asking for a white wine instead of an orange juice. Not ideal, but I need it.
On my way back, I find myself passing by Kara and that blonde girl from the beach. Michelle, I think.
I give them both a small smile and say, “Hi,” before continuing on my way.
A hand reaches out to stop me. It’s Kara. “Have you seen Robert?” she asks while simultaneously examining my dress. Perhaps it has a stain.
“He and Sasha are out in the lobby,” I tell her, making an effort to move on.
“Oh. Will you tell him I wanted a word?” There’s a hint of desperation behind the calm façade she’s putting up. I wonder what that’s about. Maybe I was right and she really does still have feelings for him.
“Sure.”
“Thanks,” she says, and takes a sip from her drink.
“I’ll see you later, then. You both look very pretty tonight.” I nod to Michelle and then back to Kara before walking away. They seem surprised by my compliment.
“Thanks again,” Kara calls after me, her voice slightly clipped now.
When I get back, Alistair has already finished his slice of cake and is sitting at another table, laughing with a group of young men and women. I nurse my wine and wait for Sasha and Robert to return. I’ve almost fallen asleep by the time Sasha comes back into the ballroom half an hour later.
My eyes travel over to her when she sits down. She’s actually smiling – kind of.
“Well, what happened?” I ask her.
“We talked. Robert explained a lot of stuff and, well, I’ve decided to give you both my blessing.”
I crinkle up my nose and look at her cynically. “We’re not getting married, Sash.”
“Oh, shush, you know what I mean.” She grabs a new glass of champagne from a server who passes by.
“Where’s Robert?”
“I’m right here,” his voice answers softly from behind as he scoops me up into his arms and squeezes me tight. He’s positively beaming, wearing the biggest smile I’ve ever seen.
“Let me go, you crazy person,” I say, laughing slightly. “Why are you so happy?” This isn’t exactly what I was expecting. To be honest, I thought they’d end up having the biggest fight ever and ruining their dad’s party.