Loving a Black Rose & Life in an Elevator

Chapter 4: The Blond Man

Hi! I'm sure I'll have an amazing time volunteering today. Counting down the days until I'm back! I'm excited to tell you all about the people I am about to meet and what we'll do! Love you!!!

She was always there for me—through the good and the bad. Her messages filled me with joy. When we went out, she became the center of attention. People would sit next to her, listen, even buy her drinks while I was right there. She had this way of lightening the mood. I was happy she was enjoying herself with her... friends. To escape the sadness at home, I decided to go out with some of my friends.

— "Hey, Ian," George said softly, a slim guy in a white t-shirt and black leather jacket. "I heard your girl's going on a trip."

— "Yeah, it's a volunteer thing. She's going with some of her friends," I replied.

—"Any male friends?" he asked, curious, as he handed me a beer. I declined. I didn't like the smell of alcohol. He had seen, in the past, how alcohol led to things one would regret later.

— "I don't know," I said. "Just Ellia and Rebecca. She never mentions any guys. I trust her."

— "I remember," Tom, a huge guy with red hair, chimed in. "Last week, I saw her at the mall with a tall blond guy. Think his name's Alexis. He's some finance guy. She was laughing with him. Hope he's her gay best friend, for your sake."

My stomach dropped. Lou had never mentioned him.

— "Girls, pff, all the same," Amory scoffed. "When money's around, nothing else matters."

— "Yeah, but you don't mind, right?" Tom teased. "You buy them drinks, and they stick around with cash."

— "At least I've got money, unlike some people here," Amory retorted, gesturing around the bar.

— "Yo, guys, chill," George cut in. "We don't need this. Let's change the subject."

— "You guys are no fun," Amory said. "We're just joking. Ian can take it. No need to make a big deal."

I was hot, sweating. My hands felt like they were burning. It had to be a mistake. It couldn't be true.

— "I think I'm heading home," I said, standing up.

I walked to the exit without looking back. Near the door, I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was George.

— "You okay?" he asked. "Just wanted to let you know, my dad works in that tall gray building in the city. I know things are tight with your aunt. I talked him into giving you an interview, if you're interested."

— "Thanks," I replied, unsure if I was excited about the idea of a corporate job.

— "One last thing," George paused, putting his hand on my shoulder. "There are plenty of girls out there, Ian. Lou is just a girl. Nothing more.