Page 98 of Isolation

Alexa: Hi. Come to our “living quarters.”

Rave: What’s going on?

Alexa: Brandon wants to open a bottle of scotch that he has been holding out on.

Rave: Not a scotch girl.

Alexa: Come for the company.

Alexa and Brandon moved into the split-level yesterday. We left them alone while they unpacked.

My dad is grilling later today for a welcome barbecue for them. There is nothing else on the agenda so I take them up on the offer.

As soon as I walk into their living quarters, I take a moment to inspect the apartment. It’s still the same. A kitchen, two small bedrooms, and a den that doubles as a living room. Alexa and Jaci are sharing one bedroom, with Brandon in the other.

The Sinclairs used to rent out this portion of the house until Uncle Reese put a stop to it. He insisted on slaving away on extra shifts rather than downgrading to a smaller home or sharing the family’s privacy.

“Rave!” Alexa calls out.

“Hey, girl.”

“I am so glad you came,” Brandon joins in a chipper voice.

“Of course.

“This way my lady,” Brandon waves towards their den slash living room.

The living room has a beautiful loveseat, coffee table, and a wall-mounted television by the door. On the other side of the room, there is a desk table with a chair, along with one of those atlas globe bars. In true New York real estate spirit, this room is cozy but effectively furnished.

“Jaci is still not here?” I turn to ask.

“Jaci is moving in a couple of days,” Alexa informs.

Brandon flips open the globe bar to grab an expensive-looking bottle, along with a few glasses. No matter how much I insist that I am only here for the company, he still fills my glass with a healthy pour.

“What are you guys doing?”

All three of us turn to find Milo at the door. Brandon’s face lights up like it’s Christmas.

“Just getting reacquainted with Raven,” he takes me in a one handed hug.

The extra calm look on Milo’s face even makes Alexa grimace, and she is usually the laid back one.

She doesn't know why Milo is angry, butAlexa is quick to pacify. “Come on in, Milo. Join us for a drink.”

Milo’s eyes follow mine as he walks inside.

Soon, they start discussing the recent challenges with their business and how the move is going. I listen in here and there, although I don’t have much input.

Alexa is the first to throw back her drink while I am still nauseatingly staring at mine. “I’m going to take a quick shower, and then meet you guys back upstairs for the barbecue,” she announces. “I am starving.”

“Actually,” Brandon seconds. “I’m going to do the same.” Brandon follows Alexa out, but sternly tosses over his shoulder, “Finish every single drop in your glass, Rave. I mean it! That’s a very expensive bottle. Do not waste it. I’ll meet you guys upstairs.”

I look down at my glass. I fucking hate scotch. I am pretty sure this is going to end with me throwing up. I hold my breath in preparation to take a sip, when Milo slowly pries the glass out of my hand. He sips on the drink while his eyes stay trained on me.

Milo is looking at me intently, staring at my mouth, his gaze dropping only to take in my body.

“I’m going to head back to my room,” I quickly announce and push off the table that I am leaning against.