I hoped they would still consider me family when they knew. Jess was right; I had to tell them that if Chad gets bored and can't reach me, he might do something to them and the VIP lounge. I would hate myself more than anything if something happened to them because I couldn't own up to my own foolish mistakes.
I spent the rest of the time playing games with the twins. Rory kicked all our buts in Monopoly. She was seriously really smart. I bet she could do anything she put her mind to. With an hour left until 10, I finally decided to text Joel and Jordan. Jess offered to be my emotional support person during our conversation, but I was twenty, almost twenty-one. I can handle this, I hope. I sent out a group text to both of them.
"Hey, there is something I need to talk to you both about privately. It is not easy for me to talk about, but if Chad is a VIP member, he might make things difficult for you guys. I want you both to be prepared for it." Joel was the first one to respond. I don't even think it was 30 seconds before he replied.
"What did he do?" Well, at least he didn't think it was my fault. I wondered if he would feel the same way once he knew.
"It's not something I feel comfortable texting," I sent, but this time Jordan's reply came in next.
"Okay, whatever it is, we are on your side, Dani," then Joel responded.
"When and where do you want to meet?"
"Whatever is better for both of you. I am at Jess's until 10 pm, then Jess is giving me a ride home. I will help open again tomorrow morning, and get out of work at 2 pm."
"One of us will be waiting for you at the Robins in a few minutes so you can come to the VIP lounge, and we can talk in my office." Joel's response was sent right away. I guess it really bothered him not knowing. Anxiety twisted my guts. I knew it was something that needed to be done, like Jess said.
"So, now that is taken care of... " I looked at Jess, who was watching me with a supportive smile on her face. I was so glad to have her. She always knew when to push me and when to hold my hand. "So... Jess, there is only one more thing I want to tell you about. Before one of the Holloway brothers showed up," I tried hiding my expression as I thought about the mystery dude. But a smile spread like wildfire across my face. The moment Jess saw my face, her eyes twinkled, all excited.
"OH MY GOD!!! What is it??" Jess was practically jumping.
"Stop it... It's not that exciting," I lied. Because my liking anyone after what happened to me was a big deal, I was cautious. I haven't liked anyone romantically since Chad, especially with how that went. I lost all trust in people besides Jess, the Holloways, and my parents, of course. So. I doubt anything will happen besides having a crush, but it was nice having something normal again.
"You lie!" Jess was practically jumping with joy. I busted out laughing at her antics. So, I caved and told her everything about the mystery man. I only planned to say a few things to her because it was wild for me to have such a strong pull towards someone. She was so excited. So, I told her all of it. I wasn't sure what part of it made her so happy, but her happiness was contagious. It was the first time in months that I felt a sliver of joy.
"You gotta ask one of the brothers if they know his name!" I gave her an eye roll at that; she knew how protective Joel and Jordan could be, especially Joel. Before I could comment on my thoughts, she cut me off, saying, "So, you can properly thank him, of course," and gave me a suggestive gesture that made me laugh more.
It wasn't long after I texted the brothers that there was a knock at the front door. I approached to see who was there. I looked to see Jordan standing at the door in casual clothes — a white V-neck T-shirt and jeans.
"It is my ride. I gotta go, guys!" I yell out.
"It was awesome seeing you!" Rory yelled as she came over to hug me.
"Yeah! Jess will have to have you come by next time she is watching us." Ryan agreed.
"We will see if she is not working or busy," Jess replied to the twins on my behalf. She came over and gave me a big hug. "No matter the time, call me and let me know when you get home?" She said, and without words, gave me a look that basically said, let me know what the brothers think and have to say about the whole Chad thing.
"Of course, but I might fall asleep on the phone," I answered her. We laugh, it would not be the first time I passed out on one of our late-night phone calls.
Jess walks out the door with me, exchanging greetings with Jordan. I walk over to his car; He holds the door open for me, and I look back one more time, waving as I climb in. Jordan shuts the door and climbs into the driver's seat.
Anxiety fills my stomach and claws up my throat. I hate this. I cannot wait till this is over.
"You do not need to look so scared: no one is going to eat you," Jordan said, sounding amused.
"WHAT!" I gasped out, startled. Jordan broke out in laughter at me as we drove.
"Stop looking so freaked. No matter what you tell us, we will stand by your side; you are family, Danni," Jordan said while squeezing my thigh. I knew that, but it did not make it any less scary. I did not want them to be disappointed or disgusted with me.