Night to Remember

Twin's support

-Victoria-

„Oh, it was delicious. I want to know who sent us these delicious drinks. I’m ready right now to flirt.” Harper slurred a bit and started to look around.

I sighed and rolled my eyes at her antics. This was unquestionably the time to go to sleep. Drunken Harper was something different to deal with. Her boldness always grows more robust, her sexiness spreads in waves, and her daring of foolish deeds is untamed. This trip is the best example of that, and knowing how much money she spent on it, I wouldn't want us to be kicked out of here.

„Ok, Sexy chick. I think it’s time to go to sleep.” I nodded and got up from the table.

I offered Harper my hand while she was scanning the restaurant, looking for a waiter who would serve us the drinks. She didn't cooperate with me at first, but eventually, she gave up. I helped her stand up from the chair and led her away from the restaurant.

„Wait.” She stopped me suddenly. „I need to know who that mysterious guy was.” Harper leaned and, not so quietly, whispered into my ear.

She started to wobble back, and I had difficulties keeping her straight, but I refused to leave her alone or ask someone for help, so I stopped her and explained. „The guy is already gone; I checked the table while you sipped the second drink,” I said, pulling her arm harder. „Come on. It’s time to sleep.” I ushered her, „We’ll search for the guy tomorrow. Sober.” I promised.

Harper sighed dramatically and leaned on my shoulder, letting me take her back to our bungalow. Although it wasn’t a long walk, thanks to the extra pounds of drunken Harper, who relied on me, made it neverending and more exhausting. Sweating like a pig, I put Harper into bed, helping her with clothes and shoes before hitting my fluffy pillow, completely forgetting about the shower.

„Stop ringing!” I groaned under my pillow.

For five minutes, my phone was constantly vibrating on my bed. I was glad to mute it the other day, but the vibration sounds annoyed me and woke me up a little too soon for my liking. The moment it stopped, I exhaled in relief, only to groan and pull my pillow harder over my head once the phone rang again.

Pissed, I sat up, ready to deliver my best compilation of curses to the person who dared to disturb my sleep, but the name on the screen made me pale—Lex’s calling. The contact’s name, with the attached photo of my smiling brother, caused the air to leave my lungs in seconds. Why was he calling me? I wondered.

Deep down, I knew perfectly why, but I tried to think of another reason why my bigger and older (for a few more minutes) brother would call me repeatedly. My mind was blank, and my hammering heart only added to the situation. When it stopped ringing, I realized it was his fifth attempt to contact me. Did he sense my situation or what?

I reached for the phone, hoping it was the last time he called. How foolish of me to delude myself that something like this would happen. As if summoned, my devil of a brother rang again, and in my half-awake state, I accidentally answered it.

„Victoria Jane Montgomery!” The voice on the other end sent shivers down my spine with its authority.

The phone fell from my hand and landed on the bed sheets as my hands started to shake uncontrollably. If there was something I was more scared of than facing my parents, it would be facing my twin brother.

Alexander William Ridley, better known as Lex, my twin brother. And here, the similarities end. He’s taller and more muscular. He's funnier, more open and braver. His head is covered with a thick mop of raven-black hair perfectly combined with ocean-blue eyes and tanned skin. He’s like Harper, a fricking magnet for women. And since I can remember, he’s been my protector, advisor, best friend, and the person who I would most hate to disappoint.

„Victoria Jane!” He repeated my name with a hint of annoyance.

I reluctantly picked up the phone and put it to my ear, „Montgomery,” Lex seethed, „or should I say, Miss Ridley? Back again.” He asked rhetorically.

„Lex, I, I.”

I couldn’t find my voice. Suddenly, the air turned heavy, and I found breathing difficult. Lex knew me well and sensed I was panicking, so he instructed me to breathe in unison with him, which also had a calming effect on him. After a few minutes, my breathing turned normal so that I could continue our conversation.

„Why didn’t you tell me?” He asked, disappointed, „I understand why you kept it secret from Mom and Dad, but me, Vicky?” I felt awful hearing his sad voice, „Really, Tori? I had to hear it directly from the little fucker, and you know what pissed me the most?” He raised his voice.

„The fucker had the audacity to threaten to hunt your ass and suck every penny out of you. What the f**k happened, Vicky? Can you at least tell me what happened?” He sighed at the end.

„We’re divorced.” I choked out. „Pfff. Well, that’s obvious, silly. Tell me something I DON’T know.” Lex challenged.

I took a deep breath and told him, „He cheated on me. It wasn’t his first time, and now I’m staying with Harper.”

I sat comfortably on my bed, gripping the phone to my ear in a stronghold. If I had to confess everything to Lex, I had better be comfortable. As expected, a colorful compilation of curses left my brother’s mouth. I didn’t stop him; I knew better than to let him vent verbally instead of breaking someone's bones in his rage.

„How long?”

„A couple of weeks.” I bit my lip nervously. „I promise, I planned to tell you guys, but,” I paused, „I felt ashamed,” I whispered and slumped in bed.

The worst-case scenario was about to come true. My brother would tell me the famous ‚I told you so’ and how he knew Tom was not good enough for me and that I was completely blind, making me the biggest disappointment in their eyes.

„Sis, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. That fucker should be ashamed, not you. You did nothing wrong, little sis.” Lex consoled me, „But if you’re planning some revenge, I’m first to help.” He offered, chuckling devilishly, „We can make his d**k flat for a very long time. Trust me; I know what I say.” He added in a mused tone, and I laughed.

Harper’s words from last night rang in my head instantly. They both had the same wicked mind and thinking that I defended Lex from Harp’s accusations only made me laugh harder.

„You know. Harper suggested the same thing over a drink yesterday.” I cackled. „And I said you would never, ever do that. I guess I don’t really know you, big brother.” I joked.

„I know; my profession does not allow harming people, but that fucker deserves some ass-kicking.” Lex pointed, „But whoever hurt my little sister has to face her big brother’s fist.”

„Thank you.” I smiled at his confession.

„Now tell me how you’re doing, and you better not lie.” He warned, but chuckled at the end.

I gushed and told him everything that was going on. From discovering Tom’s infidelity, Harper’s help with divorce, to the recent spontaneous vacation I’ve enjoyed. Surprisingly, Lex supported my plan and encouraged me to have fun. But what hit me the most was his support in my future steps.

We discussed my plans for the bakery and the possible places to move into after returning from the island. He also assured me that I could always stay with him and his fiancé Barbara while figuring out where to go, and I found it sweet. I knew I could count on him, and he wouldn’t let me down. That conversation lifted a weight off my chest and brightened my mood.

With a genuine and satisfied grin, I walked to my bathroom with a heavenly view to start a new day.