Page 12 of The Surprise
Why did I say I can’t wait to go to college? Probably because saying that I like living in a small town—limited dating options excluded—sounds like I’m a hick. I wanted to sound fancy, but now I’m already being called out. I don’t even know that many colleges, and with my grades, I can’t think of any I’d get into.
“Maybe the University of Washington. My ex goes there.”
Maren’s eyes light up. “Your ex is in college?”
I shrug like my little lie is no big deal. I mean, wedidgo to a party together. Which was kind of a date, so it’s not a huge lie. “Yeah, but I don’t think he likes it much. He said the dorms were super gross, too.”
Or at least, any place that needs to be fumigated can’t be too nice, right? After that, I kind of retreat a little. The last thing I need to do is say something else that’s stupid. It’s like being around these people makes me feel like my real life isn’t good enough, and that makes me even dumber than usual.
Just then, Abigail places a plate of cookies on the coffee table. Everyone who just finished cleaning wipe their hands and dive in, half the plate disappearing in seconds.
“Aunt Abby’s cowboy cookies are so good,” Maren says. “You should grab one before they’re gone.”
I’m just grabbing one when I notice the Brooks children all ducking out the front door.
“Don’t worry,” Abigail says. “Aiden and Gabe are back in his room, breaking more of Ethan’s Pokémon figurine collection, so we can actually pretend to be real adults for a minute.”
My Aunt Donna looks kind of ill. “Breaking? Oh, no. I’ll go see—”
Ethan’s headed out the door, but he turns back. “I pretend to care, since Gabe feels like he’s getting away with something, but really?” He shrugs. “I’d have just given them to him. Don’t worry about it.”
My Aunt Donna doesn’t look charmed.
She looks sick.
Which means she feels guilty.
Her face is pale when she says, “If you’re sure.”
“Don’t give it another thought.” Ethan’s smile is beautiful, and when he grins, his eyes squint up a little bit.
It’s disgustingly cute.
“I’m just glad he’s got a friend. It’s hard in a new place.” Ethan cares about his annoying little brother? He’s kindandconsiderate of his siblings? I’m swimming in equal parts jealousy and admiration. It’s a weird feeling, which distracts me for a moment. “You coming? Or would you rather stay inside?”
Ah, so they’re doing more chores, which they don’t want to force me into. But if I stay, I’ll be the only kid left in a room full of old people.
Pass.
I dart to my feet, and before Ethan’s even had time to close the door, I shoot through it. “What animals are you feeding?”
“Well, this is for the household animals and horses mostly,” he says. “So in theory, I’m just monitoring the girls to make sure they do it right.” He looks. . .confident. Cocky, even, like he thinks I’m following him because I want to spend more time with him.
“I’m a girl, so I can help.” I force a smile, even though I’m a little annoyed. Does he think any country girl would obviously like him?
He’s right.
But it still bothers me, for some reason.
“Are you a fan of horses?” Ethan asks as we walk toward the barn.
“Are people fans of horses?” I can’t help raising one eyebrow.
Ethan smirks. “You must not spend much time on Instagram. It’s all my sisters do—scroll through horse videos—or you know, it’s all theydid, before we convinced Mom to come here. Now they get to spend time with real horses more than just once a week for an hour—they used to take lessons, but it was pretty limited.”
“Yeah, I mean, I guess they’re fine.”
“If you think they’re fine, you’re not a fan.” Ethan leans against the side of the barn, his eyes shifting to see what his siblings are doing. “Another load of shavings was dumped in the corner this morning,” he says. “We need to—”
