“Hey, you’re just in time. Karley made pasta,” I hear my brother say loudly.
“Sweet, I haven’t eaten yet,” a deep, familiar voice replies. Oliver. He’s been stopping by more frequently since my brother's announcement of his move.
I have to force myself to stay put, resisting the urge to march out there and tell him not to touch anything I’ve cooked. But that would be childish, and it would mean facing him, which I’d rather avoid. I’ve had enough of people for tonight.
“Where is she?” he asks, and my heart skips a beat.
Why does my body have to react this way? I need to remember he’s a heartbreaker. His charm is designed to pull people in.
“She’s in her room. I think I upset her,” my brother replies.
“Think?” Armani adds sarcastically. I may not be a fan of their public displays of affection, but I like her. She’s always been supportive, like the sister I never had. “You definitely upset her.”
“What did I do?” he asks.
“You’re trying to dictate her life,” she replies.
“It’s my responsibility,” he counters.
Even as my blood boils, I understand why he feels this way. But his job is to be my brother, not my parent. “We’re moving, and I can’t watch over her,” he adds.
It kills him to feel like he’s losing control, like he did when we were kids. But things are different now. We’re adults. We make our own choices.
“I can help look after her,” Oliver jokes, and it makes my temperature rise. I don’t need anyone’s help. I’m a grown woman. Why do they treat my past like it’s still holding me down? I survived those years, Declan didn’t.
I don’t want Oliver’s help. I’d rather he just forget about me. Sure, I’m his best friend’s little sister, but once my brother leaves, there won't be any reason for Oliver to keep crossing my path.Unless he drops in at the school again…
“That would be amazing,” I hear my brother say.
No, it wouldn’t. My hands clench around the bowl. The last thing I need is for Oliver to be involved in my life in any way. Not after what happened last time. I can’t let him think I’d ever want that… Not again.
“This is some good fucking pasta,” Oliver comments, and I can’t help but feel a small flicker of pride.
My brother chuckles. “Slow down, or you’ll fucking choke.”
I smile to myself. I do love cooking, and I’ll miss it when they leave next month. I can’t believe it’s happening so soon, but maybe the distance will be good for them. It’ll give my brother space to focus on his relationship without worrying about me.
“I have a big mouth,” Oliver jokes.
“Speaking of, how’s that girl you were seeing?” my brother asks, and I straighten up, even though I shouldn't care who Oliver is hooking up with. Still, I stay quiet and listen.
“Fun,” Oliver says casually. I roll my eyes, wanting to not care, but I can’t stop the wave of jealousy that’s rising in my chest.
“But?” Declan pushes.
“She wants more.” Oliver exhales heavily.
“When are you going to settle down?” my brother asks.
“Soon,” Oliver replies, his voice light, almost dismissive.
My brother laughs. “You always say that, but trust me, this is the happiest I’ve ever been.”
“Good answer,” Armani says.
“I’m focused on my career right now,” Oliver replies. “It’s just not a priority at the moment.”
At least he’s honest. I’ll give him that. I shake off any warm thoughts about him because I believe in artists, and he only believes in money…
