Chapter Nineteen
The next day,I tell Callie that I’ve decided to check out some courses at Bardstown Community College. She squeals and I squeal back because I’m excited. I’m so, so excited to explore, to see what’s out there. And thanks to a certain someone, I now can.
I also tell her that I’d be up for her brothers’ offer for paying for my courses. But only if they agree that I’ll pay half of it. I do it because this will get back to him. Because after a long night of tossing and turning, I’ve decided something. I’m not giving up on him. No, we can’t have the kind of a relationship he wants but we aregoingto have a relationship. It’s called friendship, something he hates but he’ll just have to live with it.
Thirty minutes after I hang up with Callie, I get his text on my phone.
My Toxic Stepbrother
Are you trying to piss me off again?
I’m filling the coffee pot when my phone chimes in my pocket and usually I wouldn’t look at it, but this is an exception.
Jupiter
Callie is fast.
My Toxic Stepbrother
Callie knows not to disobey me. You should learn from her.
Jupiter
She’s not your slave. She’s your sister.
I’m also not your slave. I’m your stepsister.
I said that purely to piss him off because friends piss each other off, right? Plus, he needs a little ego check.
My Toxic Stepbrother
I don’t need a reminder of who you are.
But maybe we should brush up on the rules again.
Jupiter
Yeah, about that. I also have some rules.
My Toxic Stepbrother
Is that right?
Jupiter
Yes. The first one is that this is a two-way street, you and me.
My Toxic Stepbrother
There is no you and me.
Jupiter
There, unfortunately, is. Because we live in the same house. Also known as co-existing.
Or co-living, whatever.
My Toxic Stepbrother
