Just as I open my bedroom door, Dominic’s swings open, and he steps into the hall.
“What’s the verdict?” he asks.
“I’m leaving in two weeks.”
He smirks. “Congratulations.”
“As if you care,” I mutter as I step into my room. I linger just inside, debating whether I should say something. Of course, my pettiness wins, so I whip around and shoot him a glare. “And next time your girl is over, ask her to keep it down. She was yelling so loud, I thought you were butchering her.”
“Burn.” Matt bursts into laughter and follows me into my room.
Though it’s tempting, I don’t check for Dominic’s reaction before I close the door.
As I standin my mostly-empty bedroom, my chest hurts. I want to live with my dad, but leaving is bittersweet. Most of my things are already waiting for me in Phoenix—Dad had them shipped—while some are packed in the suitcase beside my bed. The room won’t be totally empty. I’m leaving the furniture so I can visit during holidays or long weekends. “Anytime you want to come home, to visit or to stay, you’re welcome,” Allan told me this morning.
The thing is, I’m not sure I want to.
“Hey, little one.”
I turn my head and meet my brother’s eyes. He has his hand pressed to his chest, like he’s trying to catch his breath.
“Hi,” I say as he steps in and closes the door behind him. “How was practice?”
“Good. Coach made us run an extra mile after he overheard a few of the guys making crude jokes. I was afraid I’d be late…” he huffs.
“Did you run here?”
“I did.” He crooks a smile, but it dies almost instantly. “Mia, do you really wanna do this? I mean…we can visit Dad on holidays, on?—”
“I’m not happy here.” We’ve been over this a million times in the past two weeks. He won’t leave it alone. “Besides, Dad deserves to have someone by his side. Moving to another state, starting his life over from scratch…I want to be there for him.”
He threads his fingers through his sweaty, tousled hair, head lowered and shoulders sinking.
Taking a deep breath, I step into him and hug him tightly, ignoring the sweat soaking his T-shirt.
“You’ll always be my big brother. Living in different states won’t change that.”
He squeezes me so hard, it forces all the air from my lungs. “I’m just… How am I supposed to keep an eye on you if you’re not here? What if someone wants to hurt you?”
Head dropped back, I bark out a laugh. “My big,overprotectivebrother.” I lean away, looking up at him. “Not sure if I’m going to miss that part.”
Laughing, he presses his cheek to the top of my head. “Well, I’m gonna miss you. For real. Never thought it was possible. You were an annoying little monkey who I needed to look after constantly. Now? It feels so weird that you won’t be around.”
I take a step back and give him a skeptical look. “Your best friend—yourstepbrother—will keep you company. I’m sure he’ll be more than happy to have me out of the picture.”
“Don’t say that. Dom cares about you, just like I do. Don’t forget, he helped me bring it up to Mom and Allan in the first place.”
With an eye roll, I saunter to my suitcase. “Yeah, probably so he could get rid of me. Anyway, we should go. I don’t want to be late.”
He studies me in silence, a deep frown etched onto his face. “Is Mom coming home to see you off?”
“Mom and I said our goodbyes before she left for work this morning.” I walk out of my room with Matthew in tow, head lowered, watching my feet. “Allan too.”
“What’s going on?” he asks, knowing me well enough to notice the change in my mood.
“Nothing.” I shrug, not bothering to look at him. “Her goodbye included reminding me of how disappointed she is Imade this decision and telling me she hopes Dad screws up so I return home.”
Groaning, he catches my elbow and turns me to face him. “I’m sorry. Mom is?—”
