“At the gala,” I said, wondering who I was going to ask.
When Hunter stopped for a red light, he glanced over at me. “You don’t have a date. Do you?”
I huffed, knowing there was no use lying. “No. But I couldn’t go with Bryan. He’s an ass.”
But it wasn’t just about Bryan; it was about finally taking a stand for what I wanted. Though I hadn’t told my parents about art school, I knew that pushing back on the gala was at least a step in the right direction.
Hunter chuckled. “Oh, I won’t disagree with you on that. But are you sure this is worth the fight? It’s just one night.”
Hunter and I had both accepted long ago that it was best just to go along with our parents’ plans, at least outwardly. But I was sick of doing everything they wanted.
“I’m sure one of my friends would go with you,” he said.
I shook my head. “Thanks, but I’m not going to make them suffer through it.”
We were both quiet for a moment with only the radio as background noise. I stared out the window, watching the passing streetlights. Another week, another lie. What would it take for me to finally tell them the truth?
“I feel like I never see you anymore,” Hunter said. “What’s going on in your world?”
“Nothing,” I chirped, knowing I’d responded a little too quickly.
He pulled onto his street, slowing as he neared his house. A car I didn’t recognize was parked outside, and only the light in the bedroom was on.
“I know I’ve been busy lately, but I’m always here for you,” he said.
I nodded, knowing it was the truth. Hunter was nearly six years older than me, but he’d always looked out for me. Always protected me. I knew he would never judge me for quitting premed, but I feared he’d make me tell our parents when he realized the secrets were tearing me apart.
I also knew he’d try to fix it. Much as I loved my brother for being a fixer, this was something I had to do myself. I couldn’t always rely on him to rescue me.
“I’m good. I have a heavy course load this semester.”
But really, I was loaded down with lies. Lying about where I lived—I’d moved in with Brie to save on rent. Lying about where I went to school—no more premed at UCLA.
The only reason I was able to pull it off was because the distributions from my trust went directly to me, not the leasing office. Sharing an apartment with Brie was cheaper than my old place. Plus, I’d saved a lot of money this summer by living rent-free at Hunter’s apartment and working at a costume shop. Between all that, I was just barely able to eke out tuition.
“I bet.” He parked the car before reaching over to ruffle my hair. I rolled my eyes and ducked out of his reach. “Organic chemistryanda biology lab.” He cringed, and I was impressed he’d remembered my schedule—or at least, the schedule he knew about. “I’d rather retake accounting.”
I mimed putting a gun to my temple and pulling the trigger as I backed toward the door to the house. I’d come straight from campus, and my laptop was inside. “No thanks.”
I opened the door, and the alarm chimed. From somewhere in the house, a sultry beat played. I froze, suddenly on high alert.
“Hunter,” a woman called out in a husky tone.
He nearly skidded into me as I tried to back out of there as fast as possible. I grabbed my bag and darted for the door without looking at him. “Thanks for the ride!” My voice came out as a squeak.
I’d expected him to chuckle, but he seemed just as eager for me to leave as I was. “You’re welcome,” he called, his eyes intent on the bedroom.
Whoever she was, she’d been there waiting for him. Which meant…she had a key. Hunter never gave women a key to his place. Guess I wasn’t the only one keeping secrets.
As I walked over to my car, I wondered why I couldn’t be more like my siblings. Sure, they’d followed the career paths my parents had expected, but Lily and Hunter were so outspoken, so brave. Lily was a fierce divorce attorney—and certainly one of the most respected in LA. And Hunter had no qualms about speaking his mind. Why couldn’t I be like them? I had the same genes, so it must be in there somewhere.
All I had to do was find it.
Chapter Three
“Xander.” Mandy rushed into the staff break room, out of breath. She was one of the admins at LA CAD, and she’d been incredibly warm and welcoming.
“Hey.” I frowned. “What’s wrong?”
