“Yeah?”
“Thanks. For everything. For the Batman band-aids and the school lunches and... just, all of it.”
He ruffles my hair, and for once I don’t swat his hand away. “That’s what big brothers are for, Tar.”
I laugh with him easily before getting up to leave.
“I’ll let you get back to your workout.”
Troy watches me carefully. “You really care about him, don’t you?”
I swallow, but there’s no point pretending anymore.
“Yeah.” I exhale slowly. “I really do.”
Troy nods, like he’s processing it in real-time.
“Okay.”
I blink. “Okay?”
“Yeah.” He sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. “Look, I was never gonna be thrilled about my little sister dating my best friend. But... I get it now.”
A pause.
Then—he smirks.
“And I guess it helps that he’s, like, ridiculously into you.”
My face heats. “Troy.”
“What? The dude drew you. Like, multiple times. With shading and detail and shit. You don’t just do that for someone you’re casual about.”
“I guess not…”
“Nope.” Troy leans back against the bench, grinning like a little shit.“And honestly? It was kind of cute. Don’t tell him I said that.”
I peek between my fingers. “Wait—are you saying you approve?”
He snorts. “Don’t push it.”
34
ALFIE
My phone buzzes at 2 AM. Drake’s name lights up the screen, and for a moment I consider ignoring it. But something about the hour makes me pause. Drake’s never usually up this late, maybe he’s in trouble.
“What?” I answer, keeping my voice low to not wake Tara, who’s curled up against my side surrounded by textbooks.
“That art piece...” Drake’s voice sounds strange. Rougher than usual. “The animation you posted. It’s... beautiful.”
I sit up straighter, dislodging one of Tara’s books. This doesn’t sound like Drake—perfectly polished Drake who measures success in stock prices and merger deals.
“Have you been drinking?” It’s the only explanation I can think of.
He laughs, but it’s hollow. “Maybe. Probably. Lisa’s at her parent’s again.” A pause. “Third time this month.”
I stay silent, not sure what to say. Drake and I don’t dothis—don’t share real things, don’t acknowledge cracks in our perfect facades.
