I know my choices and my financial issues are not her problems, but still… If she offered, I wouldn't accept, of course, but I'd love to see her be kind and not so self-centred for once.
"Jenna, are you even listening?" Julie's perfectly shaped eyebrows furrow.
"Sorry, just tired." I wrap my hands around my cup, seeking warmth. "The pool hall's been busy."
Julie's lips purse. "You know, if you'd finished your studies like I suggested..."
I tune her out, thinking of Dad instead. He would've known exactly what to say right now, how to make me feel better with just a gentle smile and a squeeze of my hand. He never played favorites, but I know it killed Julie that he and I had a special bond.
The twins giggle over something on their mom’s phone, reminding me of how Julie and I used to be close before Dad died. Before she became... this.
My mind drifts to Caine again, like it often does, at the most random times. I love the way he looks at me like I'm something precious, not a project to fix. Julie would lose her mind if she knew about him, about this photo session proposal. She'd probably call our mother.
Perhaps that's where this intense attraction comes from—Caine is like my late dad in so many ways, just as sweet and patient. And he's also hot as hell.
"Earth to Jenna!" Julie snaps her fingers. "I asked if you're coming to Mom's birthday dinner next month. She's rented out that new French place downtown."
I think of the mounting bills at home, of Reeves’s worried frown. Of Caine's offer that could solve everything.
"I'll have to check our schedule," I mumble, knowing full well Julie won't offer to help with the cost.
Some things never change.
"Hey, so I was at the tracks with Robert and some of his clients last week," she starts. "And I saw Reeves there."
Oh shit.
I don't say a word. I don't want to give my sister the satisfaction. But this news concerns me. Everyone knows Reeves likes the horses a little too much. And betting on games. And high-stakes poker, too. He's a good poker player, but still… We discussed this, and he promised to quit. Well, apparently, he hasn't.
"I know you guys are struggling, and I'm sure Reeves’s ways are not helping." She shakes her head in disapproval.
"I'm sure it's fine," I tell her. "It's his way of blowing off a little steam."
"Well, he was there alone," she points out. "That's not a good sign."
I blow out a long breath and take a sip of my tea. She's really starting to annoy me — this is why we barely see each other. And I hate the fact that she might be right.
"Well, at least he wasn't with some bimbo," she quips. "I've always said that man is too charming for his own good."
I don't like what she's insinuating. I bet she'd love it if Reeves cheated on me — it would confirm all her past accusations, delivered in the forms of subtle wisecracks. Deep down, I know she's jealous because I snagged a gorgeous six-foot-three Adonis who turns heads when he walks into a room.
And she's with Robert, a neurotic nerd who insists on perfect order in his house. But the man is good with numbers and makes boatloads of money, so there's that.
I shake my head and silently scold myself. I'm being so despicable —what the fuck is wrong with me? I probably need therapy — this sibling rivalry has turned me into a cruel bitch — Robert is a sweetheart, and sometimes I think he's too good for my pretentious sister.
"Anyway, I certainly wouldn't want your life, Jenna," she goes on. "That husband of yours is an unpredictable man."
I smile at her words. If anyone is being unpredictablethese days, it's me, not Reeves. If anyone's cheating, it's me.
"It's exhausting, that's for sure." I smile, and reach into my oversized purse for the fun grab bags I prepared for the girls — they love them because they always contain fruit gummies — and their mean mom and dad don't let them have much candy.
Candy. Delicious, sweet, forbidden, cavity-causing candy. That's what cool aunts are for.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
I close the front door behind me, the sound of Anna and Lola's laughter still ringing in my ears. My sister's perfect twins and their perfect lives. I kick off my boots and hang my coat, feeling the weight of my life settle back on my shoulders after a few hours of pretending everything's fine.
The house is quiet except for the electronic gunfire and explosions coming from the living room. Reeves is sprawled on the couch, controller in hand, completely absorbed in his game.
