Bailey glances up from her workbook and her eyes narrow immediately. “You okay?”
“I’m fine,” I answer, heading toward the kitchen.
“You’re quiet.”
“I’m always quiet.”
“No, you’re like...weirdquiet,” she adds, still watching me. But I’m not gonna give the real answer, because I don’t want them to know. If I tell them, it’s just gonna open wounds that are unnecessary. It’s already hard enough for Bailey with everything she had to deal with when she was young. And I failed to protect her from all of it. And Momreallydoesn’t have to know. Because I know she still feels guilty. All the time.
We don’t often talk about everything that happened. After my Dad’s arrest, we all had to go to therapy because of child services, which did help at the time. And now wecantalk about it, it’s not a big taboo or anything, but I just really don’t want them to worry.
“Just tired,” I say instead.
Mom looks up from the stack of papers in front of her, where she’s been marking her students’ homework, and slides her glasses off as she studies me for a moment.
“You know,” she says casually, “you could invite Maddy over tomorrow. For tea.”
I blink. “What?”
“Well, I’d like to get to know her a little better. If she’s your girlfriend—”
“Awhh—” Bailey’s leans back, and tips her head back. “I still can’t believe my brother actually has a girlfriend.”
I let out a low laugh. “Yeah.”
“Wait—I have a sister in law.” Bailey says with wide eyes, almost shaping in the form of a heart.
I snort. “Relax, we’re not married yet.”
Which was a mistake to say, because they have been talking about their dream wedding for Maddy and me for the past half hour. How her dress would look, what suit I’ll have to wear, the bouquet, the food, the location, even what freaking song our first dance should be to.
And suddenly I’m very aware that both of them already adore Maddy and me together. And a twist of guilt settles in my chest. I don't want to disappoint them.
But thankfully, I don’t have to think about that right now.
My phone buzzes.
MADDY: hey
I type back.
ME: hey
MADDY: you okay?
ME: are we reversing the rolls now?
MADDY: yes
MADDY: seriously, are u okay?
MADDY: you were a bit off at lunch
I stare at the screen for a second, a little surprised that she asks me that. Even though it does feel nice that she’s actually checking in.
ME: yeah, just had a tough class this morning
MADDY: I’m sorry
