“He locks the front, back, and garage,” I say. “Just not the patio.”
I glance at Sebastian.
“Or his balcony.”
Sebastian sighs.
Drew shakes his head like he’s at a loss for words. He looks down at the dropped coffee machine, then back at us. “I brought a gift.”
“It’s lovely,” I say. “Your brother won’t be able to use it. But don’t worry. I’ll learn.”
Sebastian shoots me a look.
Drew looks doubtful.
“I bring groceries sometimes,” I add, then gesturing to Sebastian. “He forgets to eat when he’s stressed.”
“I eat,” Sebastian says.
“Coffee doesn’t count.”
“It doeswhen it’s black.”
Drew presses his lips together, trying not to smile. He loses the fight.
“Okay,” he says slowly. “I’m just going to accept that this is my life now.”
I clap once. “Adaptable. I like you.”
Sebastian looks at him. “Don’t encourage her.”
“I’m not,” Drew says. “I’m surviving.”
“Survival skills are a necessity in today’s changing world.”
“Are you staying for dinner?” Drew asks me.
Sebastian turns sharply. “She is not?—”
“I can,” I say easily. “If you want me to.”
The room goes quiet.
Sebastian blinks at me.
He doesn’t say yes, but he sighs and steps aside, which I take as a victory.
Drew exhales like a man witnessing history.
“I’ll start dinner.” I head to the kitchen, glancing over my shoulder at Sebastian.
He didn’t stop me.
Victory,I silently cheer.
He wants me here.
10
