Page 25 of Rush

“God, I haven’t had a night like that in ages,” Philippa says, her voice a raspy whisper.

“Oh my God, why are you yelling?” I croak.

Riley grunts. She is not a morning person.

I gingerly roll over her—the bathroom awaits.

Once I’m done throwing up and peeing, I head back to my room. Riley and Philippa are nowhere to be found.

“Guys?” I call out.

I follow the sound of their voices to the kitchen and stop short.

“I can’t believe he did that to her—that fucker,” Riley says. “I want to slam the smug off that perfectly symmetrical face for doing that to her.”

“Cooper or Alex?” Philippa asks.

“Alex, duh. I would’ve been happy for her to blow off some steam with Coop, but I think last night was too much for her. Too soon. We should’ve taken Kylie’s advice—in and out, no fuss.”

“Hey, don’t blame yourself. You just wanted to help get her mind off him. You bring so much joy to her life—she needs it. She’s lucky to have you.”

“Aww, Pip, thank you.”

“Truly, Riley. You’re a good friend—loyal, trustworthy.”

“Appreciate it, but I don’t swing that way.”

“Oh my God, take a fucking compliment.”

“All right, but seriously, whoareyou? I’ve never heard you swear so much.”

“Maybe because this is the longest time we’ve ever been around each other,” Philippa says pointedly, and I hear the grinding of the coffee machine. The smell of the beans makes my mouth water.

And I realize she’s right—thisisthe longest time my sister and I have spent together since our parents’ divorce tore us apart. A month at most, usually.

Was this a sign that we were finally dropping the pretense? Finally finding the comfort and familiarity that comes from growing up together?

I mean, she did see me butt-naked and puking all over myself last night—so I’d like to think we’re bonding in some weird way.

I clear my throat and round the corner.

“Morning.”

“Coffee?” Philippa asks, her perkiness plastered on like someone covering up the fact you were the topic of conversation.

“Absolutely. Straight into my veins, please.”

“What happened to you? You got blackout drunk?” Riley asks.

I hang my head in shame. “I kept sneaking to the bar to do shots.”

“That explains it,” Philippa says, sliding a plate of buttered toast toward me. “Eat this before you have the coffee so you don’t shit yourself.”

Riley barks out a laugh.

Yep, definitely getting more comfortable with one another.

I chuckle, shaking my head as I take a bite of toast.