Page 28 of The Summer Plans

He shoots me an apologetic glance.

“I won’t be the one handling the listing. I’m just helping her get it ready. This seems like a family matter so I’ll let you two talk.” I back out of the room.

I need to put some space between me and RJ. His nearness is affecting me in ways I don’t like nor understand. This man rejected me when we were kids. And even though I never told him, he has to know how his actions hurt me. At least on some level. The longer we’re here, the nicer he’s being. I cannot get wrapped up in this man again—my heart barely survived the last time, and I have more to lose now if it didn’t work out.

Me

I’m still mad at you.

Raven

What did I do?

You know.

Is my brother being an idiot?

No, he’s being nice.

What’s the problem?

I don’t want him to be nice.

I don’t want him to be anything.

And I don’t want him to be here.

Sorry.

No you’re not.

Yeah, I’m really not.

You’ll be fine. Just ignore him.

Easier said than done.

I can’t escape him, he’s everywhere.

We’re sharing a bed, Raven.

Gross.

Nothing is happening.

Look, clearly you two have some issues to work out. Maybe it’d be good for you two to talk about it.

Talk about what? Did he say something?

No.

Talk about whatever it is that pissed you off so much back in high school. We all used to be friends until that party. And I know I dared you to kiss each other, but I wouldn’t have if I knew it would blow up the way it did.

It’s fine.

It’s not fine.

No, it’s not, but I don’t want to talk about it.