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Which is annoying when I want to feel angry, but instead I just feel...sad.
“Why didn’t you tell me that you didn’t want a costume party, Pres? I was only doing it because I thought you loved dressing up and you said a while ago that you never get to do it anymore.”
“The Jack and Jill theme had to be a joint decision and Mike didn’t like the idea—apparently he told Flynn. So when the invites came through I assumed you’d all sorted it out.”
“So it’s not that you didn’t want the costume party, but that you’re letting Mike make the decisions.” When did she turn into such a yes-woman?
“Don’t say it like that.”
“Like what? Like he’s calling the shots and you’re not standing up for yourself?”
“Marriages are apartnership, Drew. Two people. I know you never have to think about anyone but yourself, but it’s not like that when you’re in a relationship.”
I feel like I’ve been slapped. “Iknowwhat a partnership looks like, becausewe’rea partnership.”
“Is this because I’m getting married? Are you worried that Mike is going to take me away from you?”
“I’m worried because he seems to overpower you, and the Presley I know would never let someone treat her like that. Especially not a man.”
“You don’t understand.”
“Why?” I shake my head. “Because I’m so immature than I cannot possibly comprehend what it’s like to be in a committed relationship? Newsflash, Pres, Ihavebeen in a relationship and I know red flags when I see them. If Mike is treating you like this before you get married, do you think he’s suddenly going to change after he puts a ring on it?”
The phone goes silent and it takes me a few seconds to figure out that she’s hung up. Shit. Why did I have to open my big mouth? Again?
I scrub a hand over my face and turn. Flynn is standing in the doorway, a pair of red checked pyjama bottoms riding low on his hips and his muscled torso gloriously naked. His hair is sticking out in all directions and there’s a fine dusting of ginger stubble along his jaw.
Meanwhile, I’m pretty sure I’m still sporting some of my face paint from last night and...oh, no. Tears prick the backs of my eyes, which fill quickly—too quickly.
No. Abort! Abort!
Too late. My tears grow fat and fall onto my cheeks. I can’t stop. I’m sobbing like a baby in front of my booty call. What the hell is wrong with me?
He’s across the room so quickly I wonder if he has superpowers, and then his arms are around me. My wet cheek presses against his chest and the tears flow harder. Ihatefighting with my sister. It makes me feel physically ill. And I equally hate crying in front of people. I didn’t even cry at my uncle’s funeral three years ago. I bottled it all up and then went outside by myself to bawl.
But now I’m a jumble of emotions.
“This is all your fault.” I hiccup and he strokes my hair. “Too many orgasms.” Hiccup. “Now I’m emotional from all the endorphins.” Hiccup. “And your cousin is a douche canoe.”
The stroking motion is soothing. It shouldn’t be. I should be alone with a pillow and a bottle of vodka. “I know, Blondie.”
“Which part?” I squeeze my eyes shut.
“All of it.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Flynn
ICOULDONLYhear one side of her conversation, but it was enough. Sibling relationships are complicated. I’ve been in Drew’s position. Iknowher pain.
And she’s right, my cousinisa douche.
The way he talks about his wife-to-be is gross, like she’s a check in a box. Like she’s an achievement he’s unlocked, not a real person. I’ve stayed out of it, because I’ve already caused one relationship in my family to fall apart. I didn’t want another weighing on my conscience.
I hold Drew close to me, feeling her slender shoulders shudder with each breath. Her hair tumbles messily down the back of the shirt she stole from my bedroom floor. Her hands are tucked between our bodies, as if she’s trying to keep some barrier between us. But she’s melted into me, her face pressed to my chest and her tears soaking my skin.
“I’m worried she’s going to get hurt,” Drew says. Her fists finally unfurl, and she relaxes in my arms. “I’ve been with a guy like that before—they like to control things. They want to have the last word on everything. She won’t be happy, because he’ll want her to be this quiet, submissive wife. And my sister is sweet and kind, but she’s not submissive.”
