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“What? No.” I laugh inappropriately. “I’m not full of shit. How’s school? What time is it?”
My sister laughs harder. “Nine-thirty… and wow! Now Iknowyou’re hiding something.”
My brows raise and my head shakes. I couldn’t look more guilty if I tried. I’m like a six-year-old caught with her hand in the cookie jar. “What? No. Sorry. I’m tired.”
“Are you going to tell me what’s going on, or are we playing a game?”
As much as I’d love to spill the contents of my heart out onto the garden floor, I don’t know what Alaina’s reaction would be. We were close when she lived at home, but we’ve drifted over the past few years. A lot of that is probably my fault. She’s doing what Mom and Dad want, and I think a part of me is envious of the fact that as hard as I try, I can’t be that person for them.
“Is this about that guy you’re obviously in love with?”
My heart tightens, and I’m pretty sure my jaw drops to the ground. “What guy? There’s no guy.” I guess I’m still playing dumb.
“The dude you told everyone had kidnapped you.” She snorts. “That was really brazen, by the way. He’s hot. A little old for you, but sexy.”
“You’re losing it.” I do this weird cough-laugh thing I’m hoping distracts her.
She leans in and smiles. “I love you. I’m not judging you, but we have to be honest with each other, okay?”
Part of me wonders if she’s out here fishing for Mom and Dad. I guess a bigger part is so excited to have someone to talk to about this, that I’m yammering before I think through the consequences.
“How do you know?” My voice is low.
She isn’t. “I was at the biker convention, remember? The same one where you two met…a year ago.”She shakes her head. “What are you doing with him? I’m all for love and bad boys, but Romeo is more than a bad boy, Piper. He’s dangerous.”
I’d forgotten she was with me when I first met Romeo. She was helping at the booth for Dad’s shop. Of course, she saw us together.
“Why didn’t you say anything until now?”
“I don’t know. You’re an adult, and I didn’t really put it together until a few weeks ago when you told everyone he kidnapped you.” She laughs. “Sorry, that one gets me.”
I huff and roll my gaze back toward my sister. “I don’t know what to do. I shouldn’t have talked to him, but I did… and I like him. I like him a lot. He wants out of the Death Rangers. I know he does.” I cross my arms over the top of my dress. “But none of that matters, and I need to let it go.”
My sister leans back in the chair and sips her coffee. “Doesn’t sound like you can.”
“I’m trying.” My breathing picks up. “He sent me a message last night saying he was going to be in town, and he wanted to see me. I shouldn’t go. I know I shouldn’t go.” I’m shaking for some unknown reason.
“But youwantto go, right?”
I nod and run my finger over the hem of my sundress. “No.Yes.I don’t know.” An unexpected tear falls down my cheek. “He’s not the man everyone thinks he is. He’s good. He wants better and,” I sigh as the heavy weight on my chest dulls everything else around me, “I think I have to see him.”
My sister stands from the chair and settles next to me on the bench. “I’ve known you all my life, Piper. You’re the most responsible person in the family. I mean, pull out your phone. I bet you have a list of things Mom needs you to do.”
I huff a sigh of laughter and show her the texts I have from Mom and Dad.
“See, what’s this? They don’t respect your autonomy at all. You’re their little servant.” She flicks through the lists. “Wash the bikes at the shop. Grab milk, eggs, sourdough, apples, and bacon. Pick up a prescription for Dad. Stop at the quarry and grab Dad’s toolbox. Trim the hedges. Mop the floors.” Her voice rises and falls sarcastically. “I love Mom and Dad, but they’re taking advantage of the fact that you work for them, Piper. I mean, your duties shouldn’t extend outside of Dad’s shop.”
“I know, but they’re getting older, and it’s not as easy for them to get around like they did.”
“They’re notthatold.”
“Mom’s migraines are bad. It’s hard for her to leave the house some days. You’d know that if you came home more.” I know it’s an asshole comment the second I say it. “I’m sorry. That wasn’t fair.”
She sighs. “You’re not wrong, though. I feel bad about leaving you here all the time. You should be out living your life. If Mom and Dad need you, they can call.”
Every day, Mom asks for help with something. The lists they give me are a mile long. I can’t imagine how often I’d be getting called if I didn’t live here or how guilty I’d feel if something bad happened to them while they were doing something I could’ve helped with.
I shrug, unsure of what to say.
