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“Why? Because I’m a girl?”
Sydney’s tone makes it clearyesis the wrong answer here. Unfortunately, there are things that happen to girls at parties—even study parties, whatever the hell that really means—that guys just don’t have to worry about. I don’t feel like getting into an argument about that reality. “Because I’m older,” I say instead.
She huffs and flounces out of the kitchen.
I glance at Cassia. “What’s wrong with Sydney? She’s acting weird.”
“She’snervous, Holden. She really likes this guy. I’ll keep a close eye on her tonight. We’ll be fine.”
“You’re going?”
“Yes…”
Cassia is looking at me strangely, which makes absolutely no sense. I’m not the one acting differently. Sydney has never gone out to a party because a guy invited her.
Most of the time, it feels like she’s the older sibling. But I’m suddenly very aware of the fact our dad is hundreds of miles away. If anything happens to Sydney, I’m the one who is responsible.
And I’m equally unenthused by the revelation Cassia is going. But I have no right to be. She can spend her night however she wants. One look at her was all it took for me to forget everything I told myself this weekend about her being a dangerous distraction. I tore up the mental list of reasons to pretend nothing happened on my couch as soon as I caught a glimpse of her brown curls in the hallway this morning. Some space is probably a good idea.
“Do you know this Graham guy?” I ask before polishing off the rest of the pasta.
“Yeah, sort of. We’ve had a few classes together.”
“Sort of?” I shake my head and set the empty container in the sink. Then, realizing Cassia just cleaned, I rinse it and stick it in the dishwasher. “I’m going.”
“You’rewhat? Why?”
When I turn around, Cassia is looking at me with a bewildered expression. “Becausesort ofisn’t good enough. What if he’s a total creep?”
“He’s not a creep, Holden.” She rolls her eyes. “He’s president of the Honor’s Club, for God’s sake.”
“Sociopaths are always super smart.”
Another eye roll.
“Whatever. I’m going. What time are you guys leaving?”
“Eight.”
I snort. It’s an eight on a Monday party? Maybe there really is nothing to worry about.
“You don’t have to come, Holden.”
“I know,” I say, then walk out of the kitchen. I need to shower and attempt some homework before leaving. And text Finn, letting him know I won’t be coming over to play video games tonight.
I run into Sydney in the upstairs hallway on my way to the bathroom. “I’m coming with you guys.”
She halts in place, aiming a confused expression at me. “What?Why?”
“Because you’ve never gone to a party and you’re my sister. I don’t want anyone messing with you.”
“No one is going to mess with me. Cassia is already coming with me.”
“Even more reason.”
Sydney stares at me and I realize I just said more than I meant to.
“Cassia doesn’t go to many parties either.”
