Page 83 of Rum Sips and Salty Lips

“When you told me you were doing this? Yes. But now I get it.”

“Good.”

“Will you come home for Thanksgiving, at least?”

I haven’t been around for many holidays. I don’t know why she suddenly cares now. “I’ll see. I have a friend who’s a chef, so Mom and Dad need to step up their food game.”

“I’ll tell them to practice.” Brooklynn laughs. “And Carina?”

“What about her?”

“How long have you been seeing her?”

I put down the knife I’m drying. “A few weeks?” I’m not sure of the exact timeline at this point. If the first time on my boat counts as the starting point. She’s been on my mind this entire time.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

She was watching all day. “It’s not serious, and she wants to keep it a secret. She has a reputation to maintain.”

“And you’re, what, something dirty that needs to be hidden?”

“No, that’s not it.” I take a few breaths in. “You haven’t been around Alex in a while. He and everyone else get in everyone’s business. This is our chance to see if it’s something before people start asking questions.” That’s what I tell myself. Until I can convince Carina this is more than a fling. It’s something lasting.

“That’s not what you said. You said she has a reputation to maintain. Look, I’m trying to take care of my little brother. And you deserve to be with someone who cares about you as much as you care about them. You clearly care for her.”

“I do.”

“And for what it’s worth, I think she cares about you too. She wouldn’t have let you drive her car if she didn’t. That’s why I don’t like that it’s a secret.”

“I appreciate the concern. But we’re fine. I’m fine with how things are with us,” I repeat.

“Okay, if you say so.”

Brooklynn lets it go. But I can’t. So after the dishes are done and the football game is off and I’m alone in my room, I pull out my phone. My body aches. I’m not getting enough rest. I won’t sleep now because I’ll be replaying this conversation over in my head. I also won’t sleep if I’m about to be rejected. But I hit send on the text anyway.

thirty-one

CARINA

Orion

Come over.

I freeze at the message.I’m in my pajamas and would be in bed, but I was making sure the doors were locked. This house has so many, I’m always certain I’ve forgotten one. I had left the side door unlocked. It’s a habit at this point to expect his presence.

Me

Your sister?

Orion

She knows. She figured it out on her own. Come over.

I hesitate for a moment. I’m tired of waking up alone, but I don’t know what he wants. After a long paddle like today, I’m exhausted.

Me

I’m not up for sex.

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