Page 110 of Losing Faith

I look over at Lisette and I see the realization cross her face as to why he’s here.

“I forgot to call you.” She shakes her head at herself. “I’m not going.”

Sire lets out a breath and I can’t tell if he’s disappointed or mad. “Lisette, can we stop fighting about this already? You agreed you’d come earlier. Why do you want to be alone for Thanksgiving?”

“It’s not that Iwantto be alone.” She shrugs. “I just really don’t want to be around V’s big family. I love her, but she made it seem like it’s going to be a big party and I don’t have it in me to smile for strangers.”

He lets out a defeated breath and they go back and forth for a minute before I step in.

“You can spend Thanksgiving here.” I shrug.

They both glance over at me, Lisette shaking her head. “That’s okay.”

“So you’ll come?” I push.

She gives me a knowing look that I ignore. “Thanksgiving is a family holiday.” She trails off, silently reminding me of my words from before, but Isabelle won’t question her being here.

“It’s family and friends,” I correct her. I glance over at her brother for support, but his brows furrow as he looks back over at Lisette and I watch as his eyes give her a once over.

“Why are you in his clothes?”

I turn to Lisette and try to think aboutanythingelse to keep the blush off my face.

“She fell in the pool.”

“I fell in the pool.”

We speak at the same time, and Sire simply nods once before turning back to me. “You didn’t need to invite her over, she can spend Thanksgiving with Vid and me.” He shakes his head now, as if I’m doing him a favor, but it only reminds me of his worry for her and I know what he meant.

“I know I didn’t.” I shrug again. I almost add that Iwantto spend Thanksgiving with her and I’m sure that sounds innocent, but the guilt in the pit of my stomach is afraid he’ll see right through me.

Sire looks like he’s thinking before he shakes his head. “No, just come with us. I’m going to be gone until Monday.”

“Although my depression doesn’t let me do it often, I’m capable of feeding and bathing myself, Sire,” she tells him, and I can hear the annoyance in her tone, although she clearly tries to conceal it.

“But—”

“Sire,” Lisette deadpans. “We’re not fighting about this. Especially not in front of him. I’mfine.I can be alone. I’m not going to do anything.”

They watch each other, having a silent conversation.

“I swear it on the twins,” she bites out and I can see Sire about to give in, but worry flashes through his eyes, adding to his hesitation.

“She can stay here until you get back,” I suggest.

“What?” Lisette shakes her head. “No.”

“Why not?” I turn my full attention to her, offended by her tone.

“Because I don’t need a babysitter.”

“What’s with the attitude?” I ask, and she rolls her eyes at me. “Lisette,” I warn.

“Don’tLisetteme.” She rolls her eyes again, turning to Sire with her arms crossed. “I’m going home and I’ll be back here on Thanksgiving if I feel like it.”

“Ifyou feel like it?” I question before her brother can, disappointment seeping into my voice.

“I’d feel better if you stayed here,” Sire voices, nodding in agreement with himself.

---