Page 79 of Off Limits

“It’s more complicated than that.” Though I won’t deny he’s part of the equation.

He nods, looking down at his hands. Then he nods again more decisively, stands, and leaves the room without another word.

I stare after him, not at all sure that decisive nod was a positive thing for anyone. But I’m too tired to try to stop him right now, if I even could. Because as I’ve learned the hard way, it’s pretty much impossible to stop one of the McAdam children from doing something they’ve decided to do.

So instead, I flop back on my bed, stare at the ceiling, and wish once again that I could rewind my life to when it seemed like everything was on the right track.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

Ellie

I frown at my brother’s name when it appears on my phone.

“What is it?” Autumn asks from her spot on the couch next to me, cradling a mug in her hands. She’d sat and listened as I blubbered the whole story of my failed attempt to win back Simon, then she produced a hotel minibar-sized bottle of whiskey and declared that we were having hot toddies to make us feel better.

“Aren’t those for colds?” I asked.

She’d waved away my objection. “You’re sniffing, and you’ve been out in the cold. Close enough.”

Now we’re curled on the couch watchingJohn Tucker Must Die.

“Cal’s calling,” I tell her.

Her brow wrinkles together. “Is that normal?”

I shake my head.

“Answer it. See what he wants. It might be an emergency.”

That has my heart beating faster. Did something happen to Simon after I left? Did he get in a car accident? I’d assume that if something happened to Mom or Dad, they’d call to tell me. But what if something happened to both of them?

Thoughts racing through the myriad of possible catastrophes, I answer the call. “Cal? What’s wrong? Who got in a car accident?”

“What?” He sounds genuinely surprised. “No one. Why would you think someone got in a car accident?”

“Uh, because you’re calling me right after a game? Why else would you call me? Like … ever?”

He sighs loudly, but not in his usual irritated way. “No, Ellie. No one died. Or is dying. No one was in a car accident. Everyone is safe, as far as I’m aware.”

“Oh.” I sip my spiked tea, enjoying the warmth that spreads through me as it travels down my throat. “Then why are you calling? You never call.”

Another sigh, though this one sounds almost … regretful? “I know. I’m sorry. It’s been brought to my attention that I’ve been a giant asshole to you.”

My eyebrows jump up my forehead, and I make eye contact with Autumn, who leans in, trying to hear too. “What’s going on?” she mouths.

I shake my head and set my mug down, refocusing on my brother. “Um, okay.”

He chuckles a little. “Not even going to pretend like that’s an overstatement?”

“Uh … no?”

“Right.” Another soft chuckle. “Right. I deserve that. I want to make it up to you.”

My eyes narrow even though he can’t see me. “Make it up to me how?”

“Come over for dinner tonight. Thirty minutes?”

“Wait, Cal—”

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