Page 103 of Outspoken

After digging my phone from my purse, I call Miguel without hesitation. Four rings later, I’m sent to voicemail.

My heart drops.Why won’t he answer?

“HEY, DOOFUS. WHERE’S PAIGE?” I ask Brody as he’s lifting weights in his workout room. I’m in the doorway while he’s flat on a bench, straining under way too many weights.

The room is humid and dimly lit, and I can’t understand how he spends so much time around all of this cramped equipment. He has so much stuff that I’m amazed it all fits, though there are some machines in the backyard.

He sets the barbell on the holder thingies and sits up with a sigh. He uses the bottom hem of his black tank top to wipe his brow, exposing his stomach for a moment. I glance at the scars from the gunshot and his surgeries, then I look away. Since it bothers me so much to be reminded of that terrible night, I wonder if it’s hard for him to see those reminders every time he showers or changes clothes.

He’s probably stronger about it than I am.

“Didn’t I change the locks?” he grumbles, his eyes piercing me.

I wave a dismissive hand. “You thought Paige wouldn’t slip me a new key? You’re dumb.”

He frowns, standing to move to a small stationary bike shoved against the wall. “Paige is at a doctor’s appointment.”

My eyes widen and I cling to the door frame. “What? Why?”

A sour taste floods my mouth. She didn’t tell me about any appointment.Are we really growing this much apart?

Brody hops on the bike and starts at a leisurely pace so he can talk. “Getting routine checks. That’s what she told me.”

I cross my arms, trying to light his head on fire with my glare. “And why the hell didn’t you drive her? What kind of boyfriend are you?”

His annoyed glance is heated enough to melt metal. “You think I didn’t offer more than once? She insisted on going alone. Said she needs to practice navigating the world without help. Said she’s been neglecting doctor visits and wants to do checkups because that’s what you’re supposed to do.”

“Uh-huh. And what about you? Aren’t you overdue for the dentist?”

He shifts his attention to a blank wall. “I’ll schedule it.” He pedals faster, clearly hoping I’ll disappear so he can finish his workout.

I don’t move. I stand in the doorway debating if I should do some abs crunches on Brody’s bench or lift weights. I’ve been neglecting exercise thanks to Miguel lavishing all of my rolls with attention. I’d still like to lose weight and fit into my clothes. Eventually.

Miguel makes it hard to focus on that.

I wait for Brody to glance at me again, but he’s perfectly okay ignoring that I exist and staring blankly at the wall, pedaling as if escaping a horde of rabid zombies. I sag against the door frame, my body heavy. Since Paige is busy with appointments, maybe I could talk to Brody about what’s on my mind. That also sounds insane. He’s thelastperson I should talk to about anything.

He did go through a similar situation, though. I think. I never asked since I was too pissed off when I discovered he was hooking up with my bestie.

I’ll ask now.I’ll ask about his experience without mentioning anything going on with me. Seems reasonable.

“Hey,” I start, picking at my nails that are unpainted and stubby again. “We never really talked about this, but I think it’s good to share certain things since we’re siblings and all. I mean, there’s a lot we can do to be closer and sharing stuff is a good start. So, like, when you first met Paige and you guys were sneaking around behind my back, and you started to develop feelings, you know, how did you figure out it was something more? How did you know it was time to confess your love to her?”

As the last word leaves my mouth, he abruptly stops cycling, panting from the workout. As he’s catching his breath, he slowly turns his head to gape at me. Without speaking, he stares. No expression on his face. Just staring and panting.

I swallow, then fiddle with the door frame, then start to feel irritated and shoot him a disgusted look. “Why the hell are you staring at me, weirdo?”

He finally sighs, running a hand through his gross, sweaty hair. “Fuck, Amber. Isn’t this something you should talk to Miguel about?”

My mouth drops open and I stammer for words. “Wha—no. I don’t—why would you think…?” I stand straighter, trying to act normal, but my voice betrays me and raises in pitch. “That’s crazy. Why would you thinkMiguel, of all people, is anyone, um, involved in…and what? No. I was asking about your feelings for Paige. Also, I’m dating someone right now who I met on Tinder.”

He scoffs, giving up on his workout and getting off the bike. “Still going on about Tinder?”

He looks like he wants to leave the room, so I step out of his way into the hallway.

“Yes, because Iamon Tinder,” I try to say with conviction as I follow him down the hallway. My voice wavers. “I told you that when you got back from your vacation. I decided to try dating and met someone.”

When we get to the kitchen, Brody opens the fridge. “Sure. His name is Miguel and he works with me at the gym.”

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