Page 58 of Under Pressure

She says it factually, no expression on her face, but I can’t help but get the sense there’s something underneath. “Right,” I say slowly.

She nods her head. “Right.”

We stare at each other, some kind of nonverbal communication occurring that I can’t quite pick up on.

I turn and ring the doorbell, even though I have a key, for some reason feeling like a guest since Mia’s here with me.

My brother Dylan answers the door, immediately pulling me into a hug. “Tyler, it’s been too long.”

I startle, returning his embrace hesitantly. We don’t ever hug upon greeting, but I haven’t seen him in months. New York keeps him busy.

He leans away, grinning at me. “I swear, you’ve gotten bigger. Come in, come in.” He steps back, motioning us forward. “And you must be Mia.” He turns to her, enveloping her in a hug next. He’s always been more tactile than Brandon or me.

“Oh, me next.” Mom comes up, hugging her too.

Mia looks pleasantly surprised, returning it enthusiastically. “Thank you so much for inviting me, Mrs. Jenkins. And happy birthday. I made you a dessert—red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.”

“Well, isn’t that just—” Mom puts a hand to her chest and glances at me briefly, her eyes shining. “Thank you, sweetheart.” She takes the container from Mia, opening it up to reveal a set of perfectly frosted cupcakes. She takes a polite bite out of one, then does a double take. “These are amazing.”

Mia beams in appreciation, lighting up the room with her smile.

I mean, she just smiles. Like normal.

“Let me introduce you to everyone,” Mom says, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. “Here, Tyler, hold this.” She hands me the cupcake container, kissing my cheek briefly. “And don’t let anyone take them. I want to keep them all for myself.”

What… what just happened?

I stand there holding the cupcakes as my mom takes Mia over to a group of her friends. Why is she introducing her? What does it matter? Mia’s never going to meet these ladies again.

“Happy birthday,” I call out after her. “Not that it matters I’m here,” I mutter.

“Mom did the same thing with Laura.” Dylan grins. “Let me introduce you. You haven’t met her yet.”

“Uh, sure.”

He drags me over to a posh brunette, a Manhattan native that apparently Dylan fell in love with instantly upon meeting.

I stare at him, wondering what happened to the brother who used to try and convince me to eat beetles as a kid.

“Tyler,” Laura says warmly, leaning in and kissing my cheek. Okay, I guess that’s happening, random girl I just met. “Dylan’s told me so much about you.”

“He has?” I glance over at him, his expression relaxed and open.

She nods. “He says you’re into boxing. Such a bloodthirsty sport.” Her eyes gleam, as if she likes that facet of it.

“It can be.” I pause, unsure what to add to the conversation. I don’t normally do small talk. But Dylan’s nodding his head encouragingly… “Um, I’ve actually been taking Mia to the boxing gym I go to.”

“Is that your girlfriend?”

“No, she’s, um… she’s…”

“She’s Tyler’s date,” Dylan chimes in.

Date? Is that what Mia is? I search across the room, catching sight of her talking to my mom, Dan, Brandon, and his wife, Rochelle, a big smile on her face.

A rush of jealousy surges through me. How can she so easily talk to them? Fit in with them in a way I never have?

I shake my head. God, what’s wrong with me? I wanted her to speak to them. Take the pressure off me so I wouldn’t have to. And now I’m faulting her for it?

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