Page 108 of Reconciling With the Rival

She told me he was doing okay when we worked late, but I wish I could see him for myself. I care about the lad, and I want to know he’s actually alright.

“Here,” Alissa says as she sets a mug down for me on the counter.

“Thanks,” I say as I walk over to my kitchen. I take a sip, and it feels like I stepped back home. My favorite kind of tea is the Royal Blend tea by Fortnum and Mason, and since they don’t sell that in the States, our parents sent both Alissa and I care packages with our favorite things.

My sister is insane and prefers her tea strong, so as she pours milk into her mug, she keeps the bag in it. I prefer mine a bit weaker, and all Alissa has done our entire lives is make fun of me for it. She says I’m weaker than she is, but as she squeezes her bag, I cringe.

“You’re bloody insane, Liss.”

“Just say you’re weak, Leo, and we can be done with this conversation.” She smiles at me as she stirs.

I shift the conversation all too quickly. “So what’s new?”

She eyes me curiously. “Why do you care so much? You just moved out. Not much has changed. Though, I do think Ella is seeing someone.”

That peaks my interest. “Oh, really?” I lean forward on my elbows. “Do tell, sis.”

She sees right through my bullshit. “I know you don’t care about her, but Ella has been unusually chipper lately.”

Is that so?“Well, best of luck to whoever the fucker is.” Me. It’s me, and I don’t know why the thought excites me so much. Maybe it’s because of the sneaking around we’ve been doing, but this sex pact has definitely improved my mood recently.

My sister rolls her eyes at me. “Can you at least pretend to be happy for her? You guys didn't kill one another while living together, so if I’m not an idiot, you’ve become friends.”

“We’re not—”

“Okay, well, you don’t hate each other anymore. At least, I don’t think you do, so what would you call that?”

“Coworkers? Acquaintances?”

“Sure.” Alissa pats my shoulder. “Whatever you say.”

“Can we have dinner now? I’m fucking starved, sis.”

She moves back around the counter, opening my oven and pulling out the roast as well as some potatoes and a bunch of other mixed vegetables. “Yes, and to stay true to the holiday, we have to be thankful while we eat it.”

“I’m thankful you did all of the cooking, because I didn't want to.”

She smiles at me. “Just grab a plate, Leo, and let's ring our parents before they go to sleep.”

“On it,” I smile, thankful that even an ocean away, we’re able to be together, even if today is an American holiday.

A few hours ofunpacking and organizing are interrupted by frantic knocks on my door. I’m not sure who it is, but I’m guessing it’s my sister, since she left a bunch of her cooking shit here.

I saunter to my front door, and when I open it, the last person I ever expected to see is in front of it.

“What are you doing here?” I refrain from any sarcastic comments because she doesn't look okay. Her eyes are red, and Alissa told me she was supposed to be with her family today like she always is.

“I’m here to have sex, Leo. Can I come in?” Ella asks, her voice raw and scratchy.

Her comment throws me off. “Uh, sure,” I say as I open the door wider. She walks by me, barely sparing me a glance as she takes in my place. She and my sister helped me move in last week, and Ella made a comment about that being the first and only time she’d be in my new place.

I guess she was wrong.

Ella starts to take off her shirt, but I rush her, stopping her hands where they are.

“What?” she snaps at me.

“Are you okay?” She looks at me like my question is unwarranted. “Did something happen tonight?”

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