Page 41 of Reconciling With the Rival

My sister and my worst nightmare are my only choice.

Alissa sighs heavily at me. “Fine.”

“Thank you so much. Seriously, sis, I appreciate it.”

She shakes her head at me. “Don’t thank me yet, Leo. I have to talk to Ella first.”

For fuck’s sake. I was afraid she would say that. “Got it.”

“But if you did to her what you did to me, I’m sure she would come around.”

“What?”

“Beg. It was quite funny, actually. I’m totally going to tell our parents about that when they ring.”

Another thing that helps with me moving in here for a few months is my parents can talk to Alissa and I more frequently. I haven't spoken to them in a few days, and I regret that. I try to check in once a day, but with all the work and the new client Ella and I are fighting over, I haven't had much time to carve out my day for them.

“Have you talked to them lately?”

She nods her head at me. “Yesterday. Only for a bit, though. Dad had a doctor’s appointment.”

“How did it go?”

“They haven't told me how it went, but they seem alright. Healthy.”

I sigh. I shouldn't be forgetting about them, no matter how much work I have.

“Stop stressing, Leo. You’ll have a place to live, even if Ella hates it. She’s not mean enough to throw you out onto the street.”

That’s what you think. I have no doubt that Ella would rather not have me invading her personal space all day, every day. “Yeah, sure.”

“Actually, I think this could be good for you two. Maybe you’ll work out whatever differences you have. If not, at least I’ll get some good in-person reality television.”

I only roll my eyes at her. Of course, my sister would like watching Ella and I bicker.

“Don’t get your knickers in a twist, Leo. I wouldn't want you smoking because of how stressed you look right now. Oh, also, none of that if you live here.”

“I know, sis.”

“Good,” she says as she turns the television on and gets comfortable. “Now, get out. Ella is coming home soon, and we have a self-care night planned before she kills me for asking if you can move in.”

“Got it. Well, thanks. I appreciate it, Liss.”

“I know, I’m the best sister ever. You don't have to tell me.”

I stifle a laugh before I walk out of her apartment—soon to beourapartment if Ella says yes.

I know just how to persuade her, and as I head back to my rental, I’m sure my plan will work.

14

So, You Agree? You’re Beneath Me?

I officially have afucking leech who goes by the name of Leo Zimmerman.

Not only has this fucker invaded my job, but now, he wants to move into my home—the area I take pride in, the place where I go to decompress after a long day of dealing with Leo at work.

Now, he’s going to live there. With me.

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