Page 26 of Unbidden

“Are you okay?” he asks.

“You can drop the act, Keaton. I know you took my clothes and phone. You can fucking keep it. Don’t bother to talk to me. I don’t need this shit.”

I go to move again, but this time he steps in front of me. He fully takes in my appearance, looking confused. “Where did you get those?”

A humorless laugh escapes me.

“I’m more resourceful than you anticipated. I don’t play games, Keaton, but when I do, I always win. Don’t underestimate your opponent next time. I’m not the weak girl you guys make me out to be.”

“I’m so confused. I left you clothes inside the door.”

“Whatever.” I shake him off. “I have places to be.”

He doesn’t stop me this time. I want to believe he’s as clueless as he’s acting, but I can’t depend on it.

“S,” Tinsley whispers, “Keat looked really confused. Reed, on the other hand, looked smug. I think you’re placing blame on the wrong brother.”

As we reach my locker, I turn, giving her a smile. “Maybe, but I meant what I said. I don’t want to play games. They need to grow the fuck up.”

She nods understandingly. “I wish they would too.”

As we part ways, the insecure part of my brain wonders if Tinsley is acting too.

I squash the thought as soon as it hits me. She isn’t like her brothers. Maybe only the Yates males got the asshole gene.

Chapter Six

“One of the places I applied called when V and I were on our way home. I got a job.” I tell Richard and Alice while we stand around the kitchen island for our after-school snack.

“You did? Why?” Aunt Alice asks, looking confused.

“I want to earn my own money. I’ve been working since I was fourteen. I'm not about to stop now.”

“Is your allowance not enough? I can up the amount if you need,” Alice offers.

“I think it's great. Good work ethic is hard to come by nowadays,” Richard chimes in.

“Well, I’m all for you working as long as you bring me home dessert after your shifts,” V teases.

“You could always get a job with me. That way you can get your own dessert.” I stick my tongue out at her.

“Now, let's not get carried away, Sage,” she deadpans.

“Honestly though, Sage, shouldn’t you be paying more attention to your studies? How will you get there? I’m worried that you’re taking on too much at once,” Alice tells me, sounding all worried.

“Don’t worry, Alice. I’ve been managing school and work for years. I know what I can handle, and V said she can drop me off and pick me up tonight. It won’t work forever, but it will for now.”

“Well, cheers to you and your new job,” Richard toasts with his glass of water.

I raise my own glass and clink it with his. “Thanks. I’m excited.”

Alice taps her hand on the counter as she processes the new development. “We need to buy you a car. I don’t want you to be stranded.”

“No way. I’ll be fine. I used to take the bus everywhere back in Missouri. Public transit up here is probably safer than it ever was there.”

“I’m not sure I’m comfortable with this,” Alice starts, but Richard cuts in.

“Honey, this is obviously important to Sage. We can’t protect her from everything. She’s grown and can take care of herself.” He reaches out and squeezes her hand before turning to me. “You have your cell phone. Victoria can take you to and from work. If for some reason you get off early or Victoria can’t pick you up, I want you to call either me, Alice, or even a cab. For Alice’s sake, please don’t take the public bus. You would have to walk two miles down less frequently traveled roads to get home. I think if you make that concession, then your aunt can worry a little bit less. Right, Alice?”

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