Page 63 of Hot and Bothered
“Sometimes I used to think it would be nice to have a sister,” she said with a teasing look at Evan. “But having a brother was fun, too. He always had tea parties with me, and played dress up, and let me play with his hair.”
I couldn’t help imagining Evan in a puffy pink princess dress with bows in his short hair, lifting a dainty teacup. I stifled a giggle at the mental picture.
“And yes, it was as hilarious as you’re thinking it is,” Christie grinned. “We might have some photographic proof of that. I can bring those along with my next visit, too.”
“Ha ha, very funny.” Evan’s mouth was twisted in a scowl, but I could see the corners of his lips twitching, threatening to curve upwards into a smile.
A sense of relief washed over me. I hated seeing Evan upset. Seeing that hint of a smile, even if it was only because his sister was teasing him, made me feel much better.
“What about you, Evan?” I asked hopefully. “Do you have any stories that will embarrass your sister?”
“I guess.” He didn’t continue, just sat there staring at a spot on the wall.
The relief I’d felt sunk away, leaving only heartache.
Christie looked between me and Evan, a furrow appearing between her brows.
“I could go for another snack,” she said. “I saw you have some cereal in the cupboard, but it’s too high up for me to reach. Evan, can you come help me get it?”
“Sure,” he said, heaving himself off the sofa.
Christie flashed me a brief smile before disappearing into the kitchen with her brother.
“So what’s up with you?” I heard her ask.
“What do you mean?” Evan asked.
Again, I tried going back to my book, but their voices echoed throughout the apartment.
“You told me Alice was your girlfriend, but you’re sure not acting like it,” Christie said. “Are the two of you having a fight or something?”
“Is that really any of your business?” He didn’t exactly sound mad, but he was certainly vexed that she’d asked.
“It’s not my business, but since when has that ever stopped me?” she replied. “You’ve been so happy ever since you met Alice. What did you do to screw it up?”
“Why do you think it was something I did?” he asked, now sounding properly annoyed.
“Because from what you’ve told me, Alice is the sweetest girl alive,” Christie said. “And from what I’ve seen, you’re right about that. I can’t imagine her doing something to upset you.”
“You’d be surprised,” Evan said.
“Look, you’re the one out there looking pissed off and sulky,” Christie said impatiently. “If the two of you are fighting about something, Alice is clearly trying to mend things. You’re the one who’s acting all grumpy.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Evan snapped.
“Maybe not,” Christie said evenly. “But tell me this: Are you enjoying yourself right now? Do you like feeling this way? Are you happy spending the entire day brooding and ignoring her?”
“No,” Evan muttered.
“Then get over yourself,” Christie said. “Talk it out. Stop giving her the silent treatment.”
“You don’t know what she did,” Evan said, as if trying to convince himself.
“Was it worse than what Dad did to Mom?” Christie said quietly, her voice so low I almost couldn’t hear it.
Evan didn’t answer.
“Then it’s obviously not bad enough you can’t work things out,” Christie continued.
