Page 164 of Heartache Duet

“We’re off,” I tell her, kissing her on the cheek.

She looks up from the customized crossword puzzle she’s working on. “Have a good day, sweetheart.”

“I can’t wait for you to get your license,” Trevor says, slipping on his shoes by the front door.

“I can’t wait for you to start teaching me,” I retort.

“That’s a hard pass.” He grabs his keys. “I don’t have the patience for your stubborn ass.”

Mom laughs.

“Mama!” I whine. “Don’t take his side.”

“He has a point though,” Mom says through a giggle. “And your brother is the most patient man I know.”

“Thanks, Mama Jo,” Trevor says, standing taller. “See you tonight.” He closes the door after us and then just stands on the porch, his gaze distant. “I don’t think your mom’s ever called me your brother before,” he murmurs.

“Sure, she has.”

He shakes his head. “Not in front of me.”

I stop at the bottom of the porch steps and look up at him. “Is that bad?”

“No,” he says, his eyes meeting mine. “It’s cool, I guess. Makes me feel like I’m part of the family.”

“Of course, you are.”

He shrugs. “No, it always felt like you and her, and I was… I don’t know.”

I shrug. “I tell people you’re my brother.”

“Yeah, but that’s different,” he says, making his way down to me.

“How?”

“Because that’s the way it’s always been.” His gaze shifts past me. “Hey, it’s Connor.” He whistles, short and sharp. “Can you give my sister a ride?”

“No!” I whisper-yell, punching his shoulder.

He fakes hurt. “What?”

I keep my voice low. “I’m not…”

“You’re not what?”

“Not…” Ready to deal with my emotions just yet.

“You coming?” Connor shouts.

“Yeah!” Trevor answers for me, then runs to his truck and slams the door shut, locking himself in from the inside.

I internally groan, walk down my driveway, and meet Connor on the sidewalk. “Sorry. I guess his lazy ass didn’t want to go out of his way.”

Connor opens my door for me. “I don’t mind.”

“You sure?” I ask, and because I’m a brat, I add, “The last time I asked for a ride, it didn’t end well.”

He heaves out a sigh. “God, you’re a smartass.”

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