At home, the boys hop out of the car, and instead ofheading for the trunk, they go straight to the front door and let themselves in.
I’m still gaping as the front door closes. “Seriously?” I mutter. “Unbelievable.”
I know they’re kids, but they’re old enough to know they should help. Looks like it’s my job to teach them.
Trunk popped, I pick up several bags, then I head in. The house is silent as I step inside, which means they’ve already gone upstairs, probably to play their video games.
“Quinn! Casen!” I yell as I set the bags on the counter. “Get your butts outside and help me carry in the groceries.” Silence. “Now!”
Their steps are heavy as they run down the stairs and march straight out the front door.
I sigh, running my fingers through my hair. This is hard. Being their sister but also their parent. It’s a weird line to toe, but it’s an important one. Even before I was awarded guardianship, I felt like it was my responsibility to turn them into good adults.
When they reappear, loaded down with bags, they’re griping with each other.
“Will you stay and help me put this stuff away?” I keep my tone light rather than demanding their help the way I want to.
Without responding, they get to work.
With the three of us working together, it only takes a few minutes, and as they help me collect all the bags, I smile and say, “Thank you. I appreciate the help.”
“You’rewelcome,” Casen says.
“Ditto.” Quinn shoots finger guns my way.
“You guys are welcome to help me make dinner too.”
They eye each other and Quinn laughs. “Nice try, sis.”
With a shrug, I pull out a pot. “It was worth a shot.”
The boys dash upstairs again, and I’ve just filled the pot and turned on the stove when the doorbell rings. I hesitate and consider ignoring it. This isn’t my house, after all, but when it rings again a minute later, I carefully make my way over. Through the window, the figure of a woman with blond hair is visible.
My stomach sinks when her identity registers. Caleb’s ex-wife.
Is it too late to hide?
She waves, unwittingly answering that question for me. So I force my feet forward and steel myself with a breath before I open it. I’ve seen her from a distance, and we’ve waved in passing, but we haven’t formally met. Perhaps I should’ve made my way next door and introduced myself, especially since the boys have clearly met her if they’ve been swimming in her pool, but it’s too late for that now.
I paste on a smile, then pull the door open. “Hello?” I sound like a scared five-year-old. I clear my throat. “You must be Salem.” There. That sounds a little better.
“I am. It’s so nice to finally meet you. I feel awful about not introducing myself sooner.” She holds out a platter. “I made cupcakes to apologize.”
“Cupcakes?” A thrill shoots through me.
Her smile grows. She’s gorgeous. No wonder Caleb fell in love with her. Her face is round, with delicate features andfreckles that make her look younger than what I assume is twenty-nine. I can’t help but compare myself to her. I’m her complete opposite, with dark hair and dark eyes. I’m at least a couple of inches taller, and I have more curves. How could Caleb possibly be attracted to me? She and I wouldn’t fall into the same category in any aspect when it comes to a man’s type.
“Cupcakes are kind of my thing.”
“Do you want to come in?” I take a step back. Shit. I should have asked as soon as I answered the door. Or maybe I shouldn’t have offered at all, since this isn’t my home. Though I’m sure she’s been in this house more than I have.
She’s kissed Caleb.
She’s slept beside him.
Fucked him.
Married him.
