"No," I concede.
"Then relax. You're so uptight still."
I clench my jaw so cruel words don't rip him apart. I could go for many low blows, but I don't want to get into the habit of that.
"When are you moving out?" I ask instead.
"Not sure, I still need to find a job. We're in the same boat."
"I don'twantto share a boat with you."
"You better hope I find a job soon because it sounds like you aren't having great luck either."
"Oh yeah, that Zoom interview I had earlier didn't go so well because some asshole was revving a stalled car."
"The car has to be started in order to stall it. The engine didn't even turn over."
"I'm not a mechanic! If you want me out of the house like I assume you do, don't sabotage my interviews by being a distraction."
I take his silence as acceptance and head toward my room.
"You left your clothes on the floor of the bathroom again," Theo jabs when my back is turned.
Honestly, I swear I picked those up. I've been trying not to bring my messy tendencies home with me.
I retrace my steps back to the kitchen with intensity building in each footfall. Now I regret withholding that insult.
"I'm sorry, did my dad appoint you as my babysitter while he's gone?"
"No, but I would like to remind you the second floor isn't yours to take over."
"I'm well aware. If my messiness is too much for you, by all means, please find better accommodations."
"You think I want to be here? I don't. But I have nowhere else to go, same as you."
"Why are you making this a living hell for both of us? Constantly reminding me I'm messy, showing up at my job."
"It's kind of fun watching you squirm."
"Spoken like a true serial killer."
"You're my stepsister. It's expected we don't get along. I'm only playing into the stereotype since you clearly don't enjoy being around me."
"No, I don't," I admit, though I haven't been around him long enough as an adult to see if he's as pestilent as he used to be. I'm betting yes, now he's just nicer to look at.
"And trust me, if you think I'm happy being here, watching my mom and your dad play house like they didn't have happy marriages before, you are sorely mistaken."
And with that, Theo throws away his food in the trash like the good sibling and walks up to his room.
Iwakeupearlierthan usual because I can't sleep. When I get out of bed to pee, the moment I open my door, Theo's door quietly opens, too.
Except the person leaving his room isn't Theo.
It's a woman.
It's…Tawny.
"What the hell are you doing here?" I demand.
