Nolan's eyebrows attempt to exit his forehead and achieve orbit.
And Everett—Everett laughs.
Not a happy laugh.
It’s the kind that precedes someone being buried in the woods. Or like serial killers practice in mirrors.
“Tara Greene.” Roman wipes his mouth, squinting. “Why do I know that name?”
“She does that home renovation show on The Cornerstone Network. Caleb says quickly, desperation creeping into his voice. “Very heartwarming. Family-focused?—”
“Didn't a couple file for divorce after filming with her?” Nolan asks.
“That was a coincidence.”
“And the other couple that filed for divorce after filming with her?”
Caleb's smile tightens. “...Statistically insignificant.”
“She literally titled one episode 'Demolition Day.'” I can't help myself. The words just tumble out. “For their anniversary special.”
“Okay, look.” Caleb holds up his hands in surrender, finally recognizing he's fighting a losing battle. “I'm not saying she's Mother Teresa with a camera crew. But she knows how to get eyeballs on a project. We need eyeballs. Desperately.”
No one glances at me for my take. I'm twenty eight years old. I have a career. I have expertise. I have more emotional investment in this lodge than any of my brother’s combined, and they still looked at the situation and thoughtlet's handle this ourselves.
But nope… I couldn’t possibly know shit about shit. I'm the baby sister. The one they protect. And at some point, when I wasn’t looking, I became the one they work around instead of one they include.
The one who couldn't possibly contribute to a business decision because—what? I might havefeelingsabout it?
Guess what, boys—I swallow them down the way I always do.
I smile when Roman glances my way. Nod when Caleb asks if I'm listening.
Sure. Listening. Totally not cataloging all the ways you just reminded me I'll never be one of you.
“We need guests,” Everett corrects, his voice flat. “Not a three-ring circus trying to spin family drama as the main act.”
“There won't be drama. We're not a couple renovating a house. We're a lodge hosting a festival.” Caleb gestures around the room like he's presenting Exhibit A. “Wholesome. Festive. Zero risk of anyone serving divorce papers on camera.”
Roman and Nolan exchange a look that clearly saysshould we tell him he just jinxed us?
Everett pinches the bridge of his nose like he's developing a migraine in real time. “Caleb.”
“What?”
“You realize you just jinxed us, right? That's exactly the kind of statement the universe takes as a personal challenge. You might as well have said 'what could possibly go wrong.'”
“I didn't say that!”
“You implied it. Loudly. With hand gestures.”
“Sierra's right about the authenticity angle,” Nolan cuts in, ever the diplomat.
Thanks. Really. Huge moment for me.
A validation bone from Nolan.
Next time, if you could just make it nine inches and not related to me—that’d be great.
