“Yeah,” she said, giving me a noncommittal shrug. “The hiking was good but hot. Two of us fell but didn’t get hurt. Didyouhave fun?”
She popped a brow as she crossed her arms.
“Have a seat, Tay,” I said, motioning to the recliner next to the couch.
“Did you start seeing him after you wrote the article?”
I shot a look at Silas. The last thing I wanted to do was lie to my sister, but I wasn’t sure if she needed to knowallthe truth and hear another story of her big sister coming home in the same clothes as the day before.
“We met before that,” Silas answered for me. “We had tacos in Williamsburg and didn’t plan to see each other after that.”
“But we kept running into each other,” I said, sneaking him a smile before I went back to my sister.
“Did he go to your book signing?” she asked, eyeing my dress.
“Yes, he surprised me. I like him, Tay. A lot. He’s a really good guy. I didn’t want to overwhelm you with this right away. I know it’s weird to see.”
“It’s not weird.” When she scrunched up her nose in disgust like that, she looked so much like me. “I think it’s really great.”
“Great?” I repeated.
“Yeah, you never see anyone. I want you to be happy. And do something besides take care of me.” Her gaze fell to the carpet.
“Hey,” I said, popping off the couch and crouching in front of her. “I love taking care of you. Our mother didn’t give us the greatest example. I never wanted you to feel like you came second to anyone.”
“Yeah, but I always made you miss out on stuff.”
“No.” I grabbed her hands. “You are the only good thing Mom ever gave me. The best thing. I haven’t missed out. Got it?”
“Got it. Like I said, I just want you to be happy.”
“So do I,” Silas said behind me. “And I’m on it, I promise.”
“There is just one little thing.”
Taylor studied me with a deep crease in her forehead.
Telling her about Silas and me had been much easier than I’d thought it would be, but this felt…gross to say out loud.
“While my agency is working for the Bats and they’re your team’s sponsor, Silas and I need to keep things a little quiet.”
“Why? Because you didn’t look quiet by the door just now.”
“We didn’t think anyone was—listen, I know. It’s…new to see me with someone. But just for now, don’t say anything to anyone until I tell you that it’s okay.”
“So, he has to, like, hide you?”
“No,” Silas answered again for me. “I’m definitely not hiding your sister. When the time comes, I’m taking her everywhere, so the world knows we’re together. It’s just a little complicated now.”
“Is this why the Bats sponsored our team?”
I swiveled my head to Silas, relieved not to be the only uncomfortable adult in the room.
“I knew about your team through your sister. The Bats wanted to sponsor Brooklyn youth sports teams, so I suggested your team’s name.”
Taylor nodded, not looking like she bought it all the way, but she dropped it.
“You like her too?” Taylor asked him.
