I carefully rub a pink splotch off the tip of my big toe with a paper towel.“Nothing.Why?”
“Your friend Mason gave me Jaeger’s number.I got a hold of him, and he invited us to his parents’ place for dinner tonight.”
I mentally gasp.I’m not ready to see Jaeger.My newfound freedom might propel me to do something stupid, like attack him for hot rebound sex.“Umm?—”
It’s possible that the attraction I’ve felt for him stems from my frustration with Eric.That I was grasping for attention and Jaeger was the closest good-looking guy available.There’s also the possibility that Jaeger paid me attention to give Mason time to chat up Gen.He and I were paired together in the fishing boat so Gen and Mason could be alone.And later, Jaeger hauled me off at the party, I presume, so that Mason could make his move.
Or there’s the possibility that this thing between Jaeger and me is real.And that’s what really scares me.I don’t want to get hurt again, and crappy relationship or not, Eric’s betrayal hurt me.
“What’s wrong?I thought you became friends with Jaeger this summer?”
“I did,” I say, hesitantly.
Tyler rubs his forehead and looks around.“We don’t have to go.I’d like to see him, but I’m here to visit you.”
Tyler leaves tomorrow.Today’s the only day he has left to visit Jaeger.They were tight growing up.I can’t in good conscience say no.“You should go, Tyler.You don’t need me there.”
“He invited everyone, and his mom’s cooking her best dish.Just come, Cali.And bring Gen.It’ll be fun.His parents and sister are great.”
There’s no logical excuse I can give not to go after that declaration.Maybe this will work out.“Okay.I’ve been trying to set Gen up with Jaeger anyway,” I say absently.
My stomach goes sour at the thought of Jaeger and Gen together.Now that Mason is a no-go after Gen refused his kiss, Jaeger is the only person left on the list of prospects.I never should have started that stupid list.Why did I think she and Jaeger would be good for each other?
I don’t want to rebound with Jaeger.I like him too much.Which is also why I’m not eager to set Gen up with him.
Tyler squints.“You’re setting those two up?Really?”
I glare.“What’s wrong with my best friend?”
“Nothing.She’s fucking hot.”
Sometimes it’s difficult to believe my brother is a role model to undergrads.He’s a hundred percent adult when it comes to his students.I’m not even sure he notices the pretty girls who plant themselves in the front rows of his lectures.It’s like he shuts off his guy brain while at work.But get him home, and he’s as immature and horny as any twenty-three-year-old.
Tyler’s mouth twists as if he’s attempting to reach some deep philosophical conclusion, which, for his analytical mind, is probably a challenge.“It’s just… well, I guess I can’t see them together.They’re both reserved, you know?Aren’t opposites supposed to attract?”
His assertion pleases me, and now I’m a terrible friend.But it makes me physically sick to consider Jaeger and Gen in a relationship.I’ve gotta scrap that idea.
I had everything figured out—life, love.It turns out I suck at relationships and my plans for grad school might be my worst decision yet.
“You might be right.Just don’t discourage her from dating.Gen’s had a rough few months and she’s only now coming out of it.”
He holds up his hands.“I want nothing to do with this.”He points at me.“And you should mind your own business.Let Jaeger find his own woman.He doesn’t need you meddling.”
But what if he chooses the wrong girl?And what if she gives in because she’s messed up in the head and on the rebound?
ChapterTen
Years ago, I visited Jaeger’s parents’ house when my mom asked me to run up and grab Tyler for a soccer game.I waited in the entry while Tyler changed into his uniform.As I recall, Jaeger’s parents were warm and friendly, with awesome Austrian accents.Jaeger and his sister have American accents, but they were born in the U.S., or moved here shortly after—I’m not entirely clear on the details.
Tyler does the honors and knocks on the large, elaborately carved wooden door while Gen and I wait patiently beside him.I lean closer, taking in the subtle design in front of us.A landscape of mountains juts toward the sky, with streams, and birds, and all manner of wildlife.The door flies open and I flinch, my nose too close to the surface.
Mrs.Lang ushers us inside and doesn’t appear surprised at the fact that I nearly fell into her home.She must be used to strangers gaping at her front door.
She grabs my brother in a bear hug.“Tyler, so good to see you!”This actually comes out,Tylar-r, zo goot to see yu!with her Austrian accent.“And Cali, such a beautiful, grown-up woman.”She hugs me too.
I introduce Jaeger’s mother to Gen and we enter the cavernous living room with its massive windows overlooking a breathtaking view of the lake.I vaguely remember the floor plan of the first level, but the furniture has been updated with plush leather couches, cream woven throw pillows, and blankets in Native American zigzag patterns.
A beautiful girl with long blond hair rises from a barstool at the island separating the living room from the kitchen.“Tyler, Cali, you remember Jaeger’s sister, Kerstin?”Mrs.Lang asks.
