“What’s up, lover boy?” Chris asked.
“Don’t start,” I warned, stepping inside. “I need an honest opinion. Clothes. Good or bad?”
Chris sat up, eyeing me critically. “Hmm. You’re going for the broody musician look, I see.”
“Is that bad?”
“Not bad,” he said, tapping his chin. “Maybe swap the jacket for something more practical.’”
I blinked. “Practical?”
I scowled, remembering Theo did wear a leather jacket at the audition.
“Chris. I really need your help here,” I complained.
He held up both hands in mock surrender. “Fine, fine. Here, you can borrow one of my jackets.”
Chris pulled out a more practical jacket from his closet and I put it on.
“Better?” I asked.
Before he could answer, footsteps sounded down the hall. Our mom’s voice followed, light but sharp as ever. “What are you two whispering about out here?”
Of course. Mom appeared around the corner, drying her hands on a dish towel. Devon trailed behind her, a faint smile tugging at his mouth.
“Nothing,” I said a little too quickly.
“Uh-huh,” she said, giving me a look only moms could pull off. “You’re dressed up. Are you going somewhere, honey?”
Before I could lie, Devon chuckled. “He’s got a date. With Zack.”
“Oh, that Zack?” she asked, eyes lighting up in instant interest.
Wait. Were they having discussions about my dating life behind my back?
I groaned. “Can we not turn this into a family meeting?”
“Oh, come on,” Chris teased. “You knew this was gonna happen.”
Mom crossed her arms, clearly enjoying herself. “So this Zack. He’s the one you’ve been talking about lately? The musician?” She asked.
“I haven’t been?—”
“Yes, you have,” Devon interrupted, grinning. “Zack comes up every single time I talk to you.”
I shot him a glare. “You’re supposed to be the reasonable one.”
He just shrugged. “I’m being supportive.”
Mom stepped closer, eyeing my outfit the same way Chris had. “Hmm. The blue shirt’s good on you, but maybe add something with a bit more color? A scarf, maybe?”
I blinked. “A scarf? Mom, I’m not auditioning for a fashion magazine.”
“It’s winter!” she said, undeterred. “And it shows you made an effort.”
Chris coughed to hide his laugh.
I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. “This is officially ridiculous.”
