I return to my texting conversation.
Noah:You know, Kellan, having a piece of ass is nothing to write home about.
Kellan:Says the guy who has none.
Noah:I’d rather be with someone who knows the real me. What do they see in you aside from a pretty face? The same face as me, I might add.
Kellan:Shut the fuck up.
Noah:The truth hurts, doesn’t it?
Kellan:At least I’m not going to die alone.
My twin then sends me a picture of a deserted beach, pristine white sand, turquoise waters, and a cloudless sky.
My stomach takes a dive. I’m furiously typing.
Noah:Where the hell are you?
Kellan::)
Noah:I hate you.
Kellan:You said that already.
Noah:Doesn’t make it any less true.
Kellan:Kisses, Noah.
Barely reining in a sound of disgust, I jam my phone into my jacket pocket and stare stonily at the television screen. I don’t know what I’m watching. A soccer game, clearly, but the rules are still a mystery to me aside from kicking the ball into the other team’s net.
It’s then I feel someone’s gaze on me. Turning my head slightly, I scan the room of overzealous fans until I meet the eyes of the captain, Max. They’re the lightest, purest green I’ve ever seen. Bumps roll down my arms from the unexpected intensity of his focus. I’ve never been the subject of anyone’s attention, not like that.
I incline my head at him, to which he breaks out into a smile that can only be described as devastating.
He really is handsome. Stunning face, shaggy brown hair that’s a little too long to be considered maintained. And he’s completely out of my league. Maybe Kellan would be able to catch and hold his attention, but if this guy knew who I really was, the only thing I’d see of him would be his back as he walked away.
“You know,” Sebastian mutters in my ear, startling me, “you can at least pretend like you’re having a good time. It’s what Kellan would do.”
I crane my neck to see him hovering behind the couch I sit on. “What’s the problem, Sebastian? The fact that I hate what you love, or the fact that I’m not Kellan?” A buzzing sound in my ears, of mounting irritation and frustration that, even when I’m helping Kellan out, even when I’m forcing myself to be social for the sake of our brother’s reputation, it’s still not enough.
A fold appears between his eyebrows. “I didn’t mean it like that.” He lowers his voice further so we can’t be overheard. Max’s attention still rests on me.
“Then how did you mean it? Because it seems to me like you’re only here to rag on me. Why don’t you do us both a favor and keep your opinions to yourself?”
“I’m trying not to blow your cover.”
“I’m sure that’s the only reason.” I face forward again. Once Sebastian moves off, I sigh. What I need is some air. Screw Sebastian, and screw Kellan. What’s that saying again?
Don’t set yourself on fire to keep others warm.
Chapter 6
Max
I watch Kellan disappear through the kitchen and fight concern. I’m remembering how Kellan told Sebastian he didn’t want to watch the game. Was there a reason, I wonder, besides his so called “schoolwork”? He’s been quiet this entire evening. It’s not like him.
“No! Max, Max! Did you see that?”
