When it’s my turn, I order my usual—vanilla latte, extra hot—and nod at Leodie behind the counter when she says she’ll get it ready for me.
“Do you want one for Sophie?” Wyatt asks.
“No. I’m… no.” Everything inside of me tells me to grab her a coffee and head up to the castle, but I can’t do it. I have to figure out that hug first.
“I heard you’re hanging out a lot with her,” Wyatt continues like we’re friends and he has a right to know my business.
“Who says that?”
“People have been talking.”
“Why?”
“It’s a small town. People talk because there’s nothing else for them to do. Plus, you’re Fenella’s brother, so…” He shrugs and gives me a grin.
Wyatt loves Fenella. I hate being known as Fenella’s brother. Or Edward’s son.
I want to be Ashton Carrington, god of something I care about rather than someone who belongs to someone else.
There just hasn’t been anything I’ve really cared about. Or anyone.
“People really like her around here,” Wyatt explains needlessly. “She’s really likeable. You could be too.”
“I sense there’s abutthere.”
“No but. People don’t know you well enough yet.”
Sophie does. It’s only been a week, but already she knows me better than most people. “So I’m not as likeable as my sister, is what you’re saying?” I demand, rather than contradicting Wyatt.
“You hit Sophie with a car, so big strike against you.”
“I guess.” I’m having problems liking myself because of that. It’s easier when it’s just me and Sophie because we never talk about her two broken toes and what caused it.
Being around other people brings on the guilt. And yes, I still feel very guilty.
“How is she?” he asks.
“Broken. Or at least her foot is.”
“Do you have some fairy godfather thing going on, or was the paint a guilt gift?” Wyatt asks, grinning at my surprised expression.
I shake my head. “I don’t want to know how you know that. But why is that any of yourbusiness?”
“You’re Ashton Carrington, and I am your sister’s biggest fan. So yeah—people talk about everything, and it is my business.”
Is it precociousness or something else that makes this kid spout off and say anything he wants? “It’s not,” I say flatly, paying for my drink with a tap of my phone. “Nothing about me is your business.”
“This isn’t a bad place if you let yourself enjoy it,” Wyatt calls after me.
“I disagree,” I toss over my shoulder.
“Then what are you still doing here?” he asks.
19
Sophie
Thismorning,Jonthecat joins Bono and Freddy on my couch.
