Chapter
Thirty-Six
Hayes
* * *
I’m walking into the hospital when my phone vibrates in my pocket. I’m hopeful it’s Leighton telling me she wants to eat lunch with me or maybe inviting me to hang out during her break since she knew I’d be here today.
Sadly, it’s just my sister.
Why are you two hiding things from me!?
I’m on my way up to mom’s appointment.
Do you think I didn’t talk to mom this morning? I know that. Now tell me about how you and my bff are now fake dating. I caught up with Leighton last night…
I chuckle, leaning against the wall near the elevator.
Sorry, I don’t remember having to run things by you.
When it comes to Leighton, you do.
Well then, we’re in a relationship.
FAKE news, big brother.
And then she starts in with her rapid-fire texts, as I knew she would. She’s so easy to bait. I wait until I make it to the floor of my mom’s doctor before I respond.
You hurt her, and I’ll kill you.
I will disown you if she sheds one tear because of you.
Keep your dick in your pants and your tongue in your mouth.
Don’t you have anything to say for yourself?
I could play this one of two ways, but I’m still a big brother who likes to poke his little sister.
What can I say? I like your best friend, and I’m not sorry about it.
Gotta go.
Almost Mom’s appointment time.
I’ll let you know how it goes.
See ya.
I put my phone on silent and stuff it in my pocket, opening the door to my mom’s doctor’s office. My dad waves, and I walk over to them in the corner of the room near the windows that face Lake Michigan.
“What are you so smiley about?” Mom asks when I bend over and hug her.
“I was just pissing off Callie.”
She holds me tightly for a second and chuckles. “Why do you have to do that?”
I shrug. “Because it’s fun.”
