Phoebe jumps up out of her chair to stand next to his, pointing her little finger at him.
“You should’ve told me!” She huffs, crossing her arms over her chest like she’s been offended in the worst way.
Hey! I wasn’t in on the secret, either!
Easton chuckles, pleased with himself, settling back onto his towel.
“Well, now you know.”
Phoebe swings her eyes back to me, gloating. “So youaregirlfriend and boyfriend! Iknewit.”
She loves knowing things.
I blink, still processing what just happened.
“Uh…yeah. I guess we are.”
Phoebe beams, proud of herself for figuring it out.
“I knew it!” she repeats, and pumps her fist. “You guys were acting all weird and stuff—and I saw you kissing by the garage when you left yesterday.”
She sticks her tongue out at her brother like she’s disgusted by the idea of him being affectionate.
“Phoebs!” He feigns a gasp. “Were youspyingon us?”
“Yes! Mom is boring. I’d rather watch you guys.”
Easton and I both laugh.
She’s a monster, but she’s innocent and adorable.
“Kissing is weird,” I agree, shaking off my shock at his declaration.
I lean across my deck chair and him. “A little heads-up would’ve been nice. Don’t people normally talk about this stuff?”
My boyfriend grins, turning his head toward me and squinting, his mischievous eyes twinkling.
“Why? You planning on saying no?”
I roll my eyes, but I can’t wipe the grin off my face. “Youwish.”
“I wish you’d say no?”
I shake my head. “Wait. No. That’s not what I meant.”
Phoebe plops down back in her chair.
“Harper, I like you better than his other crushes.” She exhales loudly, glad to get that confession off her mind. “Plus, I told my friends I think my brother has a girlfriend, so this makes me look really smart.”
Easton groans, running a hand over his face. “Do you gossip with your little friends, Phoebe?”
His sister shrugs, unbothered. “Well, it’s true, so it’s not gossip.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Phoebs.”
She grins at me, looking pleased with herself. Crossing her teeny arms and hugging herself.
“All the other girls he liked were stupid,” she mutters to herself.
