Is it because Chris saw us together or is it because of the mysterious reason she came to Lucky Falls?
“Get out of the car, Riley!” Chris speaks to his sister in an authoritative tone that immediately puts me on edge.
Although Chris has been my best friend since childhood, Riley comes first.
“Don’t,” I tell her calmly.
Riley’s eyes search mine and then she nods her understanding.
I push my car door open, being careful not to hit Renea—who’s still standing close by.
My agent stares up at me, her smile unsure. “Hey, Nat. We wanted to surprise you before the big game so… surprise.”
I give her a tight-lipped smile, edging past her. Renea steps forward, arms outstretched as if to hug me, but I’m already striding around the car.
Chris’s eyebrows tighten into a V on his forehead. “Why is Riley here? Why are you two together?”
Guilt sinks its claws into me. Chris has been my best friend since high school, and we’ve kept each other updated on all the important milestones in life.
But I had to keep Riley a secret from him.
I can see how that would be upsetting.
“Give us a minute, Chris. Let me open Riley’s door.”
I stand in front of the door and gesture for Riley to unlock it. She does.
Chris makes a sputtering sound. “What’s with all the theatrics? Do you think I’m going to hurt my own sister?”
“Of course not.” At least, not physically.
But emotionally?
Chris was rapping on the window like the cops about to arrest someone, and Riley looked genuinely terrified. If we’re going to face her brother and explain our relationship, we’re doing it together. I can’t have Chris dragging her out of the car first and making a big scene.
“Here,” I say, extending my hand to Riley to help her down. It’s not that big of a jump from her SUV to the ground, but she gratefully sets her fingers on my wrist. I can feel her trembling as she stands close beside me and it sends my protective instincts roaring to a climax.
“Hi, Chris,” Riley says, swallowing hard.
Chris hurls an accusatory glare at her. “Riles, what are you doing in Lucky Falls? Didn’t you get that promotion at the airport?”
I try to hide my surprise. A promotion? If things were going so well at her old job, why did she switch to doing auto mechanics?
“I…” Riley wets her lips and stares at the ground. She was so fierce when she talked about setting Layla up to get detained, but when it comes to her family, she’s extremely vulnerable.
I nudge Riley behind me. “It’s late, Chris. Why don’t we have this discussion tomorrow?”
Renea totters over the loose stones and joins our dramatic trio but, thankfully, for now she’s just a silent spectator.
Chris’s jaw clenches. “Why wait until tomorrow, Nat? Let’s hash it out now.”
I keep my tone even, trying my best to de-escalate the situation. “Like I said, it’s been a really long day. Our emotions are running high and we’re all exhausted.”
Chris scoffs and mumbles, “Unbelievable. I catch my best friend and my sister together. Neither of them told me anything about it and yet I’m the bad guy for being shocked and asking questions?”
“I’ll answer your questions, man. Just let Riley go home for now.”
Chris looks visibly perturbed. “And I’m asking you why my own sister—who I haven’t spoken to in months by the way, feels like she has to run away from me like I’m some monster?”
