But it wasn’t her style that got me. It was Gage on her arm. Their arms were looped together in awe’re datingsort of way, and my teeth ground together. If I was a cartoon, smoke would’ve blasted out of my ears.
Cami wondered why we grew apart and why I never wanted to hang out with her. It was more than my envy of her and my dad’s relationship. It was this. The fact she had stolen three guys who I’d been dating.
Three.
“Wait, hold up, is that...the dude from the bar?” Michael was smart. He blinked twice and arched one brow. “So, your sister is dating someone you were seeing?”
“Yup.”
“I feel like… that’s not cool?”
“Nope.” I was a pot of water boiling over. My face was too hot, and my eyes stung like I got sunscreen in them. I had the urge to run, cry, and punch something. Each emotion fought for dominance, but none won, and I was an emotional mess, spiraling on the inside.
“Shit, they’re coming over. Need a pretend boyfriend again?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Hey, I got your back, Fletcher.” Michael reached over and squeezed my hand for one second. The heat of his palm resting on top of mine, the roughness of his skin...it was easy to feel protected. I met his gaze, and his entire face softened. “I’m on your team.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
Michael
I prided myself on thinking quick on my feet. Years on the ice made me intuitive, able to see the play before it happened. This was a blindside, and I chewed my lip before deciding the plan. Sibling betrayal struck a chord with me, and judging by the tremor in Naomi’s hand, this wounded her.
“Hey, you two!” Cami said, all charm and cheer. She either had to be the best actress within a three-hour radius or she just didn’t care that her sister was upset? Anger had my head pounding.
I’d rather die than hurt Ryann. If I upset her...I’d do whatever I could to mend that bond. Everyone was different, and maybe life circumstances made it tougher for the twins, but I had no warm feelings toward Cami. None.
Naomi didn’t answer, and my heart hurt for her. I’d gotten used to the wit and sarcasm, and seeing her sit there, upset and quiet, made the pressure grow in my chest.Momma Bear is coming back.
“Hey,” I said, narrowing my eyes at Gage. “You look familiar.”
“Oh, you probably know Gage. He’s just one of those guys who is friends with everyone,” Cami said, nudging his side with her elbow. Gage paled, and his mouth was pressed in a firm line as he stared at Naomi.
What a bastard.
“Yeah, he was bothering Naomi last week.”
Cami frowned, her cute face scrunching. “What do you mean?”
“Babe, come on, let’s leave them alone. They’re on a date or something.” Gage tried pulling her away, but Cami looked back and forth between me and Naomi.
“What do you mean?” Cami said, her voice stronger than before. This time, she spoke directly to Naomi. “Why did he just say that? Was Gage upsetting you?”
“Cami, ignore this shit,” Gage said, making me want to punch him in the jaw. I wasn’t sure if it would ruin my internship or not or get me in trouble with the school, but it would’ve been worth it.
The dick totally knew what he did and didn’t care. It was unclear if Cami did though. Her frown deepened, and she took a step closer to Naomi. “Nana, is this true?”
Naomi froze. There was no other way to describe it. Her eyes went wide, her mouth wouldn’t move, and all the color in her face washed away. “Uh, well,” she stuttered, blinking at the table instead of her sister.
“Here’s your food, y’all!” The waiter came around the service station with a large tray, and Gage’s relief was visible. He smiled, the asshat. He pulled Cami back from the booth and led her toward their table.
“It all seem good?” Billy asked.
“Sure does, thanks,” I said, smiling to rid the moment of the horrible tension. The waiter didn’t give us a second glance before greeting someone else at the door, and I waited until Naomi looked at me. “Hey.” I lightly tapped my foot against hers. She didn’t react, so I kept it there with our legs touching. “Want a bite of my pancake?”
“You’re not going to… talk about what just happened?”
