Brooks’ grin tilts, all triumph and mischief rolled into one.
"Have fun on your date with the liar, Ellie." He stands, ruffling my hair on his way out.
I swat his hand away, but not before he throws one last smirk over his shoulder.
He’s so ridiculous.
I force a smile, refocusing on the camera like Brooks didn’t just bulldoze his way into my room.
"Anyway," I say, smoothing a hand over my curls. "I’ll let you know how the date goes."
I stop the recording and immediately start editing, annoyed every time I have to cut out Brooks’ interruptions. He’s in the background more than he should be, flashing his stupid smirk, throwing me off my game. Like always.
By the time I finish, I shut my laptop with more force than necessary.
Between Brooks and Mom, I really just want to go home.
Back to my life where I didn’t have to worry about anyone but myself.
Where no one pushed me. No one challenged me.
Where I could just… exist.
I exhale sharply, rubbing my temples.
Ugh.
***
Holden is thirty minutes late.
I don’t know why that bothers me so much, but it does. Maybe it shouldn’t. Maybe I’m just on edge from sitting here, waiting around for some guy I dated ages ago. Not a good look.
Not that Jasper or Brooks has said anything.
But they keep exchanging glances, their silent communication louder than words.
It’s obnoxious.
"So he’s late!" I snap, slamming my phone facedown on the arm of the recliner.
"No one said anything," Mom replies, passing Jasper a slice of chocolate sheet cake.
Brooks muffles a laugh behind his hand.
I glare daggers at him.
Jasper, playing the role of the annoying little brother to perfection, casually asks, "Why are you going out with this guy again?"
The simple answer? He asked.
The complicated one? I haven’t been on a date in over eight months, and I need a night away from this house—away from Mom, Jasper, and especially Brooks.
I need a reminder that my life is still mine.
Instead of explaining myself, I change the subject. "How was your date with Wren Cassidy?"
Jasper smirks but shakes his head. "Not the same thing, Ellie."
