I’m halfway out the door when I hear her voice again, like a breath.
“Thank you,” she says. “For talking to Turner.”
I pause, tempted to tell her the truth.I’d do anything for you.
But I don’t.
Instead, I’d rather let her think I’m an asshole. “Your brother has sacrificed too much for this company. Trust me, I’m not doing it for you.”
Carter stares at that god-awful painting on the mantle like he can read the future in the brush strokes. He’s seen it a hundred times before, but never said anything, even if it has Jackie’s unmistakable signature in the corner.
“Why do you still keep it?”
Until now, apparently.
I scramble to keep my cool and not give myself away. “Blame my mom. She doesn’t throw anything away.”
“Didn’t peg you for a hoarder.” The pressure of the words he’s not saying is heavier than lead. I wish he’d just ask already.
Keeping my relationship with his sister a secret from him that year nearly burned a hole through my stomach. Jackie was used to people circling her to get closer to Carter. She became an expert at creating enough space between her personal life and Carter’s to protect him.
That included us. But he’s no idiot.
“You came out of your way to appraise my estate?” I ask, trying to distract him. “If you’re auditioning to be my will’s executor, you’ve got stiff competition.”
“Yeah? Who do I have to fight for the right to auction this ragged ottoman?” He’s pointing at one of the pieces of furniture I bought on my first salary. It made its way into the Upper West Side apartment when I moved. It’s not going anywhere.
My hands feel like dead weight all of a sudden, and I shove them into my pockets.
“Someone with better taste, probably.”
Carter rolls his eyes and takes a few steps around the room, like he’s taking inventory before he speaks. “I wanted to see you before I head out,” he says. “You should come stay with us this summer.”
His roundabout way of showing concern would be endearing if he wasn’t also subtly implying there’s something wrong with me.
“Did Eliza put you up to it?”
He picks up a photo frame from the end table and smiles at our younger selves monkeying around the Harvard lawn. “She agrees some fresh Maine air could do you good.”
“Yeah,” I choke out. Something about having them watch me so closely for an entire summer fills me with dread. I don’twant them to see through the cracks. “I don’t know. I’m kinda swamped.”
He scans me like he’s my freaking dad. “You going out tonight?”
“Yup. Meeting Roger at the Red Lounge.”
I was ready to bolt before Carter stopped by. Why couldn’t I keep my mouth shut in Jackie’s office? She short-circuits all my self-control. I need to get a drink and let loose.
“You look tired. Do you think it’s a good idea?” The concern in his tone makes me uncomfortable.
“Oh, now you believe rest is important?”
“I’ve learned my lesson.”
“Can’t bail anyway,” I lie. “Roger’s bringing two of his friends. I promised to keep one of them company.”
“Can’t stand that guy,” Carter sneers. “Who’s the lucky girl this time? Do you even remember their names?”
“You know what?” I snap. “You’re such a prude since you met Eliza.”
