I clear my throat, rethinking my decision to call her. “Well, I had someone move in.”
“What? Like a roommate? Is he cute? More importantly, is he single?”
“Becky, tone down the interrogation. I haven’t even had my coffee yet.”
“Okay, okay. Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. Go on.”
I rub my temples. “Like I was saying, I had someone move in. Her name is?—”
A gasp fills my ear, but my sister somehow finds the strength to restrain herself from interrupting me again.
“—Jessi.”
“Wait. Jessi, as in the neighbor girl next door?”
I clear my throat again. Fuck, she remembers her. I brace myself as I continue. “Yes. How did you know she lived next door?”
“Really, you cannot be so oblivious. I’ve noticed her and how she watches you when I’ve visited. One of the times I asked you about her, you told me her name.”
“I did? Okay. Well, yes. Her dad and stepmom left on extended trips and her stepbrother is an abusive animal.” I don’t want to disclose too much—it’s not my story. “So, she’s here now.”
“Okaaaaay. So, you are, like, her guardian? You seem like the last person who should be taking that on.”
Fuck my life.I take a deep breath. “Not exactly. She and I . . .”
“Holy shit! You’re sleeping with her. Is she legal? Do you realize the amount of trouble you can get yourself into here?”
“Becky. I’m not fucking her, but I do care a lot about her. She’s young, but she’s legal. She’s nineteen. We’re taking it slow. It’s already turned into a major issue with her brother. She’s been living in a house of horrors over there. I couldn’t make her stay there.”
The line goes silent.
“Becky, speak to me. Do you think I’m a disgusting bastard?” I ask, hanging my head.
“No. You could never be that. I’m shocked because I’ve never heard you talk about anyone like this. I’m concerned you may have fallen for a nineteen-year-old who might not be ready to settle down yet.”
“I know. I worry about that too. I don’t want to hold her back from experiencing life, but I’ve fallen. She’s like a drug to me. I’m crazy about her.” I glance around to make sure Jessi isn’t eavesdropping. “Listen to this. She wants marriage and kids, the whole thing, and she has me crazy enough to be rethinking my stance on that.”
She groans. “Take it slow. Nothing needs to happen today. She must be pretty great if she has you wrapped around her finger. Better than that bitch Natasha.”
I laugh and head over to the coffee maker to brew a much-needed cup of coffee. “If you only knew. Hate for Natasha is something you already have in common with Jessi.”
“She sounds fab then. I can’t wait to meet her, Jack. I’m happy for you, really. But I don’t want you to get hurt. Try to enjoy it for once. You deserve it. But keep the bar low.”
I let out a deep sigh. “Thanks, Becks. Thank you for not judging me. I do really care about her.”
“Don’t thank me. You’re the best brother a sister could ask for. I’ll always hear you out. Okay. Next weekend I’ll be in town. Can’t wait to meet her—and see you. Love you!”
“Yep, next weekend. I love you too.”
I end the call and cut up fruit for breakfast. It’s about the only thing I can do in the kitchen without Jessi guiding me. Let’s face it. I can’t cook a meal to save my life.
As soon as the fruit’s ready, I grab my phone.
Time to tell Mike about the car outside my house yesterday.
CHAPTER 56
JESSI
