“I’m not…” I start, huffing. “I think Piper is making it sound worse than it is. But I’ll still go.”
“The worst that happens is that you learn a couple songs from bands you like,” Avery says. “You’re always listening to rock music, anyway.”
“My playlists are great,” I remind him. “I influenced your music taste.”
The corner of his lip quirks. “Whatever you say, kiddo.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m not a kid.”
“You’re my little sister,” he argues. “You’re always going to be a kiddo in my eyes.”
“A kid with a job, a car, and an apartment of her own,” I remind him.
It’s endearing, though. I know deep in my heart that Avery will never stop seeing me as his baby sister.
I’m the youngest of the three of us, Willow being the middle child. Willow hasn’t bothered to contact me or Avery in years, and she basically left our parents’ roof as soon she could.
But Avery stayed behind for me.
I’m forever grateful for that.
So, if he wants me to take a guitar class, I’ll do it for him.
“And you’re okay on rent? Since I’m here,” he adds.
I grimace. Piper and Blair have given me a generous salary, more than enough to cover my apartment rent and other necessities.
But it wasn’t always like that, and it never feels good to ask Avery for money, no matter how easily he may offer it.
I know how lucky I am to have landed this position at Furs and Purrs. What started as a volunteer position with cats has turned into a full-time job with a salary high enough to keep a roof over my head.
“I’m fine. More than fine, because of you and Piper,” I remind him. I kick a rock with my combat boot, watching as it tumbles away.
“We always have space for you, Maeve. We have an extra room?—”
“Nope.” I nudge his jean leg with the toe of my boot.
Sorry, but living in with my brother and his pack doesn’t sound like the best idea.
I don’t want to be a fifth wheel.
Besides, he’s earned his time tonothave to freak out about me.
He sighs. “Okay. But?—”
“You know how you get on me about worrying? I amliterallywatching you fret in real time. You might as well be wringing your hands.”
My tone is harsh, but I’m smirking, so he rolls his eyes and rests his hands on his thighs.
“Fine. As long as you show up to guitar class.” He holds out his pinkie finger, and I give him mine.
“I will. And you owe me another salmon bowl.”
“I do?”
“Yes. One where you don’t use it as a bribe.”
“You know I bring you a salmon bowl atleastonce a week, right?”
