“You want to watch a movie?” I ask Penelope once Otis is gone.
“There’s a documentary on diamond mining in Africa.”
I sigh. Of course, she wants to watch a documentary. My gifted sister doesn’t have time for menial things such as movies and fiction novels.
We settle in the living room. While she watches her documentary, I scan a magazine on my phone. I notice an article on Juliet Ash and click on it. I gasp when I read how much concert tickets cost. I hope Gage can find someone else to attend the concert with.
My stomach sours. I don’t want Gage to attend the concert with another woman. I want to go with him. If I’m being honest with myself – something I’m loath to do – I want to spend time with the football player. Time, I don’t have.
Speaking of time. I check my watch. Great. Time to argue with Mila about bathing.
An hour later, I collapse in bed. My head aches from Mila shouting at me. And the screaming match between Mila and Penelope. I don’t understand why Penelope lets Mila get under her skin. She’s smart enough to understand Mila’s teasing her. Can’t she let it go? Apparently not.
My phone buzzes and I groan. If Otis is in trouble, I’m going to scream.
Hi, friend. How was your day?
My entire body warms when I read the message from Gage. He’s thinking of me. Little old me.
Exhausting.
Tell me more. What happened?
Huh. I thought he’d ignore my complaining and switch the topic but he didn’t.
Do you seriously want to know?
I wouldn’t ask otherwise.
I roll onto my stomach to type my answer.
My siblings argued about dinner, about the dishes, about every-dang-thing.
Siblings love to argue.
Do you have any sisters or brothers?
I wait for three dots to appear to indicate he’s typing but they don’t. Maybe I’m being too personal. Or maybe he’s busy. Or maybe he’s bored. My life is not exciting.
I highlight the message but Gage responds before I can delete my question.
Nope. No sisters or brothers.
Lucky you.
I always wanted a few brothers. A little sister to protect. A big family.
Does he not have a family? I type the question but then delete it again. I want to know everything there is to know about Gage. But nothing will come of the knowledge. Since we can never be more than friends.
Me too. Until I met my brother and sisters.
Tell me all about them.
Otis is my brother. He’s the oldest at seventeen. He’s obsessed with football.
I like him already.
I roll my eyes. Men and their sports.
