"That's called going behind my back, Callie."
"Luke, I'm sorry," I say. "You're right, we should've told you immediately, but I needed time to process what you said. To make sure this was real and not just something we'd both regret."
"And driving to Denver? Was that processing?"
"No. That was me being done with processing."
Luke looks at Callie. "And you? What's your excuse?"
"I don't have one. I wanted to see him, so I drove there. I'm sorry we didn't tell you, but I'm not sorry for going."
"I'm not asking you to be sorry for going. I'm asking you to understand why I'm pissed that you lied to me."
"We understand," I say. "And we're sorry. But Luke, you need to understand something too. We've been fighting this formonths. Trying to do the right thing. Trying to respect you. And it's been hell. So, when you gave me your blessing, I didn't know how to process it. Didn't know if you meant it."
"Why wouldn't I mean it?"
"Because she's your sister, and because I'm your best friend. And because people say things they don't mean all the time when they're trying to be supportive."
Luke is quiet for a long moment. When he speaks again, his voice is softer. "I meant it. Every word. You're the only person I'd trust with her. The only one."
"I know. But trusting someone and being okay with them dating your sister are different things."
"Maybe. But I told you I was okay with it. And instead of believing me, you lied."
"We didn't lie. We just... delayed the truth."
"Same thing."
He's right, it is the same thing.
"You're right," I say. "We lied. And I'm sorry. But I'm not sorry for being with Callie. I'm not sorry for wanting her. And I'm not going to apologize for that."
Luke looks at me. Really looks at me. "I'm not asking you to apologize for that. I'm asking you not to lie to me."
"I won't. Not again."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
He turns to Callie. "And you?"
"No more lying," she says. "But Luke, you need to let go. I'm an adult. I make my own choices. And I choose Ethan."
Something in Luke's expression shifts. "Fine, you choose Ethan. Then be with Ethan, but don't lie to me about it."
"We won't," I tell him.
Luke nods slowly. Uncrosses his arms. "Okay. Then I guess we're good."
"Just like that?" Callie asks.
"Just like that. You're both adults. You want to be together. I'm not going to stand in the way. But I am going to hold you to the honesty thing. No more sneaking around. No more lies. We clear?"
"Clear," I say.
"Good." He looks at his watch. "It's almost one. You two should get some sleep. We can talk more tomorrow."
