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“And in the meantime, have the time of your life.”

She laughed.

I slid off of my stool. “I should get going.”

“You’re not staying for dinner?” Jacob asked.

What was the point? We both knew I wasn’t hungry. And even if I was, I was a nightmare to eat with. I didn’t have the energy to ask Aunt Brooklyn about her ingredient list right now.

“My parents are expecting me for dinner,” I said instead of saying the truth.

But Jacob knew.

And I was pretty sure Adonis knew too. He was quickly learning too much.

“If you’re sure,” Jacob said. “But at least check out these changes to the game.” He turned his screen toward me.

They’d done what Adonis wanted. I was now riding on his back.

“Better, right?” Adonis said.

I laughed. “It’s certainly something.”

He smiled.

My phone buzzed. “RJ’s here. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Adonis said.

I was going to protest, but he was already off his stool and walking toward the front door.

“Bye, Jacob.”

Jacob pulled me into a hug and kissed the side of my forehead. “Please eat something,” he whispered. “You’re scaring me.”

I sighed and rested my head against his chest for just a moment. And then I squeezed him tight and stepped away from his hug. I hadn’t responded to him. Because I didn’t want to lie.

I walked out the front door.

Adonis was standing on the steps with his hands in his pockets. He smiled when he saw me come out.

I wanted to say that I was sorry about his mom. And sorry that his house was empty.

But I didn’t say any of that. “Goodnight.” I stepped past him, but he grabbed my arm.

“Wait.”

I stared up at him.

“You’re good at giving advice.”

“What?”

“Jacob’s little sister. It was good advice.”

I stared at him. “Okay?”

“So why aren’t you taking it yourself?”