Page 24

Drew

Movingdayhasarrived and my little sister is moving out. For the first time in my adult life, I won’t be looking after her. And I’m freaking terrified of all the things that could happen to her. Emily has been through so much in her life already. If I could, I’d wrap her in bubble wrap and hide her in her room forever. That probably sounds creepy, but after the sudden loss of our parents, I never want to see her hurting again.

I requested the day off when she told me several weeks ago she’d be moving out. I was hoping I wouldn’t get emotional, but there’s not a chance this big cry baby isn’t going to shed any tears. And besides, no one will ever know, anyway.

Yep, I’m a crier. It helps me to just let everything out instead of attempting to bottle it up.

I got a dozen donuts and made a full pot of coffee. I like coffee well enough, but I noticed Sophie drank the rest of the pot I made on Sunday. Unless Penny suddenly acquired a taste for coffee, Sophie sure can put it back. Sophie came upstairs this morning to keep an eye on Penny while I help Emily move, and she brought caramel macchiato creamer with her. Between the coffee creamer and the candy wrappers I found in the garbage bin last night, I’m fairly certain she’s addicted to sugar.

Emily comes down the hallway from the guest room and eyes the donuts and coffee skeptically. Neither she nor I like donuts, but Sophie obviously has a major sweet tooth. And Emily definitely takes notice of my thoughtfulness.

“Donuts, huh?” She leans against the counter and crosses her arms.

I shrug. “Donuts are a moving staple.”

“You hate donuts,” she says with a challenging tone.

“Who hates donuts?!” Sophie asks, walking from the living room into the kitchen with a mouthful of a pink sprinkled donut. “These are amazing.”

Emily looks at me pointedly, then walks toward the front door where we stacked all the boxes last night. She grabs one and gives me one last stare before taking it outside to load it into my Bronco. I grab a box and follow her.

Emily hoists the heavy box into the back of my Bronco and turns to look at me, her brows drawn together in annoyance. “Drew, what are you doing?”

Glaring back at her briefly, I set the heavy box I’m carrying on the tailgate. “Helping you move. What does it look like I’m doing?”

She rolls her eyes. “Don’t play dumb. I meant with Sophie.”

My head jerks back in surprise. “I’m not doing anything with Sophie.”

“Your eyes never leave her the entire time she’s in the same room as you.”

I rub my thumb and index finger on my temples as I compose my anger. “You’re being ridiculous, Em. It probably seems like I’m looking at her because Penny follows her around like a puppy.”

“Ha! You’re delusional. She’s still grieving the loss of her husband. You and I both know how long it takes to heal after a loss like that.” I open my mouth to interrupt her, but she puts her hands up to stop me. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt, Drew. You’ve taken care of me and Penny so well, and I want you to find someone who can take care of you for once.”

“I appreciate that, but you have nothing to worry about. I wouldn’t want to risk my relationship with Ted, or make things awkward with Sophie by acting on this … attraction.” My cheeks heat. This is the last thing I want to talk to my little sister about.

“So you admit you’re attracted to her?” Emily smirks, then turns on her heel.

“Have you seen her?”

She rolls her eyes and walks back inside to grab another box.

I follow her back into the house to find Sophie playing Barbies with the girls on the living room floor. I smile to myself and turn to grab another box, but meet the intense gaze of my sister, who just caught me grinning stupidly at Sophie and the girls.

“Stop that,” I mouth.

“Stop what?” She whispers.

We both grab another box and stomp back outside.

“Okay, enough with the attitude.” I pin her with a serious look. “Hey, you still have the pepper spray I got you, right?” I ask her.

“So you’re just going to change the subject abruptly, huh?” She smirks. “Yes, it’s always with me. I promise.”

“I’m nervous about you living with two women. There’s no one there to protect you, Em.” I slide the box into the trunk with the others.

“I know, but we’ll be careful. The house we’re renting has a security system.” She pauses, looking down at her feet. “I have to move on, Drew. I can’t stay with Penny forever. You know that. It’s too hard for me. She’s your daughter,” she whispers with tears in her eyes.