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I scurry around his apartment, ignoring every thought in my brain, and gather my stuff. Five minutes later, I’m dressed and ready to go. I sling my purse over my shoulder and head for the door.

“Text or call me when you get home,” Cal says by the doorframe.

I roll my eyes but then agree before exiting his apartment, hitting the elevator button, and making the descent down to the lobby.

I step out of the elevator, my eyes locked onto my feet, watching my steps forward. Before I glance up, I hear my name.

“Hey, Scarlett. What are you doing here?” My brother greets me.

Um, what?

My brain momentarily freezes and forgets everything.

What is Sebastian doing in Calvin’s lobby with Annie before eight in the morning?

Right. He lives in this building with his best friend.

I glance down and notice suitcases by their side. They must be returning from their long weekend in California. I barely remember Cal mentioning that their flight got delayed for their return.

“Sebastian, hey! Uh, I forgot,” I stumble. “I forgot you were away. I stopped by to say hello.” The lie rolls off my tongue.

“Oh, do you want to come up? We can catch up for a few.” His eyes are filled with hope, which makes me feel like an asshole. I do miss my brother, but I want to go home and shower then head into the office.

“Oh, uh, well, sure.”

“Did you want to go over changes and updates for the women’s shelter?”

“Oh, well, unfortunately, I forgot the files…” It is true. I have zero files on me right now.

“Oh, that’s okay. We just got back and are exhausted. And I have to get to the stadium soon to watch some tape to start the week.”

“Don’t fall asleep again,” I tease, feeling a little better knowing I’m off the hook.

“I only fall asleep half the time. Plus, it’s boring when Coach makes us watch the same play over and over.” He turns directly to Annie and then adds, “No offense to coaches.”

“None taken,” Annie adds.

“I don’t want you to get fired. I enjoy having the foundation in Boston,” I say.

“Me too,” Sebastian agrees while giving me a huge smile.

“I enjoy having you both in Boston, too,” Annie says, and then she turns to me. “Hey, Scarlett, come over for dinner soon? Tuesdays usually work well for us if you are up for it.”

“That’s a great idea!” Sebastian easily agrees. “Do you want to come over on Tuesday night for takeout?”

“Sure! That sounds good! I’ll let you both go now, but I’ll see you on Tuesday!” With that, I hug them goodbye and then hurry out of the building before anything else happens.

A million thoughts flicker on my way home, but there’s one I fixate on.

I can’t believe the first time I hook up with Calvin, I run into my little brother. What are the chances?

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Calvin

My phone pings from the table, and I’ve never reached for the device faster.

Lettie: I’m home