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"You don't have to say it. It's in everything you do."

The accusation hits harder now that Dad put the same damn thought in my head.

She glares at me with more hurt and anger.

"Fine." The word comes out clipped. "Go."

Mom snaps, "Jagger!"

I spin toward her. "What? She wants me to back off. So I'm backing off."

Mom's eyes widen.

Lainey seethes, "That's not what I meant."

I cross my arms. "I don't know what the hell you want from me right now, Lainey."

"I want you to trust me."

"I do trust you."

"No. You trust me as long as I'm doing what you think I should be doing."

"Lainey!" Lorraine scolds.

I fire off, "That's not fair."

"Neither was what you just said about me not telling you about Charlie."

Fuck. Fuck. FUCK!

I look away. I don't have a comeback and can't deny it.

Lainey's voice drops. "Jagger, I love being here with you. I love seeing you with Charlie. I love how much your family loves her. But just because I want a life with you doesn't mean I'm ready to hand over the one I built without you."

My gaze snaps back to hers. "I'm not asking you to."

"Then stop making me fight for every inch of independence I already had."

I scowl. "You think an offer to drive you in a snowstorm and pick you up is taking away your independence?"

She shakes her head. "I just wanted one night with my friend without having to argue about how I get there."

"I won't ever offer to drive you anywhere again," I retort.

"Jagger, you're being immature," Evelyn points out.

"Stay out of this," I bark at my oldest sister.

"Watch it," Clay warns, stepping closer to his wife.

"You watch it," I spout and stomp out of the house and into the snow. I grab a bunch of logs and toss them on the fire. Then I pick up the poker and start jabbing it at the red, hot bark.

Lainey eventually comes out of the house, keys in hand. For one stupid second, I think she might kiss me. But she cautiously says, "I'll see you later."

"Have fun," I say, not looking at her.

"Fine. I'll see you later."