Page 106 of Old Habits

I glare at Jovie’s opportunistic smile but that just makes her lips curl even more as Mom cackles beside her.

“I’ll be right back,” I say, following Sara.

Dread increases on me as I make my way across the house. Since day one, Sara’s been as anti-Jovie as anyone else in this town but her hatred doesn’t come from Jovie’s family or her teenage rebellion phase. She’s hated Jovie since before any of that mattered just because of who she is or, more accurately, who she claims Jovie is.

I step one foot into the kitchen and Sara starts in on me.

“You’re engaged now?” she asks. “Engaged?”

“Yes,” I say.

She stumbles on her tongue. “I— wha— she’s been back like a week.”

“So?”

“So, did you ask her or did she ask you?”

I shrug. “Does it make a difference?”

“Yes. She’s playing you, Will.”

“How?” I hold up my hands. “Wait, no. Don’t answer that. I don’t care.”

“You can’t possibly think that getting married to her is a good idea after everything she’s put you through.”

“I do, actually,” I argue. “This is what I’ve wanted since I was fourteen. I can absolutely say it’s a good idea.”

She shows a pained expression. “You’ve fallen in love with her again, haven’t you?”

“No, Sara. I never stopped in the first place.”

“Okay, Will,” she steps closer to the counter, “there’s something you need to know about Jovie.”

“I don’t care. Nothing you have to say will change my mind about her.”

“Believe me,” she says. “This will.”

“Then, I don’t want to know.”

She stands taller. “Will, a few days before you two broke up—”

“Sara, I am happy.” My voice rises and she takes a step back. “Isn’t that what you claimed you and everyone else in this stupid town always wanted? For me to be happy?” I extend my arms, presenting myself. “Well, here it is. So, please, whatever it is, just leave it alone. Let it go.”

“I can’t just let it go. I’m your sister.”

“Honestly, if you’re so hell-bent on ruining this for me then you’re not much of a sister to begin with.”

Her jaw drops slowly. “Will, I… can I at least say, for the record, that I think you’re making a huge mistake?”

“Noted.” I take a breath. “Now, would you please, for me, just let her on that damn committee?”

Sara sighs. “Fine.”

“Thank you.”

Mom shuffles into the kitchen behind me. “Oh, don’t mind me,” she says. “I’m just checking on my roast. Sara, did you set the table?”

“Yes,” Sara says through her teeth. “I set the table.”