Page 33 of Dirty Little Secret
Willow
Sneaking around iskind of hot. I mean, don’t get me wrong, the lying part sucks. I’m terrified we’re going to get caught at some point. But the quickies, heated stares, faint brushes of his fingers on my body, whispered promises … shit, he knows how to rev my engine.
And he takes every opportunity he has to get me going.
Which has been a challenge the last week considering Max has been hanging around more than usual. Watching our every move.
Not that I don’t love my brother, but I can still see he’s hurting. The pain in his eyes is slowly starting to lift. He’s resembling himself more and more every day. Or so I thought. This morning, when I brought over donuts and bagels at his request, I was surprised to find his eyes bloodshot with dark circles under them as if he hadn’t slept.
My concern kicked up a notch when I saw his overnight bag packed, sitting by the couch.
“Where are you going?” I ask, popping open the box of sweet treats, the smell of sugary goodness wafting through the air.
“Home. Evie has prom tomorrow night, and I want to be there to greet the guy who’s taking her.”
That’s code forthreatenher date.
The same way he did mine even though he knew the guy and we’d been dating for close to a year. Luckily for me, Dad was there to keep Max in check. Not that I think he would have punched my date or anything, but the ferocity in his eyes when he spoke was clear.
“Touch her, you die.
“Sleep with her, I’ll bury you alive.”
Yeah, needless to say, my boyfriend didn’t lay a hand on me. At the time I was pissed. I was finally ready to sleep with him, to give him the gift of my virginity. I didn’t want to go off to college without experience. And with one glare, Max ruined my chances.
Turns out, he’d been cheating on me for weeks with some girl from another school. He broke up with me the day after prom and went to her dance the following weekend.
Yeah, he was a real gem. Max may have saved me from a greater heartache, but it doesn’t mean I’m going to watch him go balls-to-the-wall on Evie’s date. Joe’s a nice boy. They’re only friends. More like brother and sister. The only reason they’re going together is because both of them are single right now and they want to have fun.
“I’m headed over tomorrow morning if you want to ride together. I promised Evie I’d do her hair and makeup.”
It’s a lie, but one Evie will back me up on as soon as I talk to her and explain why I had to lie to Max. That it would be in her benefit to go along with it. Plus, I do want to see her in the dress she picked out, all dolled up. And the reaction on Max’s face when he realizes his baby sister isn’t a baby anymore.
“Nah. Mom said the kitchen sink was leaking and that she couldn’t get the lawn mower started the other day, so I have some stuff to get done today.” His voice is flat, void of all emotion.
I can tell he’s not excited to go back home, to relive the memories. Honestly, neither am I, but it’s something we’re going to have to get used to because Mom will never sell that house. Even though it’s too big for just her, and the maintenance and upkeep are going to be a full-time job for her.
“You know, we should really look into hiring someone to help once Evie’s gone. Especially before winter. Someone needs to help her close the pool for the season, and I don’t want her trying to shovel the driveway by herself.”
“I’ve already discussed it with Chris. He knows a guy I guess.”
Of course he does. Chris Graham, Finn’s dad, knows everyone. He owns the largest real estate firm in the area. His connections span far and wide.
“That’s great.” I feign excitement, but my smile doesn’t reach my eyes.
Sliding onto the stool next to me, Max takes a sip of his coffee before closing his eyes and letting out a sigh.
“You look tired, Maxy. Are you sure you don’t want to wait until tomorrow? I’ll drive up with you.”
“No, I’m afraid if I let the leak go too long it’ll damage the subfloor. Mom said it wasn’t that bad, but she didn’t even notice it until the rug in front of the sink was soaking wet, which means it’s been leaking for a while now.”
“Well, I guess I’m just going to have to go with you today then. Let me call Kendall and rearrange some things.” Just as I’m pulling out my phone, Max lays his hand on top of mine and shakes his head. When our eyes meet, his look empty.
“I need to go alone, Lo. I need to think while I drive. To clear my head before I get there. I appreciate the offer and I know you’re trying to help but please let me do this.”
The pleading in his voice causes my heart to ache in my chest. I know what’s on his mind. I wish he’d talk to me. Lean on me. If it weren’t for Kendall and Finn, I’d still be where Max is right now. A deep state of depression, sliding further into the darkness every day.
“Talk to me, Max. You need to talk to someone. You can’t go on like this, bottling everything up.” He shakes his head, averting his eyes to the steaming cup of coffee in his hands. “One thing. Tell me one thing that keeps you up at night, because I can tell you’re not sleeping, and I’ll drop it. For now.”