That sounds as fishy as the trout swimming in the lake. Evie remembers everything her boyfriends tell her. “I’ll be okay for one night.”

“We’ve hardly seen each other this summer. And my nails are chipped and gross. Let’s do a spa night and pamper ourselves.”

My red polish is chipped as well.

“There’s that new movie with Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt,” Henry says. “Let’s watch that.”

I stop walking. Their love and concern is sweet, but smothering. Are they checking in with Bennett? Who is comforting him? “Guys, you know I love all of you. You’re family to me, but I swear if you don’t let me have a few hours of peace before hanging out again, I’ll punch each of you in the gut.”

“Fine,” Emerson says, offended. “We’ll leave you alone.”

“But only so you can spend time with her,” Cam says, pointing to a figure standing on the patio a hundred yards away.

Who is that? We get closer and finally details sharpen. I haven’t seen Steph in years, but there’s no mistaking my little sister. Her tall, slender build is the same as when she was a teen. Her brown hair is shorter and has more red to it than I remember. “Steph?” A thickness develops in my throat.

“Surprise!” Evie says.

I drop my towel and water jug on the grass, not caring that I’m drenched from head to toe. I run and swallow my sister up in a bear hug. “What are you doing here? How did you get here?”

“Hey, sis.” Steph says, hugging me back. “Some guy flew me up here. Said it was important and I had to come immediately. Are you okay? I’ve been freaking out the entire plane ride here.”

My nose stings with emotion. “I’m not one hundred percent, but I’m much better now that you’re here. How long are you staying?”

“Five days.”

She gave up a week of her life for me? “I’m glad you came. Let’s head up to my room and you can get settled while I shower.”

“Uh, Mils?” Henry says like I’ve forgotten him.

“Yeah?”

“Introductions?”

I look at Cam, Henry, and Emerson. All three of them are eyeing Steph like she’s something they want to eat. “Wipe the drool from your chins, men. She’s off-limits.”

Steph’s cheeks turn pink. “Actually, I’m very free and very interested to meet you guys.”

I groan. Great. My time with my sister is going to get hogged by these three flirts. “Steph, this is my roommate and best friend, Evelyn. And these troublemakers are Camden, Henry, and Emerson.”

She waves, her gaze lingering on Henry. He’s a good guy, but immature in the way college juniors are. Although that is Steph’s age. It makes sense she’d zero in on him.

“Steph, it’s a pleasure to welcome you to our home,” Henry says. “We were discussing watching a movie. Would you care to join us?”

“Yeah, I could use an easy night in,” Steph says, nodding. “But can we start it in an hour or two? My sister and I have some catching up to do.”

“Of course,” Cam says. “We’ll get snacks ready. Meet us in the theater at four.”

Steph waves her fingers, staring at Henry with a flirty smile. Good thing she’s only here for five days. Who knows the amount of trouble those two will get into in that timeframe?

“They have a theater?” Steph asks in a shocked tone.

“Oh yeah,” Evie says. “And a library, billiards room, formal and informal living and dining rooms, a ballroom, and music-slash-study room. We’re like Clue, but without any weapons or death.”

“How long have you been here, Mils?” Steph asks, her eyes wide as she takes in the massive home.

“Since May. You’re going to love it here. There are so many activities. It’s impossible to get bored.”

“I can’t wait. Let’s hurry so we can catch up with Henry.”