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“Now, do you need help with anything else?”

“A few more boxes. Then we can head downstairs.”

“Perfect.”

We return to packing in comfortable silence, the faint sounds of my mother moving around downstairs, a familiar backdrop.

An hour later, we’ve made decent progress. Boxes over boxes and the room bare.

After sealing up the last box, I wipe my brow. “All done. Last trip downstairs.”

Bash lifts two heavy boxes. “Lead the way.”

We maneuver down the stairs. At the bottom, I pause. “About Lil...”

“Again?”

“Yes, we’re going to be living together. So…”

Bash sets the boxes down, leans against the wall, arms crossed, and meets my gaze. “What do you want?”

He’s willing to talk. “I don’t want there to be tension or awkwardness if you drop by unexpectedly. I care about both of you and want us to get along. I don’t want this issue between you two to cause problems.”

“It won’t cause any problems because I no longer care.” He picks up the boxes and strides past me.

Great.

After loading the last boxes into his car, we get in.

“Remind me never to help you move again. I’m too old for this manual labor.”

I tap his arm. “Come on, you’re only five years older than me! Don’t act like this was tough for you. I know how much time you spend in the gym.”

“Guilty as charged.” He starts the engine.

“How’s work and the new project you mentioned?” I ask.

Since taking over as CEO from our father, he has his hands full restructuring some of the company’s assets. Not that he ever admits to being overwhelmed.

“Smoothly.” He shrugs and pulls out onto the road, fingers tapping against the steering wheel. “Lots of paperwork and meetings. Never boring.”

“Is everything okay?”

“Long week at the office. You know how it is.” He shrugs again, but the line between his brows deepens.

“You seem... exhausted.”

“Don’t worry about me.”

“Too late for that. You’re my brother. It’s my job to worry.”

A reluctant smile tugs at his lips. “And you’re too stubborn to listen, as always.”

The rest of the drive passes quickly.

We pull into the garage of my new apartment building, a sleek high-rise of glass and steel. Bash grabs a box from the trunk and falls into step behind me. Inside, we find Mary in the kitchen, a spread of Chinese takeout, champagne, and cupcakes on the counter in front of her.

“You’re back! And with reinforcements.” Mary hops off the stool.

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