Page 31 of Resisting my Roommate

She parts her lips, about to continue her inquisition, but I cut her off before she can.

“How were Presley and Jeremiah?”

Dylan studies me for a protracted beat, her piercing green eyes analyzing everything I do. I expect her to accuse me of purposefully changing the subject. I don’t know why I’m not being forthcoming with her. It’s not like she won’t eventually find out who Abbey is.

But she’s not just my new employee. She’s also my new roommate. There’s no doubt in my mind she’ll overthink what that means. It doesn’t mean anything.

“Presley’s doing a little better,” she finally answers as she washes her hands. “Some kids at school still make fun of her because she won’t talk.”

“Fucking assholes,” I mutter, unable to stop myself.

I may not have spent much time with my niece and nephew before they moved here, but I feel fiercely protective of them as they attempt to adjust to life without their mom. As if that’s not bad enough, Presley was in the car with her mom while she took her last breath. When the paramedics found them, she was clutching her hand.

All because some asshole teenager just couldn’t wait a few more minutes to send a text.

It’s no wonder she hasn’t spoken since. I’m not sure I’d want to talk after going through something like that at only six years old.

Hell, I didn’t want to talk after going through something similar at my current age. Still don’t.

“She’s making friends, though,” Dylan pipes up, pulling out a cutting board and getting to work on slicing some oranges used to garnish one of my lighter brews. “A few of the girls in class play with her at recess. According to her teacher, they play the ‘quiet’ game.”

“The ‘quiet’ game?”

“Apparently, they can only communicate using body language. The first person who talks loses.” She flashes me a mischievous smile. “Presley is the reigning champion.”

“Of course she is,” I say with a chuckle. “I’m glad she’s adjusting, all things considered.”

“Me, too,” she answers affectionately, the love she has for her niece and nephew apparent.

That’s the one thing I’ll never take for granted. My siblings may get on my nerves, but they’re always there for each other when it counts. Especially Dylan.

In many ways, she’s the glue that holds us together, even if she’s the youngest.

She not only helps me out at the taproom whenever I need it, she’s been practically raising Presley and Jeremiah for our oldest brother, Hayden. She’s done more than most people would in her position. All the more reason I’m glad I hired Abbey. My sister deserves to take some time for herself. Pursue her own passion, whatever that may be.

“Now that I’ve answeredyourquestion, it’s time you answer mine. Who’s the new girl? And don’t give me some lame answer about her being a new employee.”

I inwardly groan as I pull more glassware out of the dishwasher. I should have known Dylan wouldn’t let it go. She can be like a dog with a bone. She won’t let up until she’s gotten to the juicy bit.

“Her name’s Abbey,” I finally relent, but don’t look my sister directly in the eye, keeping my focus on polishing the glasses. “And you’re right. She’s not local, but she needed a job and, as you’ve reminded me time and again, I need more staff. So there you go.” I run the cloth against the glass a touch harder than necessary. “More staff.”

“Abbey? Why does that name…” She trails off and sucks in a sharp breath. “Is that the runaway bride?”

I look in Dylan’s direction, about to remind her that one awful incident doesn’t define who she is. But before I can, Abbey’s voice cuts in.

“Guilty as charged,” she sings, an air of confidence about her as she floats toward the serving station. “Abbey Rhodes.” She extends her hand toward my sister, and they shake.

“Dylan Lawrence.”

Abbey’s eyes widen. “You’re Jude’s sister!”

“The one and only. Literally. Out of five kids, I’m the only girl. You can imagine what my dating life is like with four older brothers. Fouroverbearingolder brothers. Especially this one.” She hooks a thumb my way.

I lean against the counter and cross my arms in front of my chest, enjoying the lull before the post-work rush. “In my defense, some of the guys you dated were assholes, Dyl.”

“No worse than you, my darling brother,” she teases before returning her attention to Abbey. “How are you settling in?”

“Great. The people in town here have been very welcoming. Especially Jude. If it weren’t for him, I’m not sure what I would have done.”

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