I clench my fist against the table, my body buzzing with rage. "Don’t talk to me like that."

"Or what? You gonna run to Mommy? Please, you don’t scare me," she mocks with a laugh, her eyes flashing with a mixture of anger and something else.

Her boldness is infuriating, but also... thrilling. She’s changed, but I don’t think she’s any less dangerous.

Daniel watches us, silently pleading for peace. Finally, I stand up, slamming my hand on the table. "You know what? Olivia and I will handle this."

I grab my car keys, not sparing her another glance.

As I drive toward the restaurant, her words continue to gnaw at me. "A plague?" The audacity. I’d been ready to stay out of her way—pretend she wasn’t even here—but now she’s done the one thing that’ll make me face her head-on. She’s pushed all the right buttons, and I’m done being the bigger person.

I think back to when we were kids, how much we used to clash. Maybe back then it was just petty teenage drama, but now? Now it’s something else. Something deeper. She might think she’s tougher, like she’s grown out of that timid girl from before, but I’ll be damned if I let her think she can get under my skin without consequence.

By the time I reach the restaurant, my mind’s racing, and all I can think about is how I’ll make her regret pushing me today. She won’t get away with it—not this time. And whatever game she thinks she’s playing? I’ll play it better. After all, if there’s one thing I know, it’s how to win when everything’s on the line.

I grip the steering wheel tighter. We’re not kids anymore, but I’m about to remind her who she’s dealing with.

Chapter three

Olivia

"Go away!!" I scream, slamming my bedroom door behind me. My voice echoes through the room as I bury my face in my pillow and let out a frustrated scream, the burn in my throat reminding me of my anger. Blindly, I punch the air, imagining each blow landing on Elliot’s jaw, leaving a scar on those infuriatingly beautiful brown eyes and his sleek chestnut hair. God knows how many cans of hairspray he must use to get it to look like that.

The bed dips slightly beside me, and I groan as my brother, Daniel, sits down.

"Are you done throwing your tantrum?"

"Nope, I’m just getting started," I growl, barely sparing him a glance. "I might just take a screwdriver to your car next."

"Hey, I get it. You’re mad. You can punch me if you want, but don’t hurt my poor car. My baby has nothing to do with this." Daniel tries to make me laugh, and somehow, he does.

Turning to face him, I bark, "How could you invite Elliot here today? It’s my first night back!"

"He’s my best friend, Ollie." Daniel starts, but I cut him off.

"But I’m your sister, and I hate him!" I yell, resenting having to say it out loud.

Daniel opens his mouth as if about to speak, but instead, he pulls me close, stroking my hair. I know what’s coming next, and I hate it.

"I’m sorry, Ollie. I know you hate him for ruining prom, but—"

"This isn’t about prom!" I snap. "It’s about his cocky attitude and how he always ignores what I say," I lie, hoping my blush goes unnoticed.

It’s easier to blame Elliot’s attitude—something everyone in town can agree with—than admit that I’m still hung up on something that happened when I was sixteen. There’s no way to admit it without sounding petty, especially since he’s apologized. But honestly, I still haven’t forgiven him. Henry was supposed to be my first kiss, but Elliot ruined it. I ended up having my first kiss during a college game of truth or dare, and it wasn’t magical. No butterflies.

Daniel sighs, his voice softening. "You’re the only one I can trust, Ollie. Julia and I need you both now more than ever. So, even on the days you want to punch his face, remember you’re doing this for your only brother. The one you love so much."

Rolling my eyes in feigned annoyance, I know he’s about to guilt-trip me. And damn it, it’s working. He’s the only real family I have left. "You know I hate you, right?" I scowl, but he smiles brightly.

"You love me, Ollie. You just need to admit it." I grab a pillow, and he isn’t quick enough to dodge it. It lands squarely on his face.

The door creaks open, and Julia stands there, confused. "I told you, babe, I only needed a few minutes to talk her into agreeing to this. Now, where’s my twenty?" Daniel winks at her, and I stare, baffled.

She pulls out a twenty-dollar bill from her pocket and hands it to him. "I honestly thought you’d fight for at least two days," she says.

"Who are you two? I thought we were on the same team," I laugh, watching them kiss.

"Thanks, Ollie," Daniel says, pulling Julia out of the room. "And when you meet the event planner tomorrow, please skip the banana suit or anything that makes you look like a hippie." He teases, ducking just in time as I hurl another pillow at him.