Page 74 of Consume Me

In the kitchen, my brother shoots daggers at Blake, who smirks at him. I pinch Blake in the thigh. He’s like this antagonistic little kid, treating me like the toy he wants and won’t give to someone else to play with––definitely not the sharing type.

When breakfast ends, I walk with Hunter to the main campus, soaking in the shy rays of the morning sun, which makes the frosted ground sparkle like tiny diamonds.

“That guy will break your heart.”

“I know,” I say, looping my arm around Hunter’s.

“Then stop.”

“I can’t. Neither can you stop what is meant to be. Once the action propels, there’s no stopping the movement.”

“I am going to kill him when he does break your heart.”

“I think he’ll be the one to hurt the most.”

“You’re even defending him,” he mumbles, and I kiss his cheek.

“Thank you for always being there for me. But I got this. He’s just trying to protect me.”

“That’s one way of seeing it.”

My phone rings, and when I see it’s Dad, I put it on speaker.

“Both your kids are here, Dad.”

“My two favorite kids.”

I giggle, and Hunter chuckles when Dad continues, “I would like to invite you to dinner. I have something to tell you.”

“What happened?” Hunter asks, panic lacing his voice as I hold my breath.

My father sighs. “It’s nothing bad. I mean, I hope it’s not.”

“Dad, stop being so cryptic,” Hunter says.

“It’s a surprise.”

Hunter and I exchange a glance. We’re not the kind of family that does surprises.

“A good one,” my father adds.

“Okay, now you sound strange. Should we see a doctor?” Hunter asks.

“Har har. Come spend the weekend with me.”

“I can’t,” Hunter says.

“I’ll let you know if I can,” I reply.

“The invitation stands,” he insists.

After Dad hangs up, I elbow Hunter. “Why can’t you?”

“Who’s watching Bailey with those four fucking all the time at the house?”

“Blake could do it,” I remind him.

“No, I’d feel better if it’s me.”

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