Page 97 of Rex

“Eat! Shovel it in! Drew’s here!” I whisper-shout to Rex.

“I can smell it, Aria. You might as well open the door,” my brother hollers from outside.

“Fuck me,” Rex mutters, but he quickly shoves a forkful into his mouth, chewing while looking over his shoulder.

“We need to have him tested again. This shit’s not normal,” I mumble around the mouthful of food I have.

“I’m calling Mom as we speak,” Drew shouts, and I look toward the window to find him peeking inside, hands cupped to reduce the glare.

“You’re a tattletale!” I shout back before walking to the window, holding my plate up so he can see what he’s missing.

I raise a forkful of tender beef, dripping in a luscious gravy, and place it in my mouth. With exaggerated movements, I chew, closing my eyes in bliss, swallow, then lick my lips. Opening my eyes, I’m positive I see a little drop of drool slip off his chin, headed for the ground.

“Oh shit. He looks so sad, Aria,” Rex says in a mournful voice. “Look at his little face.”

“Snap out of it! He’s not a homeless puppy,” I state, but I’m starting to feel guilt slide through my stomach.

When my phone rings and I see my mom’s name, I know I’m doomed.

“Hey, Mom. What’s up?” I ask in a bright tone.

“Aria! You should be ashamed of yourself,” Mom says in her best disappointed-in-me voice.

I feel my shoulders droop and know I’ve lost.

“Fine, Mom. I’ll let him in, and he can eat my beautiful roast. I’ll order take-out for me and Rex,” I say in a defeated tone.

Rex immediately jumps up and heads for the front door. Letting my brother in, Drew rushes to the table and bounces a little in joy. I give Rex an eye roll, but he just shrugs and points to my brother.

“He’s happy again,” Rex says in defense.

“Let who in?” Mom asks. “Is your brother there?”

“Well, yeah, he is. Isn’t that why you called me? Why else should I be ashamed of myself?” I question, thoroughly confused now.

“No, I didn’t know he was there, but it’s nice of you to feed him. I knew I raised you right. But back to why I called—you told Vex that I think he’s hot? Really?” Mom nearly screeches.

There goes the whole “I knew I raised you right” statement. That escalated quickly.

Rubbing an eyebrow with a finger, I cringe.

“Accidentally, Mom. He overheard a private conversation. You should call him and chew him out for eavesdropping! It’s impolite, you know.”

“I’ll let you go so you can spend time with your brother, but this isn’t over. I’ll see you on Sunday, I guess. Give Drew a kiss from me,” Mom says before disconnecting.

“You didn’t call Mom, did you?” I ask in disgust.

“Mom has beautiful timing, though, don’t you think?” Drew says as he devours what’s left of the roast.

“Did you leave any for me?”

“Thought you were done. You set your plate down,” Drew answers in his reasonable voice.

“Where is it?” I ask suspiciously.

“No sense in wasting food. I finished it for you. You’re welcome. Did you make dessert?” Drew asks with an innocent look.

Glancing at Rex, I see his plate is wiped clean.

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