Page 31 of Buckled in Barbwire

The buzzing in my pocket hasn’t quit for five minutes. Whoever it is better have a damn good reason for blowing up my phone during a meeting. I signal to my uncle and cousins before blindly swiping across the screen to answer. The device is barely lifted to my ear when unleashed hostility barks at me.

“Hello, brother.”

“Bianca,” I greet. “This is a surprise. How’s the trip?”

“Cut the shit,” she growls. “You kissed Paisley.”

“And?”

My sister sputters. “That’s crossing a line.”

I scoff at her dramatics. “It didn’t mean anything.”

“So I’ve heard.” Disdain drips from her tone. “She told me about Dad’s demands and your brilliant idea to drag her into a scam.”

A dry chuckle shakes free. “Oh?”

“This isn’t funny. She’s not getting involved with you and your obligations.”

“Too late,” I drawl.

“Is not,” she fires in return. “Find someone else. Lucy will gladly volunteer.”

I grimace at the name of my former no-strings arrangement. “It’s been months since I’ve seen her.”

“All the more reason to reunite.”

“Lucy isn’t eligible for the role. This connection needs to appear genuine and different. The one nobody saw coming. I have to make everyone believe Paisley has changed me, which includes Dad.”

Bianca huffs. “She’s done nothing but play nice and you’re acting like a manipulative jerk.”

“Sorry to burst your bubble, but Paisley is far from innocent.”

“I’m willing to bet you started it.”

And I damn well plan to finish it, not that my sister needs to hear about those plans. “I’m not keeping score.”

Her frustration is almost audible. “What harm has she caused?”

The pressure in my chest triples. “She’s a drain on my sanity and productivity. Might as well make use of her while I have some sense left.”

A pathetic whimper comes from her end. “Don’t do this, Brody. It isn’t you.”

“I’m doing what needs to be done.”

“There’s a better way. Find someone you can actually build a future with. Why lie about it?”

“I don’t need the complications or commitment of a real relationship. Too messy,” I explain.

“Well, fine. But my best friend is off-limits. Buy a cardboard cutout to pose as your girlfriend for all I care.”

The idea has potential, but will ultimately fall flat. “It’s almost sweet that you care so much, but Paisley can make her own decisions. She’s a big girl.”

“I’m protecting her. That’s what friends do.”

Sawdust and irritability scent the air when I inhale. “How endearing. Do you braid her hair while offering shoddy advice too?”

“We watch out for each other. Simple as that,” she snips.

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