Page 13 of When Love Comes Home

"You've always been so mean to him," Loren points out.

"Thanks," I sneer.

"I didn't say it to make you feel bad," she continues. "This is Adam we're talking about. We love him like family. Why don't you?"

"He came between me and Dad," I say, my voice quieter now, unable to meet their eyes. "Isn't that enough?"

"I think we all know that's not true," Laila says, her tone serious.

"Let's just agree to disagree then," I reply, realizing how stubborn I must sound.

We all sit in silence, each one of us with plenty to say but too afraid to start an argument. "Anyway," I finally say. "Adam and I talked and agreed that him moving in would never work."

"So what's the problem, then?" Laila asks.

"I don't think Dad is going to give up so easily," I say. "I don't want to move back home. I don't want to move out. I like it here."

"But it's Adam's house," Loren reminds me.

"What do I do?" I ask. "I have to convince Dad that he needs to let Adam and me work this out without interfering."

"I hate to break it to you, Sis," Laila says, "But Dad is still the boss of you, whether you like it or not. Especially when he's right."

"What does Mom say about all this?" Loren asks.

"I haven't spoken to her about it," I admit. "I was too upset. But we all know Mom and Dad always present a united front. Even if she doesn’t agree, she won’t go against Dad once his mind’s made up."

"And let’s not forget," Loren adds, "she loves Adam."

"She loves Adam," Laila and I echo in unison.

Chapter 7

Adam

I'melbow-deepinconstructionplans when the phone rings. It’s no surprise to see Aaron's name flashing on the screen. My foster brother and best friend has called me almost every night since the day we met eighteen years ago.

"Hey, Brother," I say, answering the call.

"Am I calling at a bad time?" Aaron asks, picking up on my rushed tone.

"Not at all," I reply with a chuckle. "I just need an office, man. Trying to figure out these plans in this tiny room is impossible."

"How’s the house hunt going?" he asks.

"I checked out two places today," I say. "But neither felt right. I’m heading out again on Saturday."

"Sounds like you need something fast," Aaron says.

"Jon offered me an office at the firm," I admit. "But... I’m not sure that’s a great idea."

"Katherine?" he asks knowingly, fully aware of Katie’s issues with me.

"Have you seen her again?" he asks.

"No," I reply, shaking my head even though he can’t see me. "I thought I’d see her at her family’s usual Saturday dinner, but she didn’t show. Then I figured I’d run into her at Jon’s office when he asked me to stop by and choose between two empty offices he’s offering."

"So she’s avoiding you," Aaron says.

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