Page 43 of Boyfriend Maintenance

I ignore his comment, not really wanting to get into a thing about Jake right now. Turning to him, I ask, “So tell me why you’re here. You never visit me.”

He sighs and leans back, resting his head on the back of the couch as he closes his eyes. “I called off the engagement.”

“Shut the front door.”

“True story, bro.” He still has his eyes closed.

“Why haven’t I heard about this yet?”

“Well, for starters, you haven’t picked up your phone when I call.” He pops open an eye and glares at me.

“Sorry, I’ve been preoccupied. I haven’t even heard from Kitty yet.” Not that I would want to, she’d blame me for this, no matter Levi’s reasons.

“Neither have I.”

“I’m not saying that I’m happy you did it, but I can’t say that I’m disappointed either. Whatever your reason, I’m proud that you did something.” I pat his arm. We aren’t a very touchy-feely family, so while most sisters would use this moment to hug their big brothers, I settle on an arm pat.

Levi chuckles in return and covers my hand on his arm, squeezing it lightly. “Thanks, Ems.”

“Are you going to tell me why you called things off with Darcy?” I slowly pull my hand away. Twisting toward him, I lift my legging-covered legs onto the couch and tuck them under me.

“The long and short of it was that you were right.”

“Wait,” I interject. “What was that?”

“Har har, you heard me.”

“I may have possibly misheard you. It sounded like you said I was right.” I feign concern.

He smiles and looks at me. “You heard correctly. Anyway, I decided I’d rather be single than marry someone I’m not in love with. Not to mention someone who is an eager fucking beaver, ready to cheat before we even say our vows.”

I give him a wan smile. “You deserve so much more than that, Levi.”

“I know. Thank you for pushing me on it.”

“Anytime, big bro. As your little sister, I take my duty of telling you when you're wrong very seriously. You can always count on me.” I salute him.

He chuckles.

“So, what are the ramifications of this whole thing? Surely Dad isn’t happy. Kitty is probably shitting a brick.” I shake off the visual.

“You’re probably right on both accounts, but I haven’t spoken to either of them yet. I just called things off with Darcy late last night. I took the day off to avoid Dad.”

“You took a day off?” I perk up in my seat, cock an eyebrow, and start looking over him. Checking his face, looking at the clothes he’s wearing. I lean over and look down at his shoes. He scoffs.

“Youlooklike Levi. But the Levi I know doesn’t take time off. Are you sick? Do I need to take you to the doctor?”

He reaches out and covers my face with his hand, pushing me away. He’s always done this to me. So, I do the only thing I’ve ever done back. I lick his palm.

“Ew. You’re gross.” He pulls his hand away and wipes it on his pant leg.

I smirk.

“Ems, you have no room to talk. You’re just as much a workaholic as Dad and me. Where do you think you got it from?” He has a point, but I shrug it off.

“So, what do you think Dad will do?”

Levi sighs heavily. “I don’t know. I doubt he fires me. Worst-case scenario, I lose my trust.”

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