Page 6 of Changing Rules

“Bah.” She waves wildly. “It doesn’t matter whether he’s twenty-five or twenty-six. He could even be thirty! That lady needs to get lost.”

“No,” I say, my voice weaker than I’d like. “They’re close; they always have been.” I run my fingers through Milo’s fur. “I don’t know what it’s like to have a real family. I never had siblings, so what Audrey and Xander have is precious to me. I don’t want to get in the way.”

“You’re too nice.” Meg studies me, her brow wrinkled. “It won’t end well if you continue to stay quiet about your feelings. You should create boundaries, talk to him about creating them too. I agree, it’s great for siblings to be close. But if she’s constantly undermining you, that’s a problem.”

Unwelcome tears brim my eyelashes. “You’re right. Thank you for helping me see it.”

“Stop it. If you cry, I’ll cry—and you know I’m an ugly crier!” Meg whines, pulling me in for a hug.

As we sit side by side, watching the end ofThe Devil Wears Prada, a peacefulness washes over me. I feel safe with Meg. Her energy refuels me, gives me strength and confidence. I should be more like her instead of going back to my old pushover habits. That’s a road to nowhere.

When the movie is over, I head to the kitchen for a refill and more snacks. When I step back into the living room, Meg is on the phone with Marco.

Is he home from the gym already?

I strain to hear his side of the conversation as I sit on the couch. No luck.

If he’s home, then where’s Xander?

“Me too, babe,” Meg purrs tenderly. “It’d be nice if you could wait for me, but don’t feel obliged… Of course. Uh-huh. Love you.”

She tosses her phone on the table, a playful smile twitching at her lips. “Marco is too sweet. He’s home, but he tried to insist he’d leave again so he could come pick me up. I told him there’s no need; Uber is always an option.”

Despite the frisson of disappointment over Xander’s absence, my heart warms. “I’m so happy for you. Marco is a great guy.”

“He’s still surprised I’m more talkative than he is.” She bursts into laughter. “He was impressed that I hid the truth about your relationship with Xander for so long. He said he never could’ve done that.”

We talk for a few minutes, but I’m eager to start the next movie, hoping it’ll help clear my head of thoughts about Xander’s whereabouts.

Should I call him? Is he stuck in traffic? What if?—

“Izzy, you’re spacing out.” A warm palm on my bare knee startles me.

“Sorry, I’m?—”

Milo’s bark stops me midsentence. He lifts his head but doesn’t leave the couch.

I, however, stand and head for the door.

Could it be the surprise Xander promised? Honestly, I’m most excited to see my man, to be in his arms, to kiss his lips.

I inhale, ready to call out to him. But instead, Audrey walks through the door. She steps inside, talking nonstop, peering over her shoulder.

“Did you know she was coming over?” Meg asks quietly, suddenly at my side.

My stomach sinks. “No.”

“Can you believe it?” Audrey stops in the middle of the hallway, turning to face Xander behind her. “That rare bookstore I always loved? It’s closed! Two years ago! Ugh.” She tosses her arms out and lets them fall to her sides. “It feels like everything changed while I was gone.”

“That’s not true,” he says, though all I can see is the top of his head behind her. “A few things are different, sure, but it’s not the end of the world.”

“Maybe you’re right. I don’t know. I don’t like such drastic changes,” Audrey huffs.

“She’s kinda over-the-top,” Meg whispers. “Though I remember that from the Warriors game.”

“Where’s Milo? He’s usually waiting for me at the door.” Audrey spins around and finally notices me, her face lighting up in feigned excitement. “Oh, Isabella! I didn’t know you were home.”

“Hey, Audrey.” I smile at her despite the uneasy feeling in my chest. She looks cute; she’s four months along, and her baby bump is already visible. “Milo, come here,” I call.

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