Page 92 of Changing Rules

“Bye, Dad.” I turn on my heel and dash down the stairs, hoping to sneak away without seeing Mom. I’d rather not have to explain why I’m so pissed off.

I guess today isn’t my day.

“Alex? Where are you going?”

Instantly, my hackles rise.

That voice. Fuck. When did she get here?

Jaw clenched, I turn and lock eyes with Audrey. She stands in the doorway of the living room, my nephew, Mason, propped on her hip. Her brow is knitted and her lips pursed. I haven’t seen her in weeks; I avoid her any chance I get. Yet fate has decided I should face her when I’m already on edge. Fucking perfect.

“Home,” I hiss through my teeth.

“Why? Mom said you just got here.”

“Something came up.”

“Really? Or are you leaving because I’m here?” She lifts her chin, her eyes narrowed.

When Bella broke up with me, Audrey turned into a whiny child, begging me for forgiveness. When she didn’t get it, she became aggressive, snapping at me any time she saw me. Apparently, this new stage includes putting the blame on me.

I’m so fucking tired of her behavior.

“That too.”

“Unbelievable,” she barks.

Mason flinches at her sharp tone, then bursts into tears.

“Audrey?” Mom appears, frowning in concern. “What’s going on?”

I do my best not to glower at Audrey. I don’t want Mason to think my anger is directed at him. It’s a challenge. “I was on my way out when your daughter decided to talk to me.”

“She’s yoursister.” Mom’s expression hardens. “I made myself clear last time. You two need to get along! I have enough on my plate already. I don’t have time to play peacemaker anymore.”

“I said I’m sorry a thousand times! I even apologized for things I didn’t do!” Audrey stomps her foot, making Mason cry louder.

She’s ridiculous. None of her so-called apologies came with even a shred of remorse, and these attempts to pin the blame anywhere but on herself are pathetic.

Just admit you were wrong and leave me alone. That’s all I want. But no, she continues to hound me, like she needs me to tell her I’m not angry with her anymore, that I forgive her.

But that’d be a lie. So, the gates of hell have broken open, and Audrey has become the biggest pain in the ass.

“And I said I don’t need your apologies,” I say to my sister, keeping my tone low. “They don’t mean shit.”

I don’t feel even an ounce of pity for her. The warmth, the trust, the love I felt for my sister—it’s all gone. Her meddling and manipulation wrecked our sibling bond, severed it completely. She couldn’t handle that I’d grown up, that I wasn’t seeking her advice anymore, and she took her unhappiness out on Bella. She blamed my girlfriend for making her feel like an outsider in my life, when in reality it was all in her head. For me, she was still one of the most important people, even if her role had shifted a little, but she didn’t want to accept it.

If I ever find it in myself to forgive Audrey, I’ll never forget what she put Bella through. That scar is forever stamped onto my relationship with her.

But when I register my mom’s pained expression, the tiniest bit of regret threads through me. She’s miserable. Her kids are at each other’s throats, and, like she said, she’s dealing with enough when it comes to my dad.

“I’m going home.” I peck her cheek then head to the door. “It’s for the best.”

As I grab the doorknob, Audrey says, “She’s back.”

I tense.

“Isabella is back.”

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