Page 44 of Reconciling With the Rival

I watch as they walk out of the open door before I see my sister’s face pop in. “Are you done yet? Ella and I want to watch a movie.”

“Yes, I’m done. I have to unpack, but what do you say I make dinner?”

My sister's eyebrows go up. “I would say that’s a great idea, and the bare minimum, since I let you move in here.”

“I don't know, Liss. He might try to give me food poisoning,” Ella says as she walks past me, a bag in her hand.

“Well, since we share a bathroom now, that wouldn't be wise of me, would it?”

She stops in her tracks. “Liss, I thought you said you were switching rooms.”

“Ella, I—”

I cut Alissa off. “I wasn't going to make my sister switch rooms in her own place. This is easier.”

Ella only sighs heavily as she looks past me to my sister. “So that’s why you offered to pay for my books.”

“I was asking forgiveness, not permission. Now, Leo, go make us dinner while we watch this sad movie Ella likes.”

“It’s not sad; it’s my comfort movie!” Ella says as she heads toward her room—the one right across from mine.

“This should be fun,” my sister says as she smacks me in the chest. “I give you guys a week until you’re at each other's throats.”

“Is that a bet you’re willing to make, sis?”

She nods her head. “Yes, actually, it is. Fifty bucks.”

I reach out and take her hand. “Deal.”

I made dinner—pasta allavodka—and Ella only complained once. It’s a new bloody record, and it was only because I refused to pass the butter.

Now, I’m cleaning up. And as I sit in the kitchen and listen to the movie they’re watching, I find myself stealing glances at the screen. My sister has ice cream in the living room for her and Ella—to be honest, that’s all I’mactuallyinterested in.

As I set the final plate in the dishwasher and run it, I notice they’re watchingLittle Women. How in the world is this a comfort movie? Doesn't Beth die? In what way is that comforting?

“Seriously? This is your idea of comfort?”

“Leo…” my sister warns.

“Yes, actually. It’s a story of a beautiful family and sisters who love each other.” Ella rolls her eyes as she takes a bite of her ice cream. “I know you’re only used to movies with naked people, but for some of us, we like an actual story.”

I can only laugh.

“Now, move,” Ella says. “This is my favorite part.”

“Actually, I would love to take part in movie night. After all, I’ll be here for a few months. Might as well spend some much needed time with you guys.”

Ella only rolls her eyes as my sister scooches over on the couch.

“Thanks.”

“Leo, stop talking during the movie.”

I only ignore Ella as the movie plays, and for the rest of it, I shut my mouth. At the end, Ella and my sister are tearing up, and I can’t understand why.

“So the girl who didn't want to get married ended up getting married anyway? I’m so fucking confused.”

“Leo, you don’t get it,” my sister tells me.

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