Page 134 of The First Time

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He nods to the corner of the room. It's there, the raspberry pink suitcase. "Should have everything you need for the weekend."

"Oh." What? Mal is encouraging me to stay with Kit all weekend. This doesn't make any sense.

"Whatever happens with Mom and Dad, I'll make sure you're taken care of."

"I can't take your money, Mal."

"I have more money than I know what to do with."

"How much more?"

"I write the lyrics. I get twice the songwriting royalties as everyone else."

I raise a brow.

"You want a figure?"

"Yes."

"I'll tell you after you agree to let me pay your tuition."

"Not happening."

He chuckles. "You'll change your mind."

"You're a know it all."

Mal turns towards me. His voice is soft but his expression is still unreadable. "You and Kit, huh?"

I say nothing.

Damn, his expression is still a wall. I try to copy his poker face, but I'm already starting to sweat.

"How long has this been going on?" he asks.

"Uh..."

He stares at me with calm eyes.

I can't tell if he's scary calm or normal calm.

"Piper?"

I blurt out the first thing that comes into my brain. "You're not my father."

"Might as well be."

It's true. Mal has been my guardian since Mom and Dad bailed when I was 12.

"I prefer being your brother. Your friend."

"Me too."

"How long?"

"We've been talking for a while, but it wasn't official until last night."

He nods, his expression still serene. "Are you two together?"

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