Page 63 of The Wild Card
The idea that my brother might not want to fully share the Grahams with me is kind of ugly. But he’s definitely not wild about any of this for some reason.
“I just don’t get it,” Chase says, shaking his head.
“And I don’tneedyou to get it,” I tell him. “I’m the one who has to live with my choices. I don’t need you big-brothering me about this.”
One corner of his mouth lifts in the smallest of smiles, and tension releases from my shoulders.
“Are we talking1984Big Brothering?”
I return his smile. “Nope. Just the normal, nosy, blood-related big brother kind.”
“Noted. And I’m sorry.”
Chase runs a hand through his hair, which is only a few shades darker than mine now. We look more alike now than we have since we were kids.
“Apology accepted,” I tell him. “Though I don’t really understand why you’re so bothered by this.”
“Because fake dating is dumb,” he says. I don’t disagree, but it still stings to hear it. “I think I’m feeling protective over both youandCollin. You’re both family. Both of you are important to me. I don’t want either of you to get hurt. And this seems like it could get messy.”
I don’t tell him that it’salreadymessy. At least, for me.
Secretly, I share his concern. But I’m definitely not going to admit that. At least, not to my brother.
“While your concern is a lovely sentiment, they’re both adults,” Harper says gently.
“Do you not want me to move to Texas?” I ask.
He blinks, looking surprised. “What? No—I’m thrilled for you to be closer.”
“Then, do you think you could trust me to work this out? Can we call this all good?”
“You and I are good.” Chase’s expression darkens. “As for Collin, he and I will have our own little talk. I have plans for dealing with him.”
“Which I’ll happily help with,” Harper says.
“Neither of you need to do anything to him.” I give Harper a look. “Didn’t you just say we’re both adults?”
She shrugs. “Sure. But I never pass up an opportunity to mess with one of my brothers. I’ll keep Chase in line so he doesn’t gotoofar.”
“We’ll see,” Chase says.
“I just really think this could be good for me,” I say. “Moving here. Starting fresh.”
Getting away from Mom and Dad.
They’ve continued calling and texting, but I’ve adjusted my phone to hide any notifications. I’m sure at some point Dad will get over it and realize I’m actually doing this. That I’m out of his reach.
Chase probably wouldn’t be as irritated by all this if I told him about the things Dad is trying to do. From getting me job interviews for positions I don’t want to setting me up with guys I definitely don’t want to date. Talking down to me, making me feel like I can’t do anything on my own.
But I really would rather not get into it. Not now, maybe not ever. I’m here, and that’s what matters.
And now, Chase looks slightly less peevish about the whole thing with Collin. Or, at least, he looks resigned to accept it.
“Come here. I don’t like arguing.” He walks over to the couch and pulls me to my feet and straight into a hug. Immediately, I sag with relief, despite his sweat-soaked shirt.
“Were we arguing?”
He chuckles. “I was being a little bit of a turd.”
