Page 22 of Since Always

"Oh, she just texted me," Chris says to Owen.

"Who just texted you?"

Chris jumps and looks at me like he didn't realize I was right behind him. He is clearly pondering whether or not he should answer that, but Owen decides for him.

"You might as well tell her now, C. Our driver is a witness so she can't hurt you."

My jaw tightens, and my eyes shoot daggers at my brother. I'm hoping I'm wrong about what he's about to say.

"Stephanie's up for the weekend," he blurts out, as though he's ripping off a band-aid.

"Christopher Jack Sloane, I swear to God," I say. "You are not hooking up with that stupid fucking b—"

"Cass," Owen cuts me off before I can say something I will later regret, “let him explain."

We both turn towards Chris, who sighs in exasperation. "Look, I know how you feel about her—both of you. But we have a history. I loved her. And she went through a tough divorce last year..."

"Let me guess," I say. "She cheated on him too?"

"No, the other way around," he says, as though I should feel sorry for her.

I don't. I shrug.

"She's different now, honestly. You wouldn't recognize her."

Owen and I exchange a knowing glance, but I bite my lip, not wanting to beat Chris up too much. We climb into the car, my brother taking the front seat. I can tell he doesn't want to look me in the eye during this conversation.

"We are just worried about you, man. Don't forget we saw the aftermath of everything that happened with you guys and what it did to you," Owen says, climbing into the seat next to me.

"Yeah, I know. I'm being careful, I promise." He looks back at me, waiting for me to say something. I throw my hands up.

"If this is what you want, fine. But if she hurts you again like she did last time, I will actually murder her. I was young then; too young to do anything. But now? Now, I will cut a bitch."

Chris lets out a relieved sigh and chuckles.

"Have you told Mom yet?" I ask, suddenly.

"No, and please don't say anything. Not until I know how things stand. It may not amount to anything and, honestly, it's not worth dealing with her reaction if I don't have to."

"Good call."

Owen shakes his head at both of us. "You two don't give your mom enough credit."

I groan. "You're out of your mind," I tell him.

A few minutes later, we pull up outside a condo complex, and Chris opens the door to climb out.

"Give Stephanie our love, big bro," I tease.

"Oh, bite me," he says, closing the door.

"He's an idiot," Owen says, chuckling as we are left in the quiet car together.

"That he is."

We fall silent as we head towards the house. I don't know what to say to Owen anymore. There are moments where everything feels okay between us, and then there are moments where it feels like he hates me. I don't know where I stand, so I opt to not say anything at all.

It is Owen who finally breaks the silence.

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