Page 65 of Follow Me Down

Chapter Sixteen

Fallon

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“You sure you’re okaycrashing on the couch?” Titus lays a sheet across the worn fabric, his gaze going to his sister who’s standing in the kitchen eating apple slices.

“Wouldn’t be the first time I slept on that old lumpy thing,” she retorts, shoving a bite into her mouth.

“Given that you showed up here with no warning, I think you should be thankful for our lumpy couch,” Link chimes in, giving Ellen a playful smile.

She throws him a middle finger and snaps off another bite of apple.

Ellen Driscoll is exactly as I pictured her, and yet oddly nothing like I pictured her at the same time. She’s beautiful. There’s no disputing that. Tall, lean, polished. Her long, thick, dark hair is perfect, clearly upkept by regular salon visits. She’s dressed in designer jeans and a blue blouse that make her look both casual and professional at the same time.

I expected all this. What I didn’t expect was how down to earth she is. I don’t know why it surprises me. Her and Titus did grow up in the same household, but I don’t know. I guess I expected her to be like so many of the other snooty, rich girls I’ve met over the years.

“You wound me, Ellen.” Link clenches his chest dramatically.

She rolls her eyes and shakes her head.

“So Fallon, how long have you and Titus been a thing?” She turns her bright green eyes on me.

“Oh, uh, well...”

“It’s fairly new,” Link answers for me. “Though by the way they act you’d think they’d been dating for months.”

“You’re just jealous that she chose me and not your hairy ass.” Titus steps up next to me, dropping an arm over my shoulders.

“So you’re living here?” Ellen continues like neither of them spoke at all.

“I mean, well, it’s complicated,” I stutter, not really sure how to answer or what Titus feels comfortable with her knowing.

“Yes.” Titus’ arm around me tightens. “She lives here now.”

“Well, clearly not very long given the look of this place.” Ellen picks up an apple slice off her plate and points it at her brother. “It’s seriously lacking a woman’s touch.” Her gaze swings back to me. “Perhaps you should do something about that. Though I will say, it does seem cleaner than the last time I was here.”

“What are you trying to say?” Link crosses his arms in front of himself.

“That you two are slobs.” She snorts, popping a bite into her mouth.

“Hmph.” Link makes a sound from deep in his throat. “I’m unsure if I should be offended by that.”

“I don’t care if you are,” she fires back.

The resemblance between her and Titus is obvious, but when she smiles it’s uncanny just how much they look alike.

“Alright, you two. If you’re just about finished.” Titus’ arm falls from my shoulders as he heads into the kitchen. “It’s been a long day and I’m ready to call it a night. We’ll catch up in the morning, yeah?” He stops in front of his sister.

“Sounds good.” She presses up and lays a swift kiss to his cheek before turning to dispose of her paper plate. “I’m exhausted, anyway.” She rounds the counter into the living room, snagging her suitcase from where she left it next to the front door. “Think I’m going to take a quick shower first if that’s okay.” Her gaze swings to Link. “That is, if you don’t mind letting me use your bathroom.”

“Gee, I don’t know. Do you think it’s clean enough for you?”

“I’m hoping maybe Fallon got a hold of that pig sty.” She throws me a wink, to which I respond with a nod.

I haven’t had much to do around here, and since I don’t have any other way to pull my weight, I’ve been cleaning like a mad woman.

“A pleasure as always, Ellen.” Link chuckles, clasping Titus on the shoulder as he passes him. “I’m off to bed, kiddies,” he calls, throwing up a wave as he disappears down the hallway.

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