Page 36 of Honest With You

That’s all I get.

“Stephen?” I quickly do what I’m told then call out again, hoping he doesn’t give me the cold shoulder.

I would never want to disappoint him.

He stops just as he reaches the landing between our first and second floors. He grips the banister before begrudgingly sitting on a step, patting the space beside him.

I try to catch his eye, with no success, as I make my way up. He’s busy slipping his hands into the front pocket of his hoodie, his head hung low as he stares at his feet.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snuck out like that.”

Stephen shrugs. “I’ve done it. I get it.”

I drop the bag on the step below us and wrap an arm around his, giving him a nudge.

“Please don’t be mad at me, Stevie.”

“I’m not… I just–” He runs a hand through his ink colored hair that is identical to mine as he blows out a resigned breath. “I just got so worried when you weren’t in your room, and then you weren’t answering your phone. I checked your location… saw that you were at Mount Soledad. I asked Yaya Ella and she said you went out so I looked at the security cameras and saw who you were with.”

Grumbling, he dips his head to get a better look at me. “That’s Uncle Adam’s kid, isn’t it? The same kid I caught you kissing back in Seattle?”

I stifle a laugh. “Of course you would remember that.”

Stephen’s frown turns into a scowl. “Unfortunately. Tattooed on my brain, Ace.”

I hug his arm, not being able to resist teasing him.

“You do realize it was my idea right? Both times, I made the first move.”

Stephen groans, burying his face in his hands.

“I do not need that mental image.” He teases. “Listen. I’ll never stop worrying about you and Reese. Even if it kills me that you’re all grown up, I can’t hold either one of you back from living your lives. Just—” Sighing, he pats my hand. “Just be careful and besafe.”

I frown. “Wait… how did you even know I was gone? You’re usually in bed by ten.”

He scratches the back of his head, running a palm across his nape before he casually says, “I went to your room… to talk. I just wanted to get your take on this girl I met.”

My eyes widen and I pull his arm. “Oh my god! You met a girl? Tell me!”

Chuckling lightly, he shakes his head. “I can’t get a read on her, honestly. I met her on that overnight trip at La Jolla, the same weekend Dad took you to Uncle Adam’s. We seemed to really hit it off.” He dips his head, embarrassed to be sharing this with his sister. “We’ve been texting and facetiming. She’s been flirty, but she insists it was one time and turned me down when I asked her out.”

“You like her?”

He leans on his elbows. “Yeah, I think I do. She’s funny, sarcastic, witty. Gorgeous.”

“She makes you laugh?”

“She makes me laugh.”

“Then just be her friend, Stephen. She wouldn’t be spending so much time texting or calling you if she didn’t enjoy your company. Maybe someday it’ll be more but for now, respect her choice and let that be enough.”

“You’re right, as always. I think I’m just a little bummed about it.”

I playfully nudge his shoulder. “I never thought I’d see the day Stephen Torres got rejected. I can’t wait to meet this girl.”

Grinning, he playfully shoves me and I giggle, throwing him a peace sign.

“Let’s go to bed, Ace. It’s a school night.”

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