Page 6 of Just a Little White Lie

“It’s gonna be hard for her,” I murmur.

Luke sits up, his eyebrows dipping into a sharp V. “It’s her own stupid fault! She swanned off to England and partied too hard. Now she’s paying a price for her thoughtless, self-centered behavior!”

I wince again.

“Just… stay out of it, okay? Please.” Luke’s desperate expression makes my head bob before I can stop it. “She’s my sister. She’s—”

“I know.” My head is still bobbing. Because it needs to.

I have to be reminded that the little hottie who just walked into this house is my best friend’ssister, which means no touchy, no flirty, a big ol’ no-go.

Scratching my beard, I look back at the silent TV, trying to wave off my disappointment. She’s always been a no-go, so it’s not like anything has changed.

But as my mind plays with the image of her appearing in the doorway only moments ago, I can’t help the thought thateverythinghas changed.

Which means I need to watch my step and make sure I think of her the way I used to when we were teenagers. She’s just Luke’s kid sister. The girl I love to tease.

There’s no other way around it.

I’m gonna have to play the annoying big brother card even if it kills me.

LAUREN

Even though I’m ready in time, I wait exactly thirty minutes before walking back into the living area with my chin raised. I will not be beaten down. I will survive.

The song swirls through my head, carrying me to the dining room table, where I slip into the wooden chair opposite my brother and thread my fingers together. The small rectangular table is covered with a floral cloth that looks like it’s been plucked straight from the seventies.

I eye it with distaste, running the edge of my pinky finger over a burnt orange petal.

“It was Grandma’s favorite,” Luke mutters. “Now pay attention.”

My smile is so tight it almost hurts my face. This can’t be happening. I want London back. I want my girlfriends, nightclubbing, shoe shopping, and holidays in Europe! I want a squishy apartment filled with music and laughter, color and fun.

A mourning cry reverberates in my chest, but I don’t have time to really soak it in before Luke places three envelopes on the table in front of me.

They are each clearly labeled: Parents—50%, Living Expenses—40%, Savings—10%.

“What is this?” I resist the urge to pick them up. I refuse. I don’t like whatever is happening right now.

“This is your new life.”

“I don’t like it.” I shake my head.

He counters with a pointed look. “I don’t care. Now, I’ve taken the liberty of setting you up with a new bank account. It’s in my name but think of it as yours. Whatever money you earn will go into that account.”

I scoff, but he keeps talking.

“Each week, I will withdraw whatever money you earn. Fifty percent will go into this envelope.” He picks up Parents. “Forty percent will go in here, although I’ll be taking the bulk of that for your food and rent.” He picks up the final envelope. “Ten percent will be for your savings slash spending money.”

“Ten percent?” My expression is incredulous, I can feel it.

“Yep.” Luke nods. “You can spend 10 percent of your income on whatever you like. The rest of it is already allocated.”

I work my trembling jaw to the side, trying to process all of this. Luke’s still smiling like this isn’t a living nightmare. I’ve gone from owning three credit cards to three stupid paper envelopes.

“This system is archaic,” I quip.

Luke sighs. “You’ve proven that you can’t be trusted with a debit card or a credit card, so we have to go old-school. Now, can you be trusted with the cash in your room, or do I have to lock away the stuff you’re not allowed to spend?”

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