Page 75 of The Neighbor Wager

They don’t expect me to stay. They don’t trust me with it. Maybe it’s normal older sibling stuff, but it’s bullshit. I bought a ticket the second I knew.

I reply with anI’ve got itand look at my messages from Grandma.

Grandma:Change of plans, sweetheart. I don’t need the iced tea anymore. I’m heading to another spot with Lexi and Fern. We took Lexi’s car. You can use mine. But I don’t want to hear from you until six. Unless it’s really an emergency.

River:If I need something at home?

Grandma:You have a change of clothes in the car. Love you, sweetheart. Have fun.

And that’s it.

Subject over.

Am I really fussing too much or is this some strange attempt to matchmake me and Deanna?

That’s not Grandma’s style, but this isn’t, either.

What the hell is she doing?

The bathroom opens. The previous occupant leaves. I step inside the small space and put my phone away.

This is some kind of setup, yes, but I can use it to my advantage.

Chapter Sixteen

River

The coffee shop is the same as it was a moment ago, but it all feels different. The windows still let in the sunlight and the beach breeze and the hum of traffic and conversation. Deanna is still sitting at the corner table, poised and powerful, sipping tea as she stares at the quiet street.

She’s still beautiful in ways I can explain as an artist.

Only she’s also appealing in a way I can’t explain. The way Lexi was.Is.

She doesn’t glow to the same extent her sister does. She’s not the sun. She’s the moon. Even in the daylight. She’s soft and shimmering and mysterious.

She breaks a square of chocolate, places it on her tongue, lets out a soft sigh. AnI need thissigh. AnI need yousigh.

It’s been too long.

I’m not usually a slave to my body’s demands. I don’t ignore my physical needs to the extent Deanna clearly does, but I tame them to focus on what matters.

Right now, they’re leading.

My body wants hers and that’s the only thing that matters.

I roll my shoulders as I approach the table. We’re here, for the afternoon.

I can enjoy that.

I will enjoy it.

Maybe she’s as correct as I am. Right now, I don’t feel a pull to Lexi. Right now, I want to be here. With Deanna.

She stirs as I slide into the seat across from her.

“Grandma ditched us,” I say.

She laughs. “Did she find someone to take home?”

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