Chapter 5

I ignored their stares, walked straight to the fridge, and grabbed three bottles of wine.

"Okay. Explain. You two lied to me?"

"No!"

"Of course not."

They answered together.

I pinned Ethan. "You. Talk."

He avoided my eyes. "Baby, I was on a two-month field study with my advisor."

"First day of the semester my little brother drops this bomb. And you're interrogating me?" Ethan looked pathetic.

"Stop stalling. Answer."

He sighed. "You know I'm awkward and not charming. I thought you'd get bored."

"So sometimes... I let him help. Like texting, or showing up when I was slammed."

Caleb cut in: "Bullshit. You used to complain she texted too much."

"I did not!" Ethan yelled.

"Liar. Your eyes are shifting."

But everything made sense.

I'd chased the distant Ethan. If he'd been sunshine-sweet from day one, I would've bailed.

Caleb added, "Swear. Lie and you'll never get her for real."

"Why would I swear to you?"

"Scared?"

"You-I can't believe I have such a shameless brother!"

"You always treat me like an idiot, huh?"

"You're the dumb one."

"You..."

"Shut up!" I snapped. "Both of you. Or get out."

They froze like scolded kids.