Continuation 5

The way the lightning bolts look like they are disappearing into the water, the way the thunder seems to boom extra loud always fascinated me. I used to love to open my bedroom window when a storm was coming. Storms have a certain smell, like the oxygen is more pure. I don't get to enjoy the rain too much anymore. Sadie hates storms, hiding under the bed. I've tried everything from aromatherapy for dogs (yes, there is such a thing), to this straight-jacket type thing, which was an epic fail. I've even resorted to giving her drugs to calm her, but nothing works.

Skye and Brody head out of the kitchen, and I start to follow them. But my dad places his hand on my shoulder. Calling out to Brody and The way the lightning bolts look like they are disappearing into the water, the way the thunder seems to boom extra loud always fascinated me. I used to love to open my bedroom window when a storm was coming. Storms have a certain smell, like the oxygen is more pure. I don't get to enjoy the rain too much anymore. Sadie hates storms, hiding under the bed. I've tried everything from aromatherapy for dogs (yes, there is such a thing), to this straight-jacket type thing, which was an epic fail. I've even resorted to giving her drugs to calm her, but nothing works.

Skye and Brody head out of the kitchen, and I start to follow them. But my dad places his hand on my shoulder. Calling out to Brody and Skye, I say, "Give me a sec."

As soon as they're out of earshot, my mom starts, "What's going on with you and Ainsley?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," I say.

"Come on, Rhett," my dad says. "You look like someone slugged you in the gut."

"I just had too many of Mom's cookies," I lie, but even I don't believe that one.

"How long have you been feeling this way about her?" he asks.

My parents have always had a sixth sense with me. The thing is, I'm an only child, so my parents had no one else to focus on but me. We've always had a pretty open relationship with each other. They know who my first kiss was, and I suspect they know when I lost my virginity, although I tried to keep that one secret. I've never brought home a girlfriend to meet them, so I'm sure they know that I've been more of a player than the committed type. We talk about most things. So this line of questioning is par for the course with them.

Still, that doesn't mean this is any of their business. "You guys, please . . ."

"Rhett," my mom says, laying her hand on top of mine.

That's all it takes. I don't want to lie to them. Besides, it seems like the cat is out of the bag, at least where my parents are concerned. "She's Brody's little sister, I can't go there.