Chapter 4

“Amber,” Bryan says, a little breathless. “What are you doing here?”

I steady myself amid the pots and try not to look at either of them. I didn’t see it, I tell myself. I didn’t…but I did. I know I did. This changes everything.

Then I remember this is Bryan. Not some stranger on TV or in the newspaper, but my brother. I know him. At least, I think I do. My response is a snarky sister-answer if ever there was one. “I live here, remember?”

For a moment, I want him to ask me what I saw. I want him to tell me it wasn’t anything, I misinterpreted it, and I’ll believe him. But when I glance over at Nate, I see the way he looks at Bryan and I know how it is between them. How it’s probably always been. Why didn’t I notice it before?

I didn’t want to, simple as that.

Then Bryan says the one thing that could still manage to shock me after this. “You look nice. Is that make-up you’re wearing?”