Free Sample
Preview from chapter one
I look around the table, my heart swelling with a mix of fondness and nostalgia. It's not often that we all manage to sit down for a meal together anymore. Billy, my 22-year-old brother, is slouched back in his chair, his sandy-brown hair a mess from the wind outside. He's scrolling through his phone, the sun casting a warm glow on the side of his face. Dad is at the head of the table, his newspaper rustling as he reads, while Mom is busy serving up plates of roast chicken and steaming vegetables.
Gathering my courage, I swallow the mouthful of chicken I was chewing and say, "Hey, Dad?"
Dad peeks over the top of his newspaper, his eyes scanning me briefly before returning to the article he's engrossed in. I swipe a loose strand of hair from my face and repeat, "Dad?" His eyes meet mine, and I feel a jolt of nervousness. "Can I borrow the car tonight?" The words tumble out faster than I intend, and the room seems to hold its breath. Billy's thumb pauses on his phone screen, and I feel his gaze on me. I quickly add, "There's a concert downtown I've been dying to go to, and all my friends are going." The anticipation of his response is thick in the air. The rustling of the newspaper stops, and he folds it neatly before placing it beside his plate.
Dad's expression shifts from curiosity to mild apology as he says, "Sorry, Mila, but I've already promised Billy that he can take the car tonight." My heart sinks. Of course, Billy would get the car. He's the older sibling, the one who's had it easier with privileges. But I can't help the feeling of disappointment that washes over me. I force a smile, trying not to let it show. "It's okay. I'm sure I can find another way."
Dad's gaze lingers on me before he looks at Billy. "Actually, why don't you two work it out?" he suggests, raising his eyebrows slightly. "You're both adults now. I'm sure you can handle it." He takes a sip of his water, his eyes never leaving us as he waits for our response.
Billy's smile unfurls, a knowing glint in his blue eyes. He leans back in his chair, one hand resting on the table. "You're not going to believe this, Mila," he says, his voice a mix of excitement and smugness. "But I've got a hot date tonight. I need the car to make a good impression." He winks at me, and I feel the heat rising in my cheeks.