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His lips curl up into a sly grin. “That’s a perfect answer.”

“Oh, hush,” I wave him away. The lighter banter eases a little of my tension.

“Everyone else is blond?”

“Yeah,” I let out a heavy sigh. “I’m the odd duck.”

“Where did the brown hair come from?”

The teasing question drops my humor back down. “The sperm donor. Ash calls him that. It’s really fitting.”

“They think that you trying to fit in with them ispushy?” He raises a brow in disbelief.

“Have you met me?” I deadpan back. “I go overboard.”

“And I love it,” he assures me in an absentminded, thoughtful way that leaves the words unfiltered. “IsMamanblond?”

My eyes narrow on the way he says her name. The dark mockery there doesn’t cover his horrible attempt at my accent at all. “Yeah. So is Joseph, our stepdad.”

“You’re the only one,” he mutters, his brow furrowing as his eyes fall to the phone again. “She snapped back at a simple question.”

“Huh?” I’m not following him now.

His eyes meet mine. I’m surprised at the banked rage in them. Enough to fall still and drop my hand.

“You asked her how they were doing. That’s it. Andthatwas her response?” The anger in his voice has me rethinking my words.

“Cher, it’s ok,” I tell him softly. “I shouldn’t have made a fuss. I’m sure Daniella has her reasons. I just don’t know it yet. This is just another tiff. It will pass.”

Even more lies. They fall out of me naturally. I’ve trained myself to let this go on so well. I’ve never even noticed until now.

“It shouldn’t pass,” he growls out fiercely

My mouth works, but no sound comes out. Did he really just say that?

“You’re blowing over it like this is something that will change over time.” He points at the phone dangling from my hand. “There’s evidence to prove you wrong right here.”

“No,” I snap, with no idea why I’m so mad at him. All he’s doing is pointing out what I’ve already noticed. There’s no reason to be taking it out on him. He’s saying my thoughts out loud, and it’s making me panic. I don’t want it to be real. It’s better if it’s just paranoia.

But it feels like this is the first audible ring of a death knell on my relationship with all of my family. All of my support and comfort are getting pulled out from underneath me. I’m independent to a fault, but not to haveanyonein Louisiana willing to talk to me? That’s agonizing in its blatant finality.

A text comes in, making my heart race with a mix of dread and hope. It’s from Asher.

Asher: I’m working things out on my end. Will text when ready.

“Oh,” I whisper with wide eyes. I glance at Poe as a smile starts up. “Ash says he’s working on his issues at his place. He’ll let me know when he’s ready to talk.”

“That’s good,” Poe says cautiously. I don’t like the solemn look he’s got on.

“What?” My hands drop to my sides again. “What’s that look for?”

“Addie, I want you to be careful.”

“Why?” I scoff in disbelief. “It’s my little brother, not a firing squad.”

“Because you wear your heart on your sleeve,” he stands and wraps his arms around me. “You forgive when you should stand firm. They have no real reason to treat you this way.”

“It’s because I’m too-” He cuts me off angrily.