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“Cullen!” My brother squeals.
“Josiah!” Cullen pats my brother’s shoulder as Josiah passes him to go through the door. “Ready?” Cullen asks me.
“You shouldn’t have walked up the stairs,” I scold him. “Why didn’t you wait in the car?”
At my harsh tone, his eyes flicker over my face. “Waiting is torture. I’d rather see you now than sit in the car for two minutes until you get downstairs.”
I frown at him.
His small smile quietly disappears. Guilt pinches my chest. I know my cold attitude is a total one eighty after how well we were getting along at the haunted house.
Thankfully, Josiah pulls Cullen aside. “I’ve been working on something. I want to show you my idea for the simulation.”
“Sure, man. We can have a chat after Nardi’s appointment.”
Josiah beams.
I walk down the stairs behind them, watching Cullen closely. His shoulders look especially broad in the simple grey T-shirt and jeans. His beanie looks soft and warm. He’s not breathing hard or moving carefully as we walk down the long flight.
But it’s all a facade.
Cullen doesn’t have much time left.
I had a bad feeling when I saw Sara on the verge of tears when she said goodbye to us this morning. The documents, the share agreement, the bodyguard and now setting up an emotional support group for me. Every move he’s making, everybig decision—it all surrounds taking care of me and Josiah after he’s gone.
Sunny’s advice runs circles in my head.
Protect yourself and cut it off now.
A warm hand slides over mine. Cullen gives my fingers a squeeze. “You look deep in thought. Is everything okay?”
I pin my lips together and nod.
He watches me as if he doesn’t believe me, but he doesn’t say more. Silently, he opens the passenger door for me and I get into the car.
On the way to the hospital, no one speaks. Josiah is busy on his phone while Cullen drives with both hands on the wheel.
I feel stuffy and uncomfortable, so I roll down the window. The wind buffets my face and the roar of the highway fills my ears.
“Nardi, the AC is on. Why do you have the window down?” Josiah asks.
“No reason.” I roll it up.
Cullen glances at me and then returns his eyes to the road.
I tap my finger against my purse, trying not to look at him.
Josiah snorts. “Why aren’t you two talking?”
I glare at my brother through the rearview mirror, but Josiah doesn’t see it because his head is ducked behind his phone.
Cullen clears his throat. “Why isn’t your mom coming with us?”
That question doesn’t seem to be directed at anyone in particular, but I answer, “She’s staying at home and working on some dishes to bring to the party tomorrow.”
“The party?” Cullen’s eyebrows hike. “Your mom is cooking?”
“Sort of. Sunny said mom and Josiah could be my plus ones, but mom didn’t want to come over empty handed.”