Page 40 of A Wreck, You Make Me

This isn’t the first time I’m asking myself these questions. A week ago, I was just a girl going about her life, taking care of her sister, pushing her to go to college, trying to make ends meet. And okay, so maybe I had a big secret and an unhealthy obsession with my stepbrother, but I wasn’t out there hurting people. I wasn’t out there making the world a worse place. So why am I being punished?

How is it that my stepbrother is asking me tosleepwith him so he can get over his ex-girlfriend?

Clenching my teeth, I hit a few buttons on my phone and give him a name. It’s petty but it gives me great satisfaction. Then, I hit reply.

Jupiter

Who is this?

His reply comes only a second later, as if he was eagerly waiting for mine.

My Toxic Stepbrother

The man of your dreams.

Jupiter

More like my nightmares.

My Toxic Stepbrother

So you do know who I am.

Jupiter

Yes, unfortunately I do know who you are.

You’re a criminal who breaks into people’s houses and apparently, steals their phone numbers.

My Toxic Stepbrother

Only ever your house, baby.

And I got your number from Callie.

My breaths hiccup as I stare at my screen. He went to Callie? She’s my best friend. She can’t know about this. She can never know I gave her older brother a lap dance and everythingelse that has happened over the last week. I mean, I’m already deceiving her so much. My fingers are flying on the screen before I know it.

Jupiter

What exactly did you say to Callie?

My Toxic Stepbrother

You never answered my question.

Jupiter

What question?

My Toxic Stepbrother

What are you wearing?

Jupiter

A babydoll mini-dress. Slutty red and made of lace, which means you can see everything. My whole body.

Oops. I better go this really cute guy just asked me for my phone number.