Page 50 of A Wreck, You Make Me

My Toxic Stepbrother

I am stalking you.

To make sure no one messes with you in your shitty neighborhood.

Jupiter

My neighborhood is fine.

My Toxic Stepbrother

Your neighborhood is a felony waiting to happen.

Jupiter

Oh, you mean like sneaking into someone’s room when they’re asleep?

Side note – I can clean up after myself.

My Toxic Stepbrother

Told you. You want me to stay out, you make sure to lock your window. I even got you the AC.

Side note – I know you can.

Jupiter

Thank you for the AC. Snow loves it. And me too.

So then why do you do it?

My Toxic Stepbrother

You work sixteen hours a day. You don’t have time to get around to it. Whatever time you do have, you should probably spend it sleeping.

Jupiter

Are you saying you do it to help me?

My Toxic Stepbrother

I’m saying I’m already there. And your laundry hamper is six feet away.

Jupiter

Did you clean up after your siblings, growing up?

Because that’s what makes the most sense, doesn’t it? The reason why he does these little things for me. The reason why his brain would even go there. For all intents and purposes, he’s this badass athlete who seems like he doesn’t have a care in the world. You wouldn’t expect him to do stuff like that. Like you wouldn’t expect him to do all the other things that he so obviously has done—still does—for his siblings.

My Toxic Stepbrother

What is it about you and me growing up?

Jupiter

Tell me or you’ll find my window closed tonight.

My Toxic Stepbrother