Page 17 of Devious Love

That’s what they were talking about. Of course, they wouldn’t plan a surprise party for me.

“Sounds great.” I force a smile.

She’s delusional if she thinks only the guys from the football team will show up tomorrow.

“Ugh.” She drops her hand. “You have every right to be upset. Just…it really is for our future. For our family.”

Ournewfamily, I want to correct her. Instead, I force another smile.

“Don’t you worry, Mom. I understand.” I take a step back. “I better go. I want to get to bed early.”

Her lips turn down. “It’s just eight.”

“And I’m just tired.” With that, I spin and hurry out of the kitchen. Their hushed voices follow me all the way up to my room. Once I’m inside, I throw myself onto my bed, hide my face in my pillow, and cry.

I hate this.

“Mia? Can I come in?”Matt asks from the other side of the closed door.

“Sure.”

I sit on my bed, sketching a scene fromAlice in Wonderland, this one of the March Hare and Alice. It’s been almost an hour since I came upstairs. I figured they’d all leave me alone for the rest of the night. Apparently not.

My brother steps inside, assessing me as he closes the door. I have no doubt my eyes are puffy and my face is still blotchy from crying, but I don’t have it in me to hide.

A long sigh escapes him. “I’m sorry, little one.” He sits in my desk chair, facing me.

A pulse of pain hits me, making my eyes water, but I inhale to keep the tears at bay. “It’s not your fault.”

“It feels like it is. I should’ve talked to her, tried to make her stay. Allan could go alone?—”

“I’m not sure if you’ve noticed,Matthew, but she goes everywhere with her new husband.”

Hands laced on the top of his head, he groans. “Please, don’t start.”

I look up from my sketch. “I’m not starting anything. I’m just stating facts.”

“About the party…” He drops his hands. “Dom and I came up with an idea for you.”

My heart skips. “For me?”

“Yeah. We know Mom said no parties for your birthday, but we’re throwing one. It’s nottechnicallyfor you…but that doesn’t mean you can’t invite your own guests.”

Snorting, I set my pencil on the comforter and straighten. “Right. And what time does this party start?”

“Eight.”

I fold my arms across my chest. “I’ll be fourteen tomorrow, not twenty-four. None of my friends’ parents will let them come to a party, without adults, that starts at eight o’clock. Do youreally think they’d be okay leaving their little girls with a bunch of football players?”

His shoulders slump a little. “There will be other people there too.”

“And alcohol,” I fire back.

Sheepish, he smiles at me. “Maybe.”

“Impossible, but thanks anyway.” I pick up my pencil again. “Now please, leave me alone. I want to finish this sketch and go to bed.”

“At least ask Chiara to stay the night, okay?” He stands and shuffles to my door.