Page 17 of How to Break My Heart

“Who told you?”

“Father dearest.”

“Why am I not surprised? I haven’t even told Mom. She’s someplace that bans cell phones.Cell phones interfere with a person’s wellness,” Madelina proclaims sarcastically. “Who knew, right? Anyway, let’s be honest here… are you happy for me?”

“Madelina, if this makes you happy, then I am happy,” I tell her honestly.

“I am happy, Aston, but there’s something you should know…” I purse my lips, waiting for the bombshell—she’s pregnant. “The wedding is next month, and before you say anything, I’mnotpregnant. We’re having it soon because Myles’s grandfather is unwell.”

Well, well, it all makes sense now.

Myles’s grandfather is unwell, which is why my father insisted I not screw anything up. I assume Roland and Myles will inherit everything, and if Madelina is married to him, then technically, it’s all hers, too, given that Myles is an only child. And to top that off, if Madelina has her name on the land my father wants, he will manipulate her into selling it to him.

“Can you plan a wedding in a month?” I question, given that I know nothing about weddings, nor do I care for them. “Isn’t that a bit too short?”

“There’s a wedding coordinator for the venue. Myles’s mother is taking over some of the other plans, not to mention I’ll have help from family, which includes you.” I hear her voice pick up. “I need you in Cinnamon Springs in exactly one week.”

A huff escapes me at the same time a cab honks obnoxiously at a person walking across the street. I live in Manhattan and would prefer to stay here. The thought of going back to a small town upstate is discomforting, even if only for a short time.

“Are you kidding, Madelina? I can’t just drop work. I have meetings scheduled in the city.”

“Dad said you can. In fact, he insisted,” she quickly informs me. “So, are you in? I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t need your help.”

I remind myself I am doing this for my sister, not my father. Despite her being annoying, she is the only family I have.

Letting out a sigh, I drag out the words, “I could work remotely, I guess, if you really need me.”

“Perfect!” She raises her voice with enthusiasm. “And yes, I really need you. We’ll stay at the house together, it’ll be just like when we were kids.”

“You owe me big time,” I point out.

“I’ll add it to the TBPB list.”

“The what?”

“To-be-paid-back list. Things I owe you. Like the hundred-dollar bill I stole from you in junior high.”

“You said I probably lost it in the locker room,” I huff.

“Yeah, remember that bag I had with the ladybugs all over it, which you hated because you have an unnatural fear of the cute little things?”

“I don’t have an unnatural fear of ladybugs,” I respond stiffly. “They are just very…unpredictable.”

“Anyways, that’s what I bought.”

“I’m hanging up now.”

“One more thing I forgot. Uh, I have wedding brain,” Madelina yells over the speaker, much to my annoyance.

“What?”

“You won’t be alone. What I mean is… you’ll have help. Remember my best friend, Eva? I’ve designated her my maid of honor. Now, given that you’re my brother, and Myles’s best friend is stationed in Alaska and can’t make the wedding, Myles asked if you would consider being best man. I said yes, so no declining the very nice gesture your almost brother-in-law has bestowed upon you.”

The moment Madelina says her name, an unsettling feeling consumes me, like a shadow creeping over my thoughts. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but the bourbon in my stomach suddenly feels like lead. My instincts are screaming at me to backaway, a primal urge to retreat from what lies ahead, but I know I can’t afford to. Something deeper, more compelling, keeps me rooted.

It was a long time ago. When I was a kid, doing stupid kid things.

As the call ends, a text comes through. It’s Bianca. Of course, there’s an image attached, and she’s leaving nothing to the imagination.