“I should go,” I rush out. I don’t want to hear any more of his excuses.
“I’ll call you tomorrow,” he says, and disappointment washes over me.
For someone who claims to care about me, he sure has a great way of making me feel like shit.
“Yeah, whatever.” I hang up, and let out a weary sigh.
“That can mean only one thing.”
I whip around and find Aunt Cassie standing in the door.
“You’re awake.”
“Couldn’t sleep.” She moves around me. “Warm milk and cookies?”
“Sure.” I shrug, more than aware I should probably retreat to my room and finally take that shower. But maybe she’ll have some sage advice for me.
Sliding onto one of the stools, I prop my elbows on the breakfast counter and watch as she goes about warming a pot of milk.
“You’re up late,” she comments. “Where were you tonight?”
“Out.”
“Kat, sweetie.” She glances back at me. “You’ll find no judgment from me.”
“Sorry, I’m not used to answering to anyone except D, and he’s never around anymore so…”
“Your brother loves you very much.”
“I know. But he has other priorities now.”
“He’s carrying a lot on his shoulders.” She gives me a tight smile. “So tonight…”
“I was with a guy, if you must know.”
“And does this guy have a name?”
I shake my head. She’s not getting that little nugget of information out of me. No matter how wily she is.
“Fair enough. So long as he treats you right.”
I must wince a little because she adds, “He does treat you right, doesn’t he?”
“It’s a new thing. We’re not serious or anything.”
“Casual can be fun. Just be safe and—”
“You’re about three years too late for the sex talk, Aunt C.”
She chuckles, pouring the milk into two mugs and sliding one toward me.
“You had to grow up fast in this life, huh?”
I shrug. “I don’t mind. Can I ask you something?”
“Sure, sweetie. Although I’m not sure I’ll have the answer.”
“Have you ever liked two guys… at the same time, I mean.”