Page 15 of One Wrong Step
Chapter Six
Jonah
Dinner is strange. We’re eating in the dining room. The table is bigger than the one in the kitchen. Vivian doesn’t say a word. His eyes are red, though he’s obviously tried to cover that up. Dad and Carolynda keep the conversation going, but it seems forced. Like they’re trying to convince everyone that things are normal.
I hate the layer of secrecy covering the room. It feels similar to the way things were right before Mom left. A scream builds inside. I can’t fucking go through this again. I jump to my feet. My chair falls back, but I grab it before it hits the floor. Carolynda’s eyes go wide. Vivian glares at me.
“More tea, anyone?’ I ask, and then rush from the room before they can answer. When I get to the kitchen, I lean my forearms against the sink and cover my face with my hands.
“That was a bit dramatic.”
I jump at the sound of Vivian’s voice. When I turn around, he’s watching me. I’m not sure what to say.
He sighs. “What’s going on with you?”
“Me?”I’m not the one yelling in my room. I’m not the one keeping secrets as if the news is so awful— No. None of that. Instead, I start to laugh.
“Did someone break you or something?” He rolls his eyes and storms away as if he doesn’t care about the answer, an empty glass still in his hand.
And it’s so Vivian that I can breathe again. I fill my glass with tea and take the pitcher with me into the dining room. I set it in front of Vivian. He’s still giving me strange looks, as if I’ve somehow switched bodies with an alien.
But dinner is easier. Maisy goes on and on about her party. Dad and Carolynda talk about nothing. Vivian keeps giving me questioning looks, but he no longer looks as sad as he did.
I escape to my room as soon as I can. If it wasn’t for Maisy’s party tomorrow, I’d leave now. Would anyone really notice I was gone?
I can do this. Get through tomorrow and my sister’s party. And then I can go back to Mule Creek.
The next morning, I’m in the kitchen, grabbing a much-needed cup of coffee. My head is pounding like someone’s playing drums inside it. I wish they’d stop. I need to get through this day.
“Jonah?” Dad tilts his head. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.” I don’t mean to snap, but Carolynda has asked me several times already. I sip my coffee and check my phone for messages, so I don’t have to see Dad’s frown.
Preparations for the party are in full swing. Carolynda is finishing the cupcakes while Vivian fills goody bags. I know I’m expected to help, but the pain medicine I took for my headache hasn’t kicked in.
Maisy is going on and on and on about her party. I’m happy for her, but damn, girl. Give it a rest. “Maisy, could you…chatter less?”
The room goes quiet, and I glance up. Everyone is staring at me. Maisy’s chin wobbles.Oh shit.
“It’s her birthday, Jonah.” Vivian gives me a scathing look. “So maybe stop being a dick.”
“Vivian, language,” Carolynda says, but her eyes are still on me.
When did our roles reverse? I’m the easygoing one. Vivian is the arrogant, sarcastic asshole. And I hate that he’s right.
Ignoring my stepbrother, I give Maisy a hug. “Sorry, sweetie. Happy birthday.”
She squeezes me tight because Maisy doesn’t hold a grudge. Not like some people. Now that all is forgiven, she wants me to play dragons with her. I absolutely do not want to do that, but I can’t say no.
I swallow more pain meds, grab a second cup of coffee, and pretend I’m the baby dragon to Maisy’s mama dragon.
Vivian smirks at me. Asshole.
He’s the reason I’m so fucking exhausted. My dreams haunted me. Dreams of Vivian submitting. Dropping to his knees, his full lips open and ready.
The look he’s giving me now isn’t helping. Am I attracted to Vivian’s snark? Please, God. Make it stop.
My headache subsides slightly, but then the party starts and the house is full of screaming kids. And there’s no place to hide.
