“No,” I say immediately, furiously shaking my head.“Don’t even?—”
But Tessa’s already smiling, that too-sweet look that means trouble.“Anna has a spare room she never uses.It’s perfect.”
Joel’s eyebrows lift, and he turns to me, his eyes wide.At least he has the good sense to show a little panic, too.
“Tessa,” I snap, my voice tight with warning.
“What?”she says, shrugging innocently.“You’re always saying how quiet it is living alone.A little company might be nice.”
“Company?”I repeat, incredulous.“We’re talking aboutthat, not a lost puppy.”
“Hey,” Joel says, raising his hands in mock offense.“I’m right here, you know.”
I mimic playing a violin.
Ethan, who’s been suspiciously quiet, finally chimes in.“Actually, that’s not a bad idea.Joel’s practically family, and you’ve got the space.”
“Practically family?”I glare at him.“Last I checked, we weren’t related.”
“Close enough,” Ethan says with a shrug.“And you know how Mom and Dad raised us.Family helps family.”
I groan, rubbing my temples.“This isn’t a family emergency, Ethan.It’s Joel being Joel.Besides, he can find a hotel.There’s plenty of them in Duluth.”
“Come on, Anna,” Tessa says, her tone dripping with false innocence.“It’s just for a little while.He’s not staying in Duluth forever.Right, Joel?”
“Right,” Joel says smoothly, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the table.“I wouldn’t want to overstay my welcome.And I can pay—you know, rent.”
“You’re not staying at all!”I snap, my chopsticks frozen midair.
What is his deal, anyway?He has to know this will be uncomfortable for both of us, but there he is, grinning like he’s just won the lottery.Is hetryingto make me miserable, or is he really out of options?
Knowing Joel, it’s probably both.
“Why not?”Ethan asks, giving me that annoyingly reasonable big-brother look.“Like Tess said, it’s not like you’re using the room.”
“Because,” I say, scrambling for an excuse, “he’ll ruin the vibe!”
Joel raises an eyebrow, his grin bordering on wicked.“Ruin the vibe?That’s harsh, even for you, Chang.”
“I’m serious,” I hiss.“You’re not staying with me.”
Ethan sighs dramatically, leaning back in his chair.“Anna, you’re being ridiculous.Where’s your sense of hospitality?Do I have to call Mom?”
“I don’t think hospitality applies to freeloaders,” I snap, shooting a pointed glare at Joel.“And you wouldn’t dare bring Mom into this.”
Ethan makes a face that dares me to question him, and I clench my fists under the table.
“Anna,” Tessa says, her voice calm but firm, “you’re not being fair.Joel’s just asking for a little help, and you’re acting like it’s the end of the world.”She pauses, glancing at Mina with a knowing smile.“It’s not like he’s asking you to share your dumplings.”
Joel snorts, his grin widening, and I narrow my eyes at him.
“Don’t encourage him,” I mutter, stabbing my chopsticks into my rice.
Joel raises his hands, the picture of faux innocence.“Hey, I said I’d pay rent.That’s hardly freeloading.”
“You couldn’t pay me enough to deal with you,” I fire back, the heat in my voice rising.
“Come on, Anna,” Tessa cuts in, her tone infuriatingly calm.“It’s just for a couple of weeks.You’re always saying how quiet it is living alone.It might actually be nice to have someone around.”