“Okay, Mom. Thank you,” I say as I hug her. When she pulls away, she goes to her purse and gets the keys to her car out.
“You’re welcome. Your new debit card is in the glovebox and the PIN is on a sticky note attached to it. I’m picking up a new car this week.”
“Is he good to you?” I ask. “Honestly?”
“He is amazing,” she smiles. “It’s been an adjustment going from being abused by everyone that I am in a relationship with to being treated like a human. He is so patient with me because I’m having to relearn what a relationship is supposed to be. Maybe being around the boys will show you how you are supposed to be treated. They are just like their father, so I know that they will take care of you.”
“I can take care of myself,” I laugh.
“You can try,” Declan says as he and Darian prop their arms on my shoulders.
“I’m already annoyed,” I sigh.
“This will be quite an experience, I’m sure,” Mom laughs.
I set the one box I managed to grab on my new king-sized bed. I don’t know why one person needs this much room, but I won’t complain. The house is beautiful and spacious. The guys warned me that they are having a welcome back party but promised that it won’t get too crazy. I’m not a party kind of person so I will just hole up in my room.
No one knows that our parents are married and at this point, we are deciding not to tell anyone. It will be easier to explain that I am just a roommate than that our parents are making us live together. Not that there is anything wrong with it, but some people are just stupid and will turn it into something that it's not.
“So that's everything,” Darian says. “We are going to unload our stuff and try to get unpacked before people get here. We had a buddy come by and bring everything and get us some basic groceries so we should have something to eat tonight.”
“Well… I am just going to be in my room all night, so I will grab something to eat before you guys have people over,” I say as I open my closet.
“What? No you have to join us, Mia,” Declan says.
“I’m a very socially awkward person. I’ve always just kept myself. I’m surprised you guys even knew who I was. I literally don’t talk to anyone besides Shauna. She’s not coming in until tomorrow,” I say.
“Shauna thought you were dating us, right?” Darian asks.
“Yeah,” I laugh. “Something like that.
“Why is that funny?” Declan frowns. “Too good for us, Mia?”
“No,” I laugh again. “I’m just not the person guys like you two would date.” I open up one box and start pulling hangers with clothing on them out to hang.
“That’s dumb. Who told you that?” Declan says with a frown.
“Me,” I say. “Go, so you can get ready for your party.”
They sigh heavily but leave me to unpack alone. I think it’s sweet of them that they want to include me, but I don’t think they really realize just how much I’m going to be there. Involving myself in their life is only going to make it hard to live together. I will just bring the vibe down for everyone.
Shauna is insistent that I should try something with them, even if they are my stepbrothers. I had the biggest fucking crush on them all through school. Even though we didn’t really know much about each other, they were always extremely nice to me. They were the only two jocks who didn’t make fun of or belittle me in any way. They defended me against their own friends countless times. I think all that means is that they were raised right, and their father made sure that they were respectful people.
Once I get everything unpacked and put away, I go downstairs to get something to eat and grab a few snacks, so I don’t have to comedown later. When I step into the kitchen, nearly a dozen pairs of eyes turn to me and I freeze. “Hey,” Declan says with a smile. “Get unpacked?”
“Uh. Yeah,” I say. “Sorry… I was just coming to get something to eat so I can get out of the way.”
“You’re not in the way, Mia,” Darian says. I just nod because I don’t wanna argue with him in front of his friends.
“I’ll just come down later,” I say. I try to turn but Declan grabs my arm and pulls me back. ”Declan, it’s not...”
“Mia, stop. Please join us,” he asks.
“Why?” I ask with a sigh.
“Because they want to show off their hot roommate,” one of the guys say with a shrug.
“Shut up, Jared,” Darian snaps.