“All those numbers.” Eden laughs, waving her long fingers through the air before shrugging. “I mean, they are so boring, but at least you get paid decent.”
I shrug, unable to work up any pithy, sarcastic comebacks. I blow out a deep breath and accept my fate. It’s easiest that way. It’s not worth it. I can’t compete. All I want is to fade into the woodwork until this horrible brunch is over.
Which shouldn’t be difficult, I feel beyond invisible.
To think, this morning when I’d put on a new red-and-pink print sundress, and strappy sandals, I’d thought I looked nice, even pretty. But now, in the face of my sister, with all her glamour and oozing flirtation, all I can think about is how frumpy I must seem.
Since Eden always makes an entrance, she’d arrived twenty minutes late. Long waves of copper-gold hair set off her tanned skin and big green eyes as perfectly as her white halter dress set off her size-two figure.
There hadn’t been a man in the room who hadn’t stopped to gape.
Lukas tried to cover it, but I’d seen him look at her. Seen the way his eyes widened. The quick intake of breath. I don’t blame him. I get it. I’ve seen that look my entire life.
In that moment I realize I’m not realistic and pragmatic like I’ve been telling myself all these years, I’m insecure. My first thought is to wonder if Lukas regrets getting stuck with the ugly sister. That it had been silly of me even to try, because every time I tried, I got pushed back down to my proper station.
I hate myself for it.
No matter how much my brain tells me I’m being crazy, my heart doesn’t agree. Logically I know Lukas isn’t superficial, that he likes me for me. I believe it, really I do, he’s a good man with a strong sense of honor. But with every flirtatious glance and remark Eden tosses in his direction, I can’t help remembering the look on his face when she walked in. I clutch at my napkin.
As soon as she gets him alone, she’ll hit on him. There’s no question about that.
My one serious boyfriend I’d dared bring home hadn’t been able to resist her. Eden made sure I caught them kissing too. There’s no way she won’t move on Lukas the second she gets the chance.
Will he be able to resist?
I want to believe, but…
My mom smiles at Lukas. “So you and Abby are neighbors?”
“Yes.” Lukas clears his throat. “I moved in about a year ago.”
“If I’d known that, I would have visited my baby sister more often, but then Abby likes to keep things to herself.” Eden gives him a slow once-over then smirks at Abby. “I can’t blame you for wanting to play with the big boys.”
I cringe. Lukas’s fingers tighten on my neck as an uncomfortable silence descends.
“Eden,” my mom says. “That’s enough.”
“What?” Eden takes another sip of her cocktail. She’s already on her fourth drink. “I’m just making conversation with Abby’s neighbor, what’s the big deal?”
That she’d referred to Lukas as my neighbor instead of my boyfriend confirms my suspicions that she’s waiting to strike.
“You’ve had enough, young lady.” My dad scowls at his oldest daughter, and I can’t help feeling terrible at the deep sadness in his faded green eyes.
I brace myself. Because I know what comes next. This is when everything becomes about Eden.
Eden chuckles, low and throaty. “Daddy, it’s brunch, you’re supposed to drink mimosas.”
My parents have tried to get Eden into rehab a couple of times, but she insists she doesn’t have a problem. And until she wants help, there isn’t much we can do. My parents are good, kind-hearted people and they don’t have it in them to cut their oldest daughter off. So they enable her and the problem continues.
Eden glances at me, her expression cold. “You’re just used to Abby who’s so busy being perfect she doesn’t even know how to have a good time.”
My spine straightens.
Lukas leans over and I flinch as his breath falls across the shell of my ear. “I’m going to say something.”
God no, that will just make it worse. I understand his need to rescue, but it won’t help. I shake my head and whisper, “Please don’t.”
He cups my jaw and turns my chin to stare into my eyes. He assesses me for a long, silent moment before nodding. “One more word against you and nothing you say will stop me. Understood?”