“Our rooms are exactly the same.”

“Okay, but I can’t make Paul sleep in my castle princess bed.”

“I’m sorry about that, but when given the chance to choose a bed, you should’ve picked something more practical.”

“I was eight.”

“And I was ten. Didn’t stop me from ordering a perfectly sensible queen bed.”

Truth is, my only guiding principle at the time was to do the exact opposite of what Julia did. So, when she opted for a fairy tale bunk bed—pink, complete with turrets, crenellations, and tulle drapes—I went for the most serious, adult-looking bed I found at the shop.

“But Paul won’t fit…”

“Then ask Mom to get rid of the princess bed and buy a replacement.”

“But I love that bed.”

“Well, sorry… You’ll have to pick: either Paul sleeps in the princess bed, or the bed goes.”

I take a little smudge of satisfaction in knowing Julia is not going to have exactly everything she wants.

“But why can’t you switch?”

“Because my boyfriend won’t fit in the princess bed any better.”

“Oh, so you really have a boyfriend?”

“Yeah,” I say.

“Since when? I thought Mom misunderstood.”

Sure, because it would be so impossible for me to have a boyfriend. No matter that it sort of is impossible. The fact that Julia would just assume… Grrrrrrr. I bite the receiver before I continue.

“A few months.”

“Why didn’t you tell me? Who is this guy?”

“Jules, I’m just more private with my life than you, and right now I’m at the office, working. I don’t have time to gossip.”

“Work, work, work. You always have to work. I’ve been trying your private phone for an hour this morning, and it was always busy.”

“I was talking to someone else.”

“Who, your boyfriend?”

“No, Blair.”

“Oh, the sister you wish you’d had.”

I stare at the ceiling, trying to keep calm. It’s definitely too early for one of Julia’s dramatic scenes. “Why are you throwing a tantrum?” I ask.

“Because you’re dating someone and didn’t even think of telling me. I had to learn it from Mom!” she whines. “How long has Blair known him? It’s like I don’t exist for you.”

Julia and I have never been close, and since she’s been dating Paul, the distance has increased. I love her, she’s my sister, and if she needed a kidney I’d give it to her without a moment’s hesitation. But we’re so different, and with her dating the guy I love… It’s just hard.

“I’m sorry, Jules, but until recently I wasn’t sure the relationship was that serious, or even worth mentioning.”

“But why didn’t you tell me the other day?”

“That was your moment, your big announcement… I didn’t want to steal your thunder.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“So who is this guy? When am I going to meet him?”

“At Christmas like the rest of the family.”

“Why? We’re both in the city; can’t we meet up earlier?”

“I’m sorry, but no. I’m super busy until the agency closes, and Diego is super busy, too.”