The door cracks open, whining as it slides an inch. I hear thuds of socked feet hitting a wooden floor behind it.

“Help yourself. I’m hopping in the shower,” a gruff voice instructs callously.

Okay, then. Feeling like an intruder, but not wanting to flee the scene, I push the door open and head for the kitchen. If apartments had personalities, Dom’s would be Mother Teresa and Seph’s would be . . . I don’t know, Genghis Khan?

Dom’s place is neat, minimal, organized, and clean. Seph lives in chaos. Cigarette butts overflow an ashtray on the wonky coffee table, and there’s an open can of baked beans with the spoon still inside. The few paintings in the apartment are resting against the walls, rather than hanging on them. There’s a mountain of laundry near the closed bathroom.

When I arrive at the kitchen, I spot another pile—this time of unwashed dishes. There’s also a basketful of scones. Pristine and inviting, like it has been photoshopped into this horror scene. I pick two, wrap them in a kitchen towel, and stand there, feeling like a useless piece of furniture.

I’m waiting for Seph to come out so I can introduce myself. With each ticking moment, my resolve breaks. After six minutes, I call out, “Can I make you some coffee?”

The reply comes after a tense beat. “You’re still here? Leave.”

Leave? What kind of jerk talks like that to his brother’s girlfriend? Whom HE DOESN’T EVEN KNOW.

I swallow down my hurt, mumble Asshole, and close the door behind me.

On my way back to Dom’s apartment, I try to shake the feeling of disappointment. Seph is nothing like Dom. He is rude, brash, and hostile. I don’t get how he can be this big Casanova with an attitude the size of Kansas. But I shouldn’t even care, I remind myself. It’s not him I’m dating.

A text message snaps me out of my thoughts.

Dom: Did you get the scones? Were they everything you hoped for and more?

Ever: Got ‘em. They were worthy of every love poem ever written. Thank you.

Dom: And Seph didn’t give you any trouble, right? He can be a little on the grumpy side, especially in the mornings.

It doesn’t even occur to me to tell him the truth. I don’t want to create any tension between the brothers. I know how close they are. Plus, I haven’t had the chance to win Seph over. It could still happen, though the chances are looking slim right now.

Ever: Everything went smoothly.

Vague, but passable as the truth.

Dom: Good. Have an amazing day, babe.

Ever: You too.

It’s double date night with Nora and Colt.