I don’t need a genius to tell me why she’s asking that. I bolt to the car, praying to God to get there and cover Livy’s mouth before she says something stupid.

“Because E needs someone to—” I clasp my hand over her lips and she bites. Hard.

“Shut up or I’ll hide Bunny.” The yell-whisper works, and she stops her gnawing. I call out to Indigo, “See you tomorrow!”

I don’t even turn to see her face. All I do is hurry, afraid my sister will blurt out something else if we don’t leave quickly.

Olivia loves her plush bunny, even though she’s old enough to distance herself from it. Dad gave it to her when she was a baby. But she loves torturing me even more.

Once I get into the car, I start the engine. Olivia waves goodbye and I do too, driving away.

“Why not ask Indigo?” tries Livy. “Just think about it. She’s perfect.”

I sigh, not wanting to explain why it’s such a bad idea. If I were a kid, I’d probably think the same way she does. Seems like the best option is to keep up with the lie for now.

I’m an adult and that means I should’ve never let it go this far. It’s my fault for panicking, and it’s my obligation to make things right. Not now, though. When the time comes.

“E, please,” Olivia begs, shifting in her seat toward me.

“Do you know what you’re asking me to do? It’s insane, Livy.” I blow out a breath, trying to think how this might even work. “How am I supposed to explain why my girlfriend is not sleeping at the house?”

My parents will expect my girlfriend to spend the night because that’s what actual couples do. They think she runs her own business, which is why she can’t join me this week. And I lied about wanting to tell them first before bringing her home.

What excuse could we use, anyway? Oh, she’s sleeping at a hotel because it’s inappropriate to sleep together under the same roof. Yeah, that doesn’t sound like bullshit at all.

Livy presses on. “Just do it and we’ll figure out the rest together.”

I laugh because there is no way that’ll ever happen.

CHAPTER FOUR

INDIGO

I’m not the cleanest person on the planet. I’ve tried a ridiculous number of techniques to keep everything clean. None of them worked. And mostly because it’s easier to find my stuff when it’s all over the place. I have a way of sorting things.