So I suck it up, using some water to restyle my frizzy hair and spraying on some light cologne so it at least smells like I tried.

We slip into the car without speaking, and Brian turns on some classic rock station before pulling out onto the street. After a few minutes, he says, “So, besides losing your only source of income, how did today go?”

Since I came out to him, there aren’t a whole lot of secrets between us, but he doesn’t know about the Diary. Like, sure, he knows that I blog and spend the better part of my life on the internet, but he doesn’t know any of the details, and I intend to keep it that way. Besides the fact that he’d think it’s pointless and immature, I just don’t want people to know about it. It’s my thing, and a little bit Becca’s thing, but no one else’s.

I shrug. “It was fine, I guess. How was orientation?”

“Pretty chill. I’m friends with a few of the people who work the camp, so I just took the counselor position to stay busy over the summer. Mom making you get a job?”

I nod, watching the mountains out in the distance. God, are they beautiful. It’s so easy to pretend I never actually lived in Florida, and if I didn’t hate the outdoors so much, they might even be great Diary fodder, but as it stands, I’ll at least need to earn enough cash to continue my usual meet cute scouting if I’m going to keep posting and stand a chance against the troll.

“It’s about time, considering you’ve never worked a day in your life.”

I roll my eyes.

“Do you want to work at the camp?” Brian asks. “I can get you a job. If I tell them you’re my si”—he freezes before finishing—“bling, I’m sure they’ll be fine with it.”

I smirk, turning to him. “Nice save.”

He sighs. “I’m sorry.”

And I know he is, but it sure is funny to watch how flustered he looks after he misspeaks, like finally I’m the cool brother, and he’s the awkward one trying to keep up with my moves.

“I think I’ll get a job on my own,” I say. “No offense, but living with you and working with you seems a bit extreme.”

He smiles. “Yeah, I get that. Just let me know if you need help or anything.”

I smile back. “You’ll regret that.”