Shit. I’d forgotten about it breaking with everything else that had happened since he’d left for his date. “Oh, um, Luci was chasing some particularly evil roaches, and a few things might have gotten caught in the crosshairs.”

Ezra’s mouth twisted just slightly, but then he shrugged. “I’m sure he’d be happy to make another one for you. He’s …” Ezra’s smile almost split his face in two. “He’s a very … giving guy.”

I snorted to cover for the violent butterflies in my chest cavity. “Okay, off to the shower with you, you dirty boy!” I practically shoved him in the direction of the bathroom. “I’m sure my … delivery has just been left outside the door, but I can’t bring it in until you go … surprise and all that.”

Ezra rolled his eyes but did as he was told. When the bathroom door was closed firmly behind him, I turned to the front door, glaring at the handle. It hadn’t rattled again, which had to be a good sign. If it was Satan Junior out there, he’d probably be hammering the door down.

“You’re a strong, independent woman, Jemma Bliss,” I told myself firmly. “You can handle whatever that monster throws your way. Whatever is on the other side of the door, you will survive it.”

I pursed my lips, took a deep breath in, and turned the handle.

No one was there.

I looked down.

Seven overflowing bags of groceries sat in a neat line at the door.

“Joe,” I muttered, grabbing two and moving them to the bench, then returning for a few more trips until they were all inside. Fresh fruit and veggies, tubs of yoghurt, cheese, eggs, a few boxes of protein bars, long-life milk, and a dozen frozen microwave meals, plus a bunch of other staples for our pantry and fridge.

My brother could be callous and unkind, and he was very disapproving of my life choices, as if they reflected poorly upon him personally. But he sometimes showed that he cared … in his own high-handed way. Although it was probably more likely that he just liked to rub it in that he could afford to have groceries delivered, and it was my own lack of ‘drive’ that meant I had to slum it with the plebs at the local Coles.

I set to packing the items into the fridge, humming vacantly to myself. At least I could back up my lie to Ezra—‘Surprise! We don’t have to go to the supermarket because the groceries came to us!’

I managed a half-hearted chuckle at that, tugging at the neck of my crop top. How was it suddenly hot in here, even with the fridge door open?

“What, no donuts? I’m disappointed.”

I squeaked, the fridge door swinging wildly as I spun. It hit the wall and ricocheted back, smacking me in the left breast.

“Hello, Mouse.”