“Sometimes, cut from the same cloth attracts each other too.” She offers me a bemused smile. “Like you and Cassidy.”

It’s a struggle, hiding my bullshit. “There’s no me and Cassidy unless you’re referring to our friendship.”

“Yeah, okay.” Sarcasm covers her tone. “Anyway, I’ll give you time to come to terms with your liking her. Your grandparents offered the lake house for our little soiree. So, it’ll be an overnight thing. Be there, or I’m shaving your head next time I sleep over.”

A sinking feeling sets in my stomach. “You sure that’s a good idea?”

Concern etches along her face. “Do you not think so?”

Archer doesn’t mind the lake house.

He goes there all the time to clear his head.

Me? That’s who I’m worried about.

There are too many memories there.

Regret rushes into me like a scorned ex as I remember what took place there.

But like I tell my brother, you have to face your shit, not run away from it.

“Nah, it’s cool.” I gulp. “He’d rather have it there than at some club.”

The worry on her face dissolves, and she claps her hands before releasing a squeal. “I invited the crew, and hopefully, everyone can come.”

I nod. “Let me know if you need me to do anything.”

“You’re the best.” She blows me a kiss before scurrying away at the same time Cassidy comes into view.

“Gotta say, babe”—I shake my head in exaggerated disappointment—“you suck as a movie-watching partner.”

My thoughts retrace to last night and how she made it seem less lonely, made me feel as if I had someone, a friend other than my brother. Someone I can call anytime, who I can ask to hang out, and who enjoys my company as much as I enjoy theirs. I’m damn grateful for this woman squeezing her way into my life.

She twists her ponytail around three fingers and laughs. “Look, a girl can be tired after picking up trash all morning. You didn’t catch me at my movie-watching peak.”

“And you say I’m old. You didn’t even make it past midnight.”

“Had you been there with me, I would’ve stayed awake all night.”

I confine a laugh into a snort.

“Will you be in attendance at your brother’s birthday party, old man?”

I nod. “Yep. You?”

“Georgia invited me, so I’m considering it.” She grins. “It’ll be a good time to show you how great my night-owl movie-watching skills are.”

“My sidekick had better show up.” I click my tongue against the roof of my mouth. “Can’t leave me hanging as the odd one out.”

“I’ll be there. I’m Batman. You’re Robin. Sidekicks forever.”

“Whoa, whoa. I’m Batman. You’re Robin.”

I shake my head and snort. “I’m Batman.”