Page 42 of All Our Nevers

“Besides,” Owen continues, “Andy was so mad at himself, I’m sure he decided to talk to me just to punish himself.”

It’s a joke, but it doesn’t land. Self-deprecation doesn’t suit him, and no one quite knows what to say.

Andy starts to say “That’s not…” but Sophie’s already talking.

“Anyway, it all worked out in the end and that’s what matters! We have to drink now, right? Me plus anyone who voted for me? Everyone have their drinks?”

“Yeah,” I nod, grateful that Sophie can never let an awkward moment lie.

“This game is designed to get me and Soph drunker than everyone else,” Andy observes. “You realize that right?”

“Yup,” I reply, smiling back at him.

The crescent moon shines against the purple sky, night air crisp enough that I want to edge closer to the fire crackling between us all.

“Okay my turn,” Nolan says, taking a crumpled piece of paper out of his back pocket. “Question two: who’s into weirder stuff in bed?”

“Ew!” I yell, shoving his arm.

“I don’t want to know that,” Owen says.

“What do you mean by weird?” Sophie asks. “I feel like that has a negative connotation, but do you just mean more interesting things?”

“Sure,” Nolan agrees, “more interesting.” He’s wearing that big-brother grin—the one that relishes torturing his pseudo-siblings (and real sibling) for his own amusement.

“I don’t know how to explain this,” I cut in, gesturing to Sophie and Andy, “but you two aren’t allowed to have sex. It feels like you’re my brother and sister. Like it’s okay that you’re getting married for some reason, but it’s not okay for you to have sex. Ever. Especially not with each other.”

“Completely agreed,” Owen says. “My little brother does not have sex.”

“Your little brother is getting married in two weeks,” Sophie says. “Of course he has sex.”

“No, he doesn’t,” Owen says.

“Yes, he does,” she replies. “And he’s really good at it too. He—”

“Nope!” Owen jumps to his feet, hands pressed to his ears.

“No. Ew. Shh. Stop it,” I say, swatting at Sophie’s arm.

“I’m going to get us some water,” Owen says, “and when I come back we’re moving on to a different question. Who wants one?”

Everyone in the circle raises their hands. Owen nods and heads for the back door of the house, but he can’t possibly carry five waters by himself, so I follow.

The screen door slaps shut behind me as I call, “Need a hand?”

“Nope.” He’s lining up glasses from the cupboard on the countertop.

“Right,” I scoff, taking it upon myself to pick one up and start filling it at the sink. “And did you see if we have enough beers in the cooler or should I bring more of those out too?”

“Dunno,” he says coldly, placing the fifth glass on the counter and immediately moving to leave the kitchen.

I don’t know what stick is up his ass right now, but whatever’s going on, I will not have him going back out there in a sour mood and ruining Andy’s night.

“Hey,” I bark, halting his motion, “what’s with the attitude?”

To my surprise, he doesn’t beat around the bush. He spins back towards me and asks, “Why didn’t you tell me you were planning that game?”

My head bobs back in surprise. “Because I don’t have to run every thought I have by you?”