Page 149 of Seale the Deal

You are not paying for this.

I am.

Why?

Because I want to.

She plants her hands on her hips.

Uh, Drew says, looking between us. Do you guys need a minute?

No, Remi says.

Yes, I say at the exact time.

We both look at each other, unblinking. Her expression slowly changes, and I recognize it as the same one she used when we were kids and she was absolutely convinced she was right about something.

Drew points toward the door. I’m going to give you guys a minute. He does a surprisingly quick shuffle toward the hallways and disappears from the room.

The second he’s gone, Remi turns back on me. What are you doing? This isn’t your responsibility.

Yes it is, I insist.

Oh my God, stop. Both of you! Wrenley’s voice startles us, and we both turn toward her. Really, it should be me paying for this since I’m the one who could cancel all of it.

Remi and I exchange a look before turning back to Wrenley, who looks so exhausted that all I want to do is pull her into my arms.

Wren…

No, she says, shaking her head. What the hell are we doing?

For a second, nobody answers.

Look, I say quietly. I’m not trying to influence you.

Her eyes lift to mine.

Here’s the truth of it all. I’m in no matter what, and I’ll be here in this room whether you show up or not. My throat tightens, and the words keep catching in my throat, but I force myself to keep going. So I’m going to pay for this room, and until you tell me not to, I will be here waiting for you.

I realize I’m not really talking about the room. I’m talking about her and that I’ll wait for as long as she needs.

Remi slowly nods, apparently using what little twin telepathy fraternal twins have to fully understand what I’m really saying.

Wrenley presses her lips together, blinking rapidly as she wraps her arms around herself. The sight makes every part of me ache, and I pull her against me, kissing the top of her head.

I will be here, I promise again.

Remi looks at us, her eyes wet, and to know that this is touching my somewhat emotionally stunted sister, who says things like tear ducts are for lubricating eyes, not feelings, tells me how serious this moment is.

Are you crying, Rem? I ask.

Don’t look at me, she says. It’s just a little dry in here.

Wrenley lets out a laugh at that, loosening something in my chest. She pulls back enough to look at me.

So are we agreed that I’ll pay? I look between her and Remi.

They both nod.