Step-Lover by Bella Jewel

not tryin’ to be a dick, but I thought we were both clear on what this was.”
    I nod, fighting back the pain in my chest. The intense disappointment. “Sure,” I say in a chipper voice.
    “You want to get some breakfast?” he says.
    I guess that topic is closed.
    “Sure.”
    He jumps to his feet and reaches down, pulling me to him. Something in his face has changed; the playfulness is gone. He’s made his message loud and clear, even without words. This is just a bit of fun, and should be read as nothing more. I can’t deny that it hurts, but he never promised me anything different.
    I guess I was just holding onto hope.
    I was wrong.
    ~*~*~*~
    NOW
    The next week passes with no drama. We all settle into the house, and the heavy awkwardness that was lingering in the air is gone. We’re comfortable, we’re getting to know each other and it feels pretty good. I’ve avoided Blade except during family situations; if he’s around I run out the door before he can catch me. I know he’s noticed and I know he doesn’t like it, but it’s for the best.
    I’m not going to keep playing his games.
    Tonight we’re having a get together; Mom and Jack insisted that we make a fire and all sit around, bonding. This means that I can’t escape Blade, even if I want to. No matter, there are enough of us that I think I can avoid him without too many problems. I’ve invited Bryce, to Mom’s pleasure. He and I have spent a few days together, and he’s nice. I like him.
    I don’t have that same bond with him, as I did with Blade, but I like him and that’s a damned good start if you ask me.
    “I can’t decide what to wear!” Melanie moans from my bed.
    I’m snapped out of my thoughts, and turn to my best friend.
    “It’s a cookout with my family. You don’t need to look amazing, Mel.”
    “Brody is there.”
    I snort. “Dude, Brody has been here the whole time.”
    “Yes, but he avoids everyone. Tonight he’s going to be sitting there, watching . . .”
    “Mel,” I say gently, “I don’t think even then he’ll notice.”
    Her face darkens slightly, but she quickly wipes it away. It reminds me that sometimes Mel isn’t as bright and bubbly as she lets on. She’s a truly compassionate person, who has her own demons. She feels something when she looks at Brody and that something is pushing her to want to help him, even if he isn’t willing to let her.
    “He’s just so . . .” She looks away. “. . . broken.”
    “Yeah.” I nod. “He is, but I don’t know if a pretty dress will change that, honey. I think if he wants to open up to someone, he needs to trust them first.”
    “You’re right,” she says. “I know what I have to do.”
    “That sounds . . . alarming.”
    She flashes me a smile. “Trust me. Now, what are you wearing? You have Bryce coming, so you totally have to look nice.”
    I wrinkle my nose. “I was thinking of Ugg boots and jeans.”
    She scrunches her top lip. “You did not just say that.”
    I nod. “I really did.”
    “You’re going to wear something nicer.”
    I cross my arms. “No, really, I want to wear jeans.”
    “Fine, you can wear jeans but they’re going to be stylish jeans. I have a great halter top you can borrow. It’s hot.”
    I sigh. “Okay.”
    There’s no point in arguing.
    Mel always gets what she wants.

CHAPTER ELEVEN
    NOW
     
    Bryce’s arm is around my shoulder and he’s pulling me close to his side. I was worried about having to deal with Blade, but to one up me, he brought Peyton along. She’s giggling like a schoolgirl every five minutes when he whispers things in her ear. Mom and Jake are cuddled up to my left, on a blanket. Ripley and Brody are sitting on a log to my right and Melanie is in front of me, legs tucked to her chest, eyes on the fire.
    It’s a beautiful, crisp night. There’s a cool breeze blowing past, occasionally rustling my hair. Bryce takes those chances to tuck those strands behind my ears again. An affectionate, yet subtle