Back To Us (Dare With Me #4) - J.H. Croix Page 0,13

did whatever she said. Once we finished later that afternoon, we sat relaxing at the long table situated in front of the windows in the dining area.

I snagged one of the fresh sweet potato fries Daphne had made, letting out a moan as the flavor of lightly seasoned chipotle fries crossed my tongue. “Oh, my God, these are good. Why can’t I cook like you?”

My question was rhetorical, but I knew the answer. Sometimes just getting food on the table was a miracle, given how little money my mother had at times when we were growing up. I was an expert at heating up soup in cans and making meals out of boxes. That was the extent of my cooking repertoire.

“I keep telling you I’ll teach you,” Daphne offered.

“I know, but I feel so ridiculous. I should know how to cook by now.”

“It doesn’t matter when you learn. Not everybody loves to cook, but it’s nice to be able to handle the basics yourself.”

At that moment, the door from the back hallway swung open, and Cat came through.

“Hey,” she said, lifting her hand in a wave as she walked immediately into the pantry, returning with a box of crackers.

“We have sweet potato fries,” Daphne called over when Cat stopped by the sink to fill a glass with water.

“Oh, good,” Cat replied. “Those are better than crackers.” She returned the crackers to the pantry before joining us at the table.

“What’s up?” I asked.

My little sister was seventeen years old now, and I still couldn’t quite believe it. Cat and my two brothers shared my mother’s dark blond hair and slate-blue eyes, while I’d inherited my father’s coloring. Cat’s hair was pulled back in a lopsided ponytail. A quick glance at her puffy eyes and flushed cheeks, and I guessed she’d been crying. The corners of her lips were pinched tight and her shoulders hunched as she leaned back in her chair and folded a foot under her knee.

“I just got home from school,” she replied.

“Thanks for the detail. I wouldn’t have guessed,” I replied dryly.

When Cat didn’t smile, I knew for sure she was upset. “You okay?” I asked gently.

She took a shuddery breath. “No.” Her glum tone matched her downcast eyes as she stretched her arm across the table to grab a few sweet potato fries.

“What happened?” Daphne asked.

“I broke up with Tanner.”

“Oh, sweetie, what happened?” I scooted my chair closer to hers and slipped my arm across her back, rubbing my palm in a light circle between her shoulder blades.

“He cheated on me. I really liked him too,” Cat said morosely.

“He did not!” Daphne said fiercely, her eyes practically blazing.

“Well, he’s an idiot,” I added.

“That’s what I told him,” Cat muttered.

“How did you find out?” Daphne asked.

Cat took a swallow of her water and fetched two more sweet potato fries, chewing one before she replied. “Shannon told me. She saw a text message he sent the other girl. I don’t even like that girl, and I’m glad she’s not my friend. I don’t need someone like him either.”

“Obviously, she’s not your friend. You’re a good friend,” I said.

My sister cast me a swift little smile. “I know. I’m upset, but I’ll be fine. I am worth more than having someone treat me like that.” She lifted her chin.

“Absolutely,” I commented.

Cat’s eyes slid to mine. “I’m fine, you know. I was sad and angry, and I cried, but I’m fine.”

“We know you’ll be fine,” Daphne interjected. “But we want to be there for you. Should we go kick his ass?”

Cat giggled. “You two could totally kick his ass. Oh my God, he would freak out.”

“Flynn’s going to ask about him. I was supposed to take him on that day fishing trip next weekend.” Cat sighed heavily. “Will you make sure Flynn doesn’t tell the rest of the guys?” Her eyes bounced between Daphne and me.

“Of course. It’s your privacy. You don’t even have to tell Flynn everything,” I suggested. “You can just say you broke up if that’s all you want to mention.”

Cat rolled her eyes. “One of you will end up telling him by accident, so I’d rather it be me. It’s not that I don’t trust you. It’s just, well, you’re in love with him.” She gave Daphne a pointed look before her eyes swung to me. “And sometimes you just let things slip when you’re not thinking.”

I gave her a sheepish smile. “I know. Downside of being an older sister. I only let them slip with Flynn,