The Chemistry of Us by M. Robinson & Rachel Van Dyken

Author:M. Robinson & Rachel Van Dyken [Robinson, M. & Dyken, Rachel Van]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2025-01-30T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 20

TRU

Now

I couldn’t believe I kissed him to get him to focus. It wasn’t just my job at stake or the money I desperately needed to continue to afford school without my adoptive parents' help, it was the fact that he could fail. And while I hated Vaughan most of the time—I hated his father more. I’d never forget the day I overheard their conversation, and I’d never forget the look on his dad’s face. So empty, so angry, and I knew why.

I never told Vaughan.

Once I made a promise, I kept it, but I always wondered if things would have turned out differently if I’d been more honest about the why behind things. I got it—communication was number one—but what if that communication broke someone? What if it broke multiple someones? Then was it better to shield them from the truth and allow them to believe the lie in order to save them from one more stab to the heart?

I shook my head, physically trying to get my inner thoughts to calm down, and continued my walk back toward the house. I swear on Vaughan's life, if they have another party tonight or if I see one more pizza box, I was going to commit murder. I was still pissed about the piss!

Weirdly enough, things were silent when I entered the house.

Brady was girlfriendless, which was semi alarming, and he wasn’t taking selfies, which was also troubling.

“Cinderella,” he called from the couch, not looking away from the TV. “Big plans this weekend? More sexy dresses you need to burn so you don’t force Vaughan to end up in prison?”

I rolled my eyes. “Sadly, that was the last one.”

“Thank God.” He made a cross over his chest and leaned back against the couch. “So? Plans?”

“Ah.” I looked down at my cell. She’d called again. Then texted me the time to arrive. Be punctual, she’d said as if I couldn’t tell time.

I swallowed the bile rising in my throat. “Yeah, well, it’s kind of my birthday tomorrow. My adoptive mom wants me to come to some event with her and catch up.”

Brady frowned and paused the TV. “Wait, it’s your birthday, and you have to go to her event?”

I sighed. “Long story short. I’m a very good trophy child. Bonus points for being short and cute. The donors love it.”

Brady threw the Apple Remote. “For real? Can’t she do that shit on her own day?”

I really didn’t want to have to explain. “It’s not a big deal. I’ll smile and wave, make her proud, convince everyone that I have the family I always wanted and dreamed of growing up, one that gave hugs instead of gifts and used words instead of passive-aggressive looks across the table for using the wrong fork or, and this is a bad one, sneezing.”

“No shit?”

“I still have trauma when I’m about to sneeze. I’ve never been yelled at so loudly.” I forced a smile. “Seriously, I’m used to it. Are you headed out with the girlfriend?”

He shrugged.

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