Page 91 of Wild Card 13

This was simply where I happened to be living for now.

The buzzing of my phone against the countertop interrupted the thought.

I expected Naomi.

Instead, the screen lit withArlo.

That was unusual enough that I answered immediately. "Morning."

"Tell me you're still in pajamas."

I looked down at the oversized university sweatshirt I'd stolen from the back of my closet and the flannel pajama pants tucked into thick wool socks. "...Maybe."

My brother’s laugh carried easily through the speaker. "I knew it."

"It's my day off."

"Exactly. Which means you have no excuse."

"For?"

"Leaving your apartment."

I sighed quietly, already recognizing the tone in his voice. "I've left my apartment."

"Liar."

"I went to work."

"That doesn't count."

"It absolutely counts."

"Nope." I could practically hear him shaking his head. "Work is mandatory. I mean voluntarily leaving your apartment."

"I've voluntarily left my apartment."

"Were groceries involved?"

"...Maybe."

"I rest my case."

I huffed out a laugh.

Arlo sounded entirely too pleased with himself. "I own a business," he continued. "Businesses require support."

"I buy coffee from you at least twice a week."

"You could be buying more."

"I think that's called enabling."

"I think that's called being an excellent sister."

I wandered toward the window, cradling my mug between both hands. "What are you selling?"

"I'm offended you'd assume I have an ulterior motive."