Page 19 of The Scrooge Effect

“Oh,” he finally answered, taking a step back. “I…see.”

“I know we didn’t talk about this, but⁠—”

“No, no, I get it. It’s…great.”

But his voice did not hold even an ounce of excitement.

“This is a good thing, Edu. Maybe we’ll have twins this time,” I chuckled.

Swallowing hard, he took another step back. “It’s just…wow.”

“I know.”

Frowning, he rubbed his hand over his face. “Well, I should get to work. Gotta…do stuff and earn money. You know, cuz we’re gonna have another kid and that’s…”

“Wonderful—”

“Financially taxing,” he said at the same time as me.

Disappointment shot through me, but I did my best to hide it. After all, this was just bad timing all around.

“Um…I gotta get in the shower,” he grinned. “Lots to do today.”

He leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to my cheek, then darted away.

Well, it wasn’t the reaction I was hoping for, but at least he didn’t yell at me like last time.

Flinging the door open at Oliver’s house, I walked right in like I owned the place. Not that he minded. I was his sister. I was always welcome.

“Hey! It’s me!”

A naked woman popped up off the couch, screeching as she covered herself with the blanket, leaving my brother completely naked.

“Oh my gosh!” I cried out, spinning away, covering my eyes even though I could no longer see anything.

“What are you doing here?” he snapped.

“It’s Monday! I thought you’d be getting ready for work!” I yelled.

“Yeah, well, I took the day off!”

“To have naked sex?” I shouted.

“Well, that’s what men do when they live alone,” he growled.

“You could have let me know!”

“Sure. Next time, I’ll leave you a message,” he grunted. “You can turn around now.”

Spinning on my heel, I peeked between my fingers, making sure it was safe. When I was sure I wasn’t going to be surprised by any…appendages, I headed into the living room, sitting as far away from him as possible.

“I don’t have cooties,” he rolled his eyes.

“No, but you do have massive sex vibes.”

I glanced toward the stairs and jerked my head. “So, who is she?”

“Her name is Katherine.”