Keep it Secret Read Online Free PDF Page B

still provided the feeling of big brother , even though it might
possibly be me making it up in my head.
    “Oomph. Hey…Van, missed me?”
He asked breaking our embrace looking a little confused.
    “Sort of, I need a buffer
from mother, and dads not helping much.”
    “Shit. There goes my
relaxing weekend.” Declan complains, already irritated and he
hasn’t even been here five minutes.
    “I thought she’d behave in
front of Aunt Rose.” I replied.
    Boy, was I wrong.
    “Well, if it isn’t the
finest motherfucker in Colorado.” Ava called from the top of the
stairs. Both Declan and I laughed leave it to Ava and her filthy
mouth to break the tension. By the time we finished Ava was
stepping off the last step walking to Declan.
    “Ava Maria, a pretty girl
like you shouldn't be using that type of language.” Declan said
hugging her. Imitating mother, of course.
    Ava smiled cautiously at my
brother. “You still mad at me?”
    Mad?
    Am I missing
something?
    “Hmm, ask me again later.”
Declan replied tapping his index finger against his lips
contemplating his decision.
    “Why would you be mad at
her, D?” I asked.
    What the heck is going on!
Have they seen each other? Did he get to spend time with her? No,
Ava would never reach out to Declan and not me.
    “It’s not important, Van.
Come on let’s go eat.” Ava answered for Declan. I hate when they do
this. They always keep things from me like I can’t handle hearing
bad news or anything inappropriate. My entire family is that way
though everyone treats me like a porcelain doll. Like, I could
break if not handled properly. Inwardly, I let out yet another
exasperated sigh. I don't push it because I know it won't get me
anywhere. Walking back into the formal dining room with Ava and
Declan trailing behind me, Aunt Rose stands up to greet Declan with
a warm hug.
    “Declan, how you've grown.
You’re so handsome. You must have a trolley of girls waiting on
your beck and call.” Aunt Rose coos at Declan. Declan is truly
handsome. He stands at five feet ten inches, messy dirty blonde
hair and soft brown eyes with a squared chiseled jaw like my
fathers. I always tell him he looks like a well-kept surfer, minus
the tan.
    “That’s absurd,” mother
interrupts, “he’s too busy with his internship to be worried about
fast girls.” Declan looks over at Daddy. Dad he gives him the same
look he gave me earlier.
    Good God, this woman was
going to drive us all mad.
Chapter
Five
    Ava

    “So, Ava, are you excited to
start a new school? Start doing new things?” Declan asked taking a bite of his
dinner roll. I knew exactly what he was insinuating. A few months
ago I slept with his roommates. They like to give him shit about
it. It didn’t go over well between Declan and I when he found out.
He sat me down for a “lecture,” Declan’s sermon consisted of;
roommates with big mouths, possibility of me getting infected with
something or getting pregnant and or gaining a bad reputation.
Blah, blah, blah. Talk about pot calling the kettle black. Hypocrite . Oh, but it’s
all right if he does it because he’s a guy. What steaming load of
bullshit.
    Acting coy, I replied, “you
know me, D. Always up for doing bigger and better things.” I elongate the word
doing as he shook his head and chuckled. I winked at him, not
missing the glare coming from Aunt Cynthia, clearly directed at
me.
    “Luckily, a couple of
buddies of mine are having a ‘end of the summer party’ tonight, you
want to come?” Declan asked looking at me with a deviling grin,
always the shit-stir that one. Even though he was a little pissed
at me for sleeping with his roommates I was still the best wing
man-woman he’s ever had. I was great at hooking him up with the
hottest girls. It’s a gift really.
    “Fu—. I mean, yes of course.
Can Vanessa come too?” I asked Aunt Cynthia, ignoring the way she
kept looking at me.
    Bitch .
    Vanessa's eyes light of with
hope. “I don’t think so, Ava.