“Actually,” I said, my voice light and conversational, “it’s been lovely seeing her so happy. I think having a boyfriend has really settled her down.”
The air around us froze.
Kyle blinked. “A boyfriend?”
Brandon stiffened beside me. I could feel the heat radiating off him.
“What boyfriend?” Kyle asked, his brow furrowing. “She didn’t tell me she was seeing anyone. Who is he?”
“Oh, I…” I feigned confusion, looking between them. “I assumed you knew. She’s been out almost every night. I haven’t met him, but she seems very… involved.”
“Is that so?” Kyle’s jaw tightened. He looked around the room, scanning the crowd until his eyes landed on Denise. She was by the dessert table, laughing with a group of young socialites. “Excuse me.”
Kyle marched off toward his sister.
“Maureen,” Brandon hissed the moment Kyle was out of earshot. His grip on my elbow was painful. “What the hell was that?”
I pulled my arm away, looking at him with wide, innocent eyes. “What? I thought he knew. You said they were close.”
“You know damn well he didn’t know!” Brandon’s face was flushed, a vein throbbing in his temple. “Why would you say that? Now he’s going to interrogate her. If she slips up…”
“I’m sorry,” I whispered, looking down. “I didn’t mean to cause trouble. I just… I slipped.”
“Damn it, Maureen!” He ran a hand through his hair, looking frantic. “You know how strict Kyle is, that’s why Denise rebelled back then, and got into depression. Now she’s okay, and you’re ruining it again?”
Across the room, the scene was escalating. Kyle had cornered Denise. He was gesturing animatedly. Denise looked flustered, her smirk vanishing as her brother’s voice rose. People were starting to turn and look.
“Denise is getting hysterical,” Brandon muttered, watching them. “I have to go stop this before she says something stupid.”
He glared at me one last time. “Stay here. Don’t say another word to anyone.”
He rushed off toward the siblings, diving into the fray to do damage control.
I watched him go. I watched him place a calming hand on Kyle’s shoulder, watched him whisper something to Denise that made her pale. He was so busy spinning his webs, so busy keeping his two lives from colliding.
This was it.
I set my glass down on a passing tray.
I didn't say goodbye to anyone. I simply turned and walked toward the exit. The heavy oak doors swung open, and the cool night air hit my face. It tasted like freedom.