Lydia

Lydia set her curling tongs down on her dresser as her phone lit up with a text message from Johnny. This time she'd cleared with her mother that she could go out for the evening. It was under the impression that she was spending the night with Sadie at the ice rink followed by a sleepover, but the main thing was that she had a little freedom for whatever Carter had planned.

I'm hanging out with Carter. For real this time. Mom doesn't plan on keeping me hostage this weekend. 😂

😝

Thanks ! ❤️ what are you doing tonight?

Do share 😍

Your turn to send me a pic 😉

Dayuuuuuuum Daddy. 😂 you look hot!

🙏🏻

It took you that long ?

I could devour pounds of my fave candy in less than 24 hours.

I feel like this is a challenge.

Not that I need to be challenged. Lol. I'll do it for a laugh.

😂

Look, Nathan never buys candy or fatty foods in the groceries. Plus he makes me drink a kale smoothie like twice a week. So gross. So yeah, I've learned how to put away as much candy as possible when I'm out of the house 😂

😂

Hahaha I know that he comes from a good place. I'm lucky he doesn't make us drink one every day.

"Lydia," her door swung open to reveal Liam standing at the threshold. "Where is my book?"

"How the hell would I know?" She put her phone down and turned back to the mirror, fluffing her hair and ignoring her brothers pointed scowl.

"You cleaned the living room this afternoon," he grouched. "It was on the coffee table."

"How about you keep your books in your bedroom if you don't want them to go missing."

"Give it back!"

Lydia swung in her chair and stood up to face him. "I don't have the damn book. Why would I want your book? Go ask Mom or Nathan."

"If you don't give it back, then I'll tell Mom that there was a boy in here last night."

Lydia felt herself become rigid as her brothers words hit her like a harsh slap to the face. Not wanting to fold to the truth, she relaxed her facial muscles and shrugged. "I didn't have a boy in here last night."

"You sure have a deep voice after dark then," he pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "You turn into a princess ogre or something?"

"I don't have your damn book, Liam!" She snapped with frustration. "What would I possibly gain from stealing your fucking book?"

"What's going on?" Nathan appeared, peering inside the bedroom from the corridor. He glanced at the back of his sons head and then at Lydia who appeared as though she wanted to rip her hair out.

"This little nutcase is accusing me of stealing his book!"

"Your book is on top of the fridge," Nathan disclosed, his hand resting on Liam's shoulder. "I moved it when I cleaned the glass."

"Interesting," Lydia nodded with a narrow glare.

She was aware that her deviant brother could still out her for last nights rendezvous. But she had a feeling that he was aware that if he did that, his entire bookcase would be in danger.

"Apologise," Nathan instructed with a tired expression.

Liam muttered an insincere sorry and then slipped past his father, disappearing from the smug smile that Lydia bestowed upon him.

"Want some dinner before you go out?" Nathan questioned, resting his hand on her door handle.

"What is it?"

"Lemon and lime chicken stir fry."

"Uh— oh—" she was on the cusp, close to accepting a plate when her phone lit up from the bed. She glanced down and read the message from Carter which said that he'd be there soon. "I'll pass. We're going to eat at the rink."

"Okay," Nathan smiled. "Say goodbye before you leave."

He closed the door behind him and Lydia gave herself another once over in the mirror, swiping on a nude lipstick before she pulled her coat on over the cropped hoodie. Her snow boots weren't the best compliment to her outfit but from experience, it was best to be prepared with decent shoes. She would never make the mistake of walking across town in a pair of suede boots that did nothing to protect her from the winter conditions, again.

Sorry. Just had an encounter with my twit brother.

Gotta being the key word. I have no choice.

Swaps. I'd prefer a little sister.

😅

As she typed out a response about how high maintenance was something that she could handle, a message from Carter appeared, letting her know that he was waiting a few houses down. Her heart thrummed with excitement and she cleared the message to Johnny before starting a new one.

Hey, now I am off for the night. Have fun at the beach concert. You look so good!

Trust me. The girls will be drooling.