Shallow River

“You sure he’s actually their son?”

I shrug my shoulders. “His mom said it on several occasions.”

“Huh,” she says. “Wonder why.”

I snort. “Well, it was a little clear once I saw them together. They hate each other.”

“Maybe they have some weird sibling rivalry going on,” she says off-handedly.

We’ve arrived at the ice cream shop, and the menu has snagged her attention. I decide to let it go. I’ve heard of siblings hating each other. It happens. Normally, they don’t act as if the sibling doesn’t exist unless something major happens, though.

What are you hiding, sweet Ryan?

“Hey,” a voice chirps from behind me. The sounds makes my heart pause. I turn to find my nemesis. Ryan’s ex-girlfriend.

Amelia turns and her face drops. She’s never been formally introduced to Alison, but she knows exactly who she is. And she also knows the bitch tried to sabotage my relationship.

Light brown hair, hazel eyes that change colors depending on the lighting, and a bombshell body. She’s beautiful, and I hated her on first sight. Even more so when I talked to her.

“Hey, Alison,” I reply coolly. She has the audacity to look nervous.

“I’m sorry if I’m bothering you. I just wanted to see how you’re doing?”

I try not to blanch, but I do anyway. Amelia’s brows drip in confusion. I clear my throat.

“I’m fine.”

Her shoulders drop, along with her voice as she whispers, “I really wish you’d listen to me.”

Anger coils my innards so tightly, my throat closes. Amelia knows she’s tried to sabotage my relationship, but I never told her how. And I don’t plan to let her in on it.

“This is not the time or place,” I hiss under my breath, so only she can hear.

Alison’s plump, lying lips tighten into a hard line. Dimples pop out on her cheeks and I hate her for it. My dimples are hidden in my laugh lines. Hers are cuter.

Finally, she nods her head. She spares Amelia a glance, and then walks past me. Her hand touches my elbow briefly as she whispers, “Be careful.”

I barely refrain from ripping my arm from her grip. Instead, I keep my gaze straight forward and let her pass.

Amelia hands my ice cream over slowly, eyeing the spot Alison disappeared from with confusion.

“She was… nice,” she finishes hesitantly.

“She’s a snake.”

Amelia d

oesn’t look convinced. And that breaks my heart a little.

“What did she say?”

“Nothing I haven’t already heard. She’s jealous and wants me to leave him.”

I don’t share the reasons why. Those are for me to consider.

Amelia’s face morphs into disgust. “What a bitch.”

She is, isn’t she? I contemplate that as I lick my chocolate chip mint ice cream.