Nova Baker

4.

Sitting at the kitchen counter with Liv, we were laughing over something stupid and enjoying our rare, peaceful sister time. The sun poured in through the windows, casting golden light over the counter as we picked at a bowl of grapes and traded stories. For once, it felt calm—just the two of us, no drama, no chaos.

That is, until we heard Jordan in the other room, clearly mid-argument. His voice carried, full of desperation.
"Come on, Mom—just give me my keys back!"

We both stopped talking, listening closely. Sure enough, Mom's voice followed right behind.
"I already gave you back your phone, Jordan. You're not getting the car keys too."

A moment later, they rounded the corner into the kitchen. Jordan was trying to get in front of Mom, blocking her path like that would somehow change her mind.
"Okay, fine," he said, switching tactics. "Can I at least use the account to order a ride? I've got—look, I've got a thing tomorrow night."

He dropped his voice at the end, clearly hoping the shift in tone would soften her up.

Mom raised an eyebrow, pausing in her step. "Does this 'thing' have a name?" she asked, tilting her head slightly, already suspicious.

"It's not a date," Jordan said quickly, his face flushing a little as he tried to justify himself.

"What part of 'grounded' is confusing to you?" Mom replied, shooting him a pointed look that made it clear this was not up for debate.

Jordan sighed, throwing his hands up. "Look, Cara doesn't have a car, alright? I told her I'd help her out."

Liv leaned over toward me and whispered, "Yeah, he'll 'help' her out, alright." Her voice was full of mockery, and we both made gagging noises at the idea of our brother kissing anyone. Gross.

"Am I not allowed to help a friend in need?" Jordan asked, trying to act innocent, though we could all see straight through him.

I rolled my eyes and handed Liv another grape from the bowl. She smirked.

Mom just shook her head. "I'm sorry, Jordan. I didn't realize how hard it is to be you right now, Jordan Baker," she said, her sarcasm cutting as she grabbed her laptop off the counter and slid it into her bag.

"So... was that a yes?" he asked, still not giving up.

"Nope. Stop asking," Mom said over her shoulder as she walked out the door, giving us a quick wave goodbye.

Jordan turned around to face us with that classic 'I need a favor' look. But I was already ahead of him.

"No," I said immediately, shaking my head. I knew exactly what he was about to ask, and I wasn't about to let anyone—not even him—drive my car.

"What?" he said, looking between us like we'd just accused him of a crime. "I barely even asked anything!"

I turned my attention back to Liv's laptop, ignoring him.

"What, you got something witty to say now?" he said, narrowing his eyes at Liv as she casually twirled a spoon in her hand like a weapon of judgment.

She looked up with a sly smile. "Yes, I do. But I'm going to keep it to myself," she said, putting the spoon back in the bowl. "However... I do have a solution to your complicated little dating life."

Jordan crossed his arms, intrigued despite himself. "I'm listening."

"Go with me and Nova to Dad's reunion barbecue tomorrow," she said, offering the proposal like a business deal.

Jordan frowned. "Won't Grace James be there?" he asked, placing his hands flat on the counter. "The whole day is just going to be one giant reminder of... everything."