Chapter 12

Ronnell’s POV

The weekend brunch tradition we started after college had ballooned. Today, it wasn’t just William, Mathew, and me. Today, William’s sister, Mia, graced us with her presence. Not that Mia was bad, exactly. there was just…a friction between us, a static charge built from years of childhood sniping. But William was practically a brother, so I endured Mia for his sake. (besides, she drove William equally crazy)

Our table was situated at our favorite brunch spot, overlooking the sidewalk. The early autumn sun was positioned directly above us, providing a beacon of warmth on a mildly chilly day.

“I’m surprised you’re here, Ron, you have been less active—” Sarah remarked. “It seems like you’ve made It to more brunches than you’ve missed lately.”

I looked up from my menu, which I didn’t really need since I almost always ordered the same thing. “Is that a complaint?”

I knew that it wasn’t. Sarah was my cousin who was married to Mathew, and