Clarke came home several hours later. The girls were sprawled out on the couch, binge-watching TV. It took a while, but they decided on their fall menu and new work schedule. He was decked out in a nice, fitted suit with his tawny pushed out of his face. 

“Hey girlies, are we having a sleepover?” He asked as he slipped off his shoes and threw his suit jacket and tie on the ground. He nudged Mel over and lay down between them, his feet in Mel’s lap and his head in Kassie’s. “What’re we watchin’?”

Mel wrinkled her nose at his feet while he wiggled around and got comfortable. 

“Scrubs,” Kassie replied, separating pieces of his hair to braid. “Where were you?”

He shrugged. “Around.”

“Around where?”

He turned his head towards her and raised a brow. “Inquisitive are we? Alright. Who’s Aaron, and do you like like him?”

Mel choked on a laugh.

“Isn't he totally dreamy?” Clarke continued, raising his voice and fluttering his eyelashes at her. 

“Were you logged into my Facebook?” She could feel her cheeks heating up from embarrassment. She hated her brother. 

“If you didn’t want me to go on, then you should have used a better password.”

“Clarke! That’s private, I can’t believe—”

“That’s the thing, Kass,” he said, sitting up and looking her in the eyes. The goofy grin was gone, and his face was serious.  “It’s the internet. It’s not private. Don’t be stupid.”

“I’m not stupid.” She sulked, sliding further down the couch. 

Clarke gave her a hard stare, pushing braids behind his ear. “Be careful. “

She nodded. 

“Don’t be asking for any dick pics and keep your shirt on. Don’t be a cyber skank.” His voice was laced with mischief. 

“Clarke! Shut up!” She picked up the nearest pillow and smashed it into his stupid, smirking face. 

Mel lost it, laughing hard against the arm of the couch. 

That night, Kassie waited for Mel to fall asleep before she started talking to Aaron again. Mel was being supportive in her own way. Kassie really didn’t mind the teasing; she knew this wasn’t how most girls met guys and was for sure not how Mel met guys. Kassie doesn't have Mel’s effortless beauty.  Mel was long-legged and thin-waisted. She could walk into any room and find someone interested in her. Kassie was not. She knew she wasn't going to turn someone's head in a crowd.  Mel’s constant quips were starting to make her unsure of the whole thing. Like maybe the entire thing was far-fetched, a joke.  Earlier, she had said, “You can find a guy anywhere if you’re desperate enough.” 

Was that it? Was Kassie desperate? She didn’t think she was. Sure, it would be nice to have someone like that, but it’s not like she was looking for someone. She just happened to find someone. 

She rolled away from Mel’s sleeping body and snuggled down on her side. 

Kassie Harris:  I hope you’re not talking to other young business owners. I wouldn’t want any competition. Sorry, I disappeared for a while. I was hanging out with my brother and Mel. 

Aaron Adams:  You don’t need to worry about competition; you would most assuredly be the victor. 

Kassie Harris:  Same goes to you? ☺ In other news, my brother may have hacked into my Facebook…

Aaron Adams: Well, it’s a very good thing we haven’t been uncouth. What did he have to say about our communications?

Kassie Harris: I really don’t think being nasty is your thing. He wants me to be safe, look both ways before crossing the street, and not to take candy from strangers or send nudes to cute guys on Facebook. 

Aaron Adams:  That is all excellent advice. It seems like your brother knows a thing or two. 

Kassie Harris:  He has his moments.

They wrote to each other till Kassie fell asleep.