Chapter 2

With that said,

Harper moved to shut the door.

The way she had a thousand times before.

It never occurred to her that I might say no.

"Harper."

I called after her. "I'm going to bed."

She blinked.

"You can't make the coffee first, then sleep?"

"No."

I'd grown up on the legend of these two prodigies.

Even my parents used to say,

"Don't keep hanging around when Charlie and Harper are talking shop.

"If you can lend a hand with the little things, do it.

"Once they've made a name for themselves, they'll bring you along too!"

And so it went.

They talked as they walked; I trailed behind carrying the bags and their coats.

They planned the trips; I booked the tickets a day ahead.

They discussed hydrological data at my own engagement party; I was supposed to give up my seat too.

"Ken, Harper and I really can't step away right now."

Charles poked his head out.

"Just go make us two cups. For your buddy's sake."

"No."

I swallowed.

Two refusals in a row, both without precedent.

My heart was pounding.

Charles's smile froze.

Harper pulled the door open.

"Forget it. I'll go."

As she passed me,

she shot me a look.

Something dark and unreadable in it.

None of my business.

That was what I told myself.

I went into the bedroom and slid under the covers.

When I woke the next morning,

the two of them had already finished breakfast in the living room.

Only two plates.

Clearly nothing had been set out for me.

"Nothing for me?"

I couldn't stop myself from asking.

Because back when I was the one making the meals,

it was always three servings.

Harper wiped her mouth.

"Want some, make it yourself."

There was an edge of impatience in her voice.

And resentment.

What was she angry about?

Then I saw the coffee cup knocked over beside the coffee machine.

And I understood.

I was always the one who ran the appliances at home.

She'd botched it.

"Watch your attitude!"

Charles pinched Harper's cheek.

Then grinned at me.

"Harper didn't get her coffee last night, toughed it out till morning, so she's in a mood. I've told her off for you!"

I said nothing.

Their breakfast was fried eggs.

And a glass of milk.

A lot simpler than the meals I usually put together for them.

But also the easiest thing to copy.

Even so,

Harper had left out my share.

"Let's go, Charlie."

Harper stood. "Finish running the flow simulation from yesterday. We submit the report tonight."

"Sure."

Charles rose to follow.

As he passed me,

Harper glanced my way.

Then shut the study door.

I rubbed my empty, hungry stomach.

I let out a sigh.

Turned and headed for the kitchen.

After I'd made myself a sandwich,

I tossed my clothes into the washing machine on the way.

Loaded the mountain of cups and dishes into the dishwasher.

That evening,

Harper, after a full day's work, came into the bedroom.

Not to sleep, though.

"I'm going to set boundaries for where people can go in this house.

"From now on, the three rooms around the study — you stay out of them."

I froze.

"Why?"

"You're loud."

She lay on the bed.

Pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Charlie and I need a quiet atmosphere to work in."

"But you two could talk it over at the company."

I wasn't happy about it.

"Sometimes there isn't time to get to the office.

"Ken, you can't really help with much anyway. At the very least, I'm asking you.

"Just don't get in the way, okay?"

Watching her brows knit together,

I gripped the blanket tight.

That night,

we slept back to back.

I thought Harper was only talking out of anger.

But when I got up the next morning,

the three rooms near the study

really did have a temporary wire fence strung across them.

On it was written:

【Kenneth Not Allowed】