My First Glance: An On My Own Prequel by Carrie Ryan (ereader iphone .txt) 📕

And then, I wrote the essay, and things just worked out. I wasn’t sure when I was supposed to make a decision—or even if I would—and then I kept keeping that secret. One thing led to another, and…here we are.”

“Here we are,” Violet whispered.

“You’re going to DSU,” Cameron said, shock in his voice. “I’m damn proud of you. But that’s not too long of a drive, is it?” Cameron asked. “You don’t have to move out for this. Hell, I’m so fucking proud of you.”

I blushed, ducking my head. “Well, the thing is, I sort of already made other plans...”

“I think I’m going to need to sit down,” Aiden said, sliding onto a stool. “Jesus, kid. You could have warned us.”

I lowered my head. “I didn’t want you to be disappointed in me. I changed my mind, I think.”

Aiden met my gaze, then shook his head. “I used to work at a Michelin-starred restaurant, kid. I did pretty damn well for myself, and I still work at some of those places. One day, I’ll have a restaurant of my own,” Aiden added, and everyone nodded. “We’re allowed to change our minds as we figure out what we want in life and who we are.”

He had left his job because of a workplace feud and ended up working at the brewery when their foster father passed. He’d brought the place back, elevated it to a high level where they served more than bar food, but we all knew that Aiden was working with Brendon to open up another Connolly business. One where he could be a true chef and not make wings. We were all working towards a future with the Connolly businesses, and I wanted to be a part of that.

I was just figuring out how.

“I cannot wait to see how you do in school,” Violet said. “And wait until the girls hear this! We’ll be there for any help you need, too.”

“We’re going to have to have a party,” Brendon said. “New babies and new schools.”

“And, apparently, new homes,” Cameron said, staring me in the eyes.

I winced. “Yeah, well, I went down to the university to talk with the bursar, and I saw a flyer that seemed perfect for me. One of the houses on college row came up for rent. Five rooms, lots of space. I’m moving in soon with four roommates.”

Everyone just blinked at me before Aiden threw back his head and laughed. “You sure don’t do things halfway, kid.”

“I’ll still be working here as much as I can, to help with the family and to pay my rent. But the school loans I already have for the university I’m currently at will work for this one. Everything’s going to be fine,” I said, adding more about the financial situation.

Brendon shook his head. “I’ve got money, kid. You have a single loan, one you’re going to pay off as soon as you’re out of school. And you’re going to work your ass off to get a full ride if you can. But it doesn’t matter. We’re not making you go into debt for the rest of your life if we can help it.”

“I’m going to pay my way,” I corrected, my back up.

Violet reached out and touched my hand. “You are. With your work with the family, and with the fact that you’re going to quit keeping secrets from us,” she said wryly.

“I didn’t know how to start talking about it, and then I ended up in this big secret cave. And now I’m fucked.”

“You’re going to have to get un-fucked,” Aiden growled. “Because Brendon is going to need help with the conglomerate that is the Connolly family businesses. Therefore, you need to be up to scratch. No more secrets. And, you know, the girls are going to have a hell of a lot of fun helping you decorate the house that you’re moving into with three strangers.”

I winced. “Please don’t help me decorate. I mean, I love you guys,” I added, looking at Violet, “but I don’t know these guys. I can’t just have my three sisters showing up, adding things to the house.”

Violet raised her chin. “But you really can’t stop us. Sorry, but we’re Connollys. And you might think you can just walk away from us for a minute and keep secrets, but you’re wrong. We’ll keep hounding you, and we’re proud of you. Now, I do believe it’s time for a drink,” she said. “A virgin one for us, and a shot or a beer for everyone else. Because we have stuff to celebrate, new beginnings, changes, and the fact that we’re a family. No matter what.”

I swallowed hard and hugged her close, knowing the others were either glaring at me or giving me confused looks. I didn’t blame them. After all, I’d thrown them for a loop, just like I’d done with myself.

Things were changing, and it was time I caught up. Hopefully.

Chapter 2

Dillon

“Please stop carrying boxes,” I said, taking a large container from Violet’s hands. She sighed.

“I’m allowed to lift things. I’m not that far along,” she said.

Cameron shook his head. “Go sit down on that ugly couch and rest. Think about what you need to add to the house to make it livable.”

I winced, looking around at the two-story colonial that I had fallen in love with the first time I saw it. It had large, open-concept living and dining areas, with a couple of rooms off to the sides that were meant for a library and an office, at least I thought so given the built-ins. The kitchen was visible from the front door, and the huge island was made for a chef’s kitchen. Part of the area was blocked off by a half-wall, which made the space look nice. At least, I thought. I wasn’t an architect, but I liked the place. All five bedrooms were upstairs, each having its own bathroom. Each one was slightly different, and all various sizes. My new roommates—guys I