If It Makes You Happy

by Julie Olivia

So, I’m doing what I always do—whatever needs to be done.

He glances down at our hands linked together. “So, are you going to let go first or me?”

“I accidentally told a woman I wanted to steal her clothes today.”

“You’ve charmed me.” I roll my eyes. “See?” he says. “Your scowl, for one, is gorgeous.”

What is a sisterly relationship if not tumultuous with immediate forgetfulness?

Cliff gasps. “She got to you. You’re a double agent. You’ve been compromised.”

“Dad, can you get the light?” Emily asks, pointing to the switch near the kitchen. I snap it off right when Michelle pets Rocket and murmurs, “Good boy.” My head jerks back, and she grins, looking from Rocket to me. “Not you, Cliff.”

It’s something I haven’t felt since I was sixteen.

Lars coughs, “Bullshit,” into his fist. “Do you need some water?” I ask.

“What?” “Want to dance?” he asks. “To what? Pearl Jam?” The rest of Cliff’s smile spreads over his face. “Yes.” I scoff. “We are not going to slow dance to Pearl Jam.” “Oh, yes, we are.”

“Who was I to say no to Steve Austin, Cliff?”

“Question for you now, Clifford,” she says, mocking my tone from earlier. I chuckle and raise my glass. “Shoot.” “Do you know you’re in love with my sister?”

I don’t move from my spot as Cliff tightens his fist, then stretches it out.

Words against Michelle? Not in my house. Not anywhere.

And then, suddenly, he’s standing over me, bending down with his palms on his knees and a grin pulling halfway up his cheeks. “Miss me?” he asks breathlessly.

“Don’t get on the plane.” “What?” “Don’t get on the plane, Michelle.”

“I need to go,” he says. He leans forward to murmur, “I’m about to be arrested.”