Chapter 2

Right. Nothing he could do.

Chloe was cold, so she got to go sit in a warm car.

I slept in a leaking tent because I had to follow the "rules of the game."

Absolutely laughable.

Seeing my expression, Ethan took a step closer and softened his voice.

"When we get back, I'll take you to buy that jewelry set you've been eyeing. Call it an apology."

That was always his pattern.

Hurt me first, then placate me with a gift.

But I didn't want it anymore.

I zipped up my backpack and shook my head. "No thanks."

Ethan watched me, something probing in his gaze.

He probably thought I was reacting too calmly.

"Alright, have some breakfast first. We're hiking into Deer Creek Valley after we eat."

Ryan called out from the side.

"Emily, where's the hot milk? Chloe wants some this morning."

I pointed flatly at the storage crate beside me.

"Get it yourself."

"Why'd you buy this brand?"

Logan Hayes took a sip and frowned.

I sat on a folding stool by the campfire, scrolling through the cancellation confirmation on my phone.

Didn't react, start to finish.

Ryan pulled a face and set his cup down on the table.

"Emily, next time can you buy the Organic Valley whole milk?"

"Chloe only drinks that brand, and she wants it heated."

I turned off my phone screen and looked up at him.

"I like this one."

Ryan blinked.

In the past, to fit in with them, I'd always memorized everyone's preferences like some obliging little hostess.

I'd been the perfect lifestyle assistant, trying to win Ethan's friends over through the small details.

But in the end, they just saw it as my duty.

Ethan came out of the tent holding Chloe's thermos.

Sensing the shift in mood, he frowned. "What's going on?"

Ryan let out a snide laugh. "Emily says the milk is what *she* likes to drink. So I guess what the rest of us like doesn't matter."

Ethan looked at me, his brow knitting. "It's just a cup of milk. Do you really need to make a face over it?"

I met his eyes. "I'm just stating a fact."

The air turned cold.

Then Chloe came swaying over.

"Ethan, my shoelace came undone."

He immediately turned away and crouched down in front of her, his movements easy and intimate.

He'd never done anything like that for me.

I turned my head and gave a bitter twist of my lips.

Fine. It didn't matter anymore.

Let him dote on whoever he wanted. It had nothing to do with me now.

Shoelace tied, Ethan clapped his hands. "Pack up. We're heading to Deer Creek Valley."

Everyone started gathering their packs.

Jason shoved a backpack toward me and said, as if it were obvious:

"Emily, you take the cooler bag with the sandwiches and fruit. We'll handle the tarp and the stove."

I looked at the bag—easily ten pounds—and curled my lip. "I can't carry it."

Jason stared at me.