tissues that had missed the garbage, not to mention that tile looked like it hadn’t been scrubbed since the Walters moved into the house. I also had to be extra careful not to lean against the counter as I washed my face. Globs of toothpaste speckled it like bird poop, along with pieces of hair and bright blue shaving cream. Most of the boys tossed their toothbrushes next to the sink, as if the damp countertop wasn’t a cesspool of mystery toxins. There was no way I’d be keeping mine in here. Pulling back the door, I poked my head out into the hallway to make sure no one was around. I didn’t want any of the boys to see me in a towel. Next time I showered, I’d remember to bring my clothes with me. As I crept back to my room, I imagined this was how a wild teenager felt as he or she carefully slunk out of the house in the middle of the night. I myself had never done anything that crazy. I successfully reached my new room without encountering one of the boys and slipped inside, sighing with relief. “Nice towel, Jackie.” “Oh!” I squeaked, almost dropping the fluffy fabric when I spotted Cole sitting on my bed. He was still covered in tomato sauce, but was eating out of a takeout Chinese carton. Two more steaming cartons were sitting on the desk waiting to be eaten. A smile eased across his face as he looked me up and down. My face flushed as red as the stains on his shirt, and I yanked the towel tighter around my figure. “What in the world are you doing in my room?” “Dinner. Want some?” he asked, holding up the carton of food. “Yes, but can you please leave?” I asked, mortified that this was actually happening. “I need to change.” “Don’t worry. I’ll close my eyes.” “I’m not changing with you in the room.” “That’s fine. I won’t mind if you eat in the towel.” “Cole, get out!” I finally snapped. “Damn, woman, don’t get your panties in a bunch.” He got up from the