There was a hint of animosity in his tone when he said my little sister's name, but I let it go. She wasn't high on anyone's list these days, but I still hadn't figured out what was going on. And anytime I tried to get information, Austin would snap at me, Daddy would find a way to change the subject or leave the room, and Charlie didn't know any more than I did. Or I didn't think he did.
"You didn't have to say it back, you know?" He broke the silence, but I wasn't sure what he referred to.
I looked over at him, furrowing my brow. "What do you mean?" I was lost. "Didn't have to say what?"
"It." His ears were pink, and it was easy to see he was flustered-I just had no idea why. "I didn't want you to feel obligated."
"Charlie, I'm not following you."
"The other day after physical ther
