All Chapters of Wrong Train, Right Trouble: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Dear Ida,My mother recently got remarried. Her new husband, Bill, has a nineteen-year-old son named Alec, who I hadn’t met until about three weeks ago. He’d been away at college but came home to stay with us for the summer. Here’s the problem: I’m finding myself overwhelmingly attracted to Alec. And from the way things feel between us—the kind of electric, suffocating tension that’s impossible to ignore—I think it’s mutual. But is it wrong to be drawn to my stepbrother like this?– Gretchen, ManhattanDear Gretchen,Although there’s no biological connection between the two of you, there is still a familial tie, and many people will consider a relationship between step-siblings inappropriate. The fact that you’re writing to ask suggests that a part of you already believes it’s not right—and that perhaps what you’re really seeking is permission to go against that inner voice. My advice is simple: honor your instincts. Stay true to your own values. Everything else will eventually sort i

“Michael Kors. They aren’t Louboutins or anything extravagant, but I like them. Wedges that are comfortable,” she said with a smile. “I like them too.”Christian rolled his chair backward and stood up, beginning to pace the room. His composure seemed to unravel, so I tried to soothe him. “They said before noon, right? There’s still a little time left.”He pulled out his phone. “I’m calling the lab.” Switching it to speaker, he dialed.A woman answered promptly, “Culver Laboratories?”“Yes. This is Christian Merrick. I was expecting a call before noon today regarding the results of a paternity test your lab processed for me this week. We are just minutes away from the deadline. I’d like to receive the results now, please. Arnold Schwartz mentioned he would personally oversee everything to ensure the results would be ready by this morning. I have a special reference number if you need it.”“That would be helpful, sir.”While Christian provided the necessary information, I silently praye

I found myself unable to resist cupping Chloe’s cheeks gently in my hands. I didn’t want to frighten her, but I’d been longing to do this all evening, and now was my last chance.“Goodnight, sweetheart.”“Will you come back?”“You can count on it, Chloe.” Never had truer words passed my lips. She was going to have one hell of a time trying to get rid of me.⸻Tonight had unfolded far better than I could have imagined.Sitting back inside the town car, the warmth I felt was quickly replaced by a surge of anxiety when I checked my phone. Lena hadn’t replied to the picture I sent her. That wasn’t like her. A sinking feeling settled in my chest.I’d been a complete idiot.A total fucking dumbass.I should never have sent that picture.My heart hammered hard. Should I give her space tonight, or should I head to Brooklyn?“Just park in front of the condo, Louis. I’m not sure where I’m going yet.”The moment the car stopped outside my building, my phone buzzed with a text notification.Sorry

“What’s your name?” Chloe climbed onto her chair and knelt, sitting directly across from me.“My name’s Lena. It’s nice to meet you, Chloe.”“Lena?”“That’s right.” I smiled, first try.“I love your hair. Mom, I want my hair like that.”Genevieve picked up the menu. “I don’t think so.”“Are you Christian’s wife?”“No.”“Are you his…”Genevieve interrupted again, gently steering her curious daughter away. “Lena is Christian’s friend, sweetheart. Now, why don’t you sit properly in the chair?”She shrugged. “But I like sitting on my knees. It helps me reach things better.”“Sit down. If you need anything and can’t reach it, I’ll get it for you.”Chloe pouted but settled into the seat properly.“Do you remember when we came here after we landed the Donovan account?” Genevieve asked Christian.“No.” His reply was quick, though it was obvious he remembered; he just wanted to move past the topic.Genevieve glanced down at the menu, smiling warmly. “That’s too bad. But I’m sure you remember l

She lifted her eyes to mine. “Seriously?”“Absolutely… seriously.” I cupped her face gently, smiled warmly, and repeated, “Seriously.”“Thank you for saying that. I’ve been terrified to even bring it up.”“There’s no reason to be afraid. You won’t ever have to face anything by yourself again.”I needed to hear more.“Can we take a test?” I ventured.“I’m not sure I’m ready yet. I don’t want to do it too soon—there’s a chance it could give a false result. I’ll wait until after this weekend, once the party’s over. Then we’ll do it.”“Whatever you decide is fine.”From the look in her eyes, I knew she was silently hoping she wasn’t carrying my child.Was I crazy for secretly wishing the opposite?⸻LENATHE TWO-HOUR DRIVE to East Hampton on Saturday morning went surprisingly well, with hardly any traffic slowing us down. Considering it was Memorial Day weekend, I expected worse. The season was still early, and the weather on the cooler side, so maybe most New Yorkers hadn’t yet started e