I wasn’t even invited, not officially. My sister Salome just texted the night before like,

“If you’re free, we’ve got room in the car.” I said yes before even thinking about it. I needed the break. Things at home had been…tense.

The plan was simple: drive upstate, stay at a friend’s cabin, wine, junk food, trashy reality TV

. I tossed my stuff in a bag and met them in the driveway just as they were finishing up loading the back.

Blankets, snacks, beach towels—even leopard print, of course. That’s Salome’s signature.

When I climbed in, everyone seemed surprised—but not in a bad way. Just… quiet for a second too long. I brushed it off.

Then I saw her in the passenger seat.

Mara.

My ex’s sister.

The same woman who swore up and down she’d never take sides—until she did.

Until she lied for him. Until she blocked me on everything after pretending to care about what he did.