Something More Than This Read Online Free

the high school tonight, chances were that you would be here. And lo and behold, here you are,” he says.
    “Okay, I guess.” I snatch up my takeout container. “I was just getting ready to go home anyway, so thanks for checking up on me. Again. ”
    Simon has made it his life’s mission to track my every move, which might have something to do with the fact that our parents were killed by a drunk driver on their way home from a New Year’s Eve party when I was a sophomore in high school. As a consequence, he stepped up to the plate and worked two jobs while making sure Jonathan and I were okay through one of the most difficult times of our lives. Not to mention that he did all of this while in the police academy. To this day, I don’t know how he managed it all, but I’m grateful nonetheless. He’s become that stereotypical overprotective big brother who in the past has scared away potential dates, and he tries to play it off like he’s doing me a favor in the process. I don’t know when he will ever get the hint that I’m a grown woman and can take care of myself, but I hope it’s soon, because I’m so over it by now. And God forbid I voice my opinion on the matter. Because that would start the always fun conversation of how he’s my legal guardian—technically, was my legal guardian since I’ve been legal for quite some time, but he conveniently forgets this fact—and how it’s his responsibility to watch out for me and make sure I’m safe and sound at all times, day or night.
    “Mimi, I’ll see you at home later. Be careful, okay?”
    She props herself on her elbows and leans forward to kiss me on the cheek. “Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. Go home, heat up that food, and get some rest. We’ll continue our conversation tomorrow.”
    I say good-bye, and Simon follows me to my car as I try my hardest to ignore him, which is impossible to do. He’s just over six feet tall and is built like a middle linebacker. He’s always been a bit of a health nut, but in the last couple of years his health kick has turned into more of an obsession. But he’s not at all vain, even though he’s probably propositioned by women daily. This would inflate the ego of most men I know, but not Simon. As protective and intimidating—and annoying—as he comes across, he’s actually quite humble and sweet. I do love him very much and always will . . . of course I do, I mean, we are family. But I don’t need him to constantly be watching over me like a hawk. At some point he has to take a step back and let me live my life.
    Right now, though, his protectiveness has reached its limit with me. Especially when I get to my car door and he says, “How many times have I told you to park closer to the entrance or under a streetlight, Katy?”
    Under my breath, I mumble, “So many times, I’ve lost count.”
    “I heard that,” he says. I turn around and give him a hug. “I’m just looking out for you.”
    He lets go of me and I smile, fully aware that he really does mean well. “I know, Simon. Thanks. I’ll talk to you later.”
    “Sure thing. Good night, Katy.”
    “Good night.”
    I toss my bag onto the floor of the passenger side and place my takeout container on the seat. When I pull out of the parking lot, I look in my rearview mirror. At exactly two car lengths behind me, Simon’s police cruiser is following me home, as usual.
    I sigh out loud and continue driving while thinking some things will never change no matter how much I wish they would.

CHAPTER THREE
    W hat time did you get home last night?” I ask Mimi as I’m filling up my to-go mug with coffee.
    “Um, I don’t know exactly, it was late.” She yawns, then slowly shuffles her Kermit the Frog slippers against the hardwood floor until she reaches the coffeemaker. Once she’s done getting herself a fresh cup of coffee, she shuffles as if on autopilot back to her bedroom and closes the door.
    “It was nice talking to you too!” I shout