By the time I got back to the side yard, night had settled in deep. I pushed open the door, and out of nowhere, a tall figure stumbled toward me, wrapping me in a tight embrace.
"Sis…" Theodore's voice was slurred, thick with liquor, his face buried in my neck. "Don't go…"
I froze, my hands instinctively pushing against him. "Theodore?"
But he grabbed my waist, pulling me closer, his head dipping like he was about to kiss me. His breath was hot, reeking of booze, but something about it dragged me back to the days when he was my sweet, simple pup.
Just as his lips grazed mine, the gate crashed open.
"What are you doing?!" Sophia's voice cut through the night as she stormed in with a crowd behind her, her eyes blazing at the sight of us.
"Theodore!" She yanked him away, her voice break
