You’d been staring at yourself in the mirror for the last ten minutes, tugging at the hem of the dress you’d saved three paychecks for. Deep emerald. Fits you like a glove. You’d wanted him to see you in it before your brother could make a comment.

Now he’s here.

You pad down the hallway, heart hammering against your ribs. The lock clicks. The door swings open.

And there he is.