Rita’s POV

“He is an arrogant control freak,” I said.

Lila almost choked on her iced coffee and leaned in across the small cafe table. She lived two streets over. We had only known each other a week, but she already knew the families on this road better than I knew my own lecture notes.

“Ryan?” she said. “Your mom’s new stepson?”

“The one who tapes rules to the fridge. Quiet after eleven. No guests in the east wing. Laundry labeled with my name like I am staff. Doors left exactly the way he wants them left.”

Lila wrinkled her nose. “That tracks. My cousin waitressed a dinner at that...