Alex's throat seemed to swell shut when Jamie threw that word mockingly at her, a flush rising to her cheeks as whatever response she might have made was choked down in the wake of the look on her brother's face, the way he just plunked down and casually smirked at them. But the coup de grace was Adam, to whom her gaze immediately turned when he spoke before she could.
She swallowed, her jaw tight, her eyes too bright, then turned back to her brother. It took her a moment before she was able to speak at all, and it was only sheer force of will that kept her from just walking out her own front door, leaving the two of them behind.
"No. He's not my boyfriend," she said, only the slightest strain in her voice.
Her hands had unconsciously balled into fists, and she took a breath then released it.
The snark and sarcasm and withering words she'd had prepared had died in her throat. It was only the truth; whatever was between them wasn't a real relationship. Not a real romantic relationship, she reminded herself. There were vital elements of a committed relationship that were definitely missing from hers with Adam. There was no reason to be upset with him for being honest.
And so instead, she took one of the wine glasses.
"You're both full of shit," she said, though her voice was quiet, subdued.