Chapter 31

"Hey, what are you two doing out so early in the morning?" Steve, who was making breakfast, asked as he watched Lip and Ian enter through the back door.

"We went for a jog," Lip interjected quickly, cutting off Ian's response, and smiled at Steve.

"I'll head up and wash up first," Ian said, darting upstairs.

Now it was just Lip and Steve left in the kitchen.

"You'd better give Fiona less to worry about," Steve said with a smile, glancing at Lip.

"What do you mean?" Lip asked casually.

"I haven't seen anyone jogging in a thick coat," Steve replied, raising an eyebrow.

"Hey, this is a poor neighborhood. Not everyone can throw together professional gear like you rich second-gens. Or should I call you Jimmy?" Lip smiled knowingly, locking eyes with Steve.

Steve froze, suddenly feeling exposed. He gripped the plate he was holding so tightly he nearly dropped it.

"Lip, I don't understand what you're getting at," Steve said, attempting to sound confused.

"Oh, really? A top student at Michigan Medical School? I distinctly remember you talking about wisdom teeth and butts."

"Oh, that? I just picked up some medical knowledge from TV."

"Sure, Steve. Your lies are impressively creative," Lip said, his smile sharpening.

"Lip, what are you implying?"

"Steve, or should I say Jimmy, I think I should be the one asking you. Are you a rich kid rebelling against your family? A thrill-seeking car thief? Or just a liar spinning stories?"

Lip's smile grew wider, but his tone grew colder.

"Lip, I really don't know what you're talking about." Steve feigned ignorance again.

"In that case, I guess I'll have to take Fiona to meet Mrs. Lishman and see if she recognizes you," Lip said, his tone even but his intent clear.

"Okay, you win." Steve exhaled sharply, throwing the rag in his hand into the sink. Running his fingers through his hair, he leaned against the counter and asked, "What do you want, Lip? Money? Name your price."

"How much do you think my sister's happiness and future are worth?" Lip asked, his voice calm but pointed.

Steve was stunned into silence by the question.

"Do you love Fiona, or is she just another thrill for a bored rich kid?"

Steve looked up at the ceiling, then buried his face in his hands. "I don't know," he admitted. "All I know is that being with Fiona makes me happy. It's the first time I've felt free, alive, like I belong somewhere. She's different, Lip—real, raw, and genuine. She's everything I didn't know I needed."

"So, what's your plan?" Lip asked, breaking Steve's reverie.

"I've been working like crazy, trying to save enough money to start fresh with Fiona. I want to take her away from all this," Steve said, spreading his hands. "That's the truth. Believe me or don't."

Lip nodded, grabbed a biscuit, and chewed it thoughtfully.

"Jimmy," Lip said after swallowing, "let me give you some advice. Take it or leave it."

"Go on," Steve said warily.

"First, you need to come clean to Fiona. She's been nothing but honest with you. She deserves the same in return."

Steve nodded reluctantly.

"Second, discuss everything with her—especially anything involving this family. Fiona cares deeply about them, even Frank. Don't make unilateral decisions."

"Got it," Steve murmured.

"Lastly, you need to reflect. You're drifting, Jimmy."

"Drifting?" Steve repeated, looking confused.

"You've grown bored with your privileged life, so you're rebelling—stealing cars, running from your family, chasing thrills. It's like a drug for you, and you're addicted to the high."

Steve frowned, but Lip continued.

"As a car thief, you're reckless. You don't hide your face or even change license plates. Do you think people are blind, or are you just that arrogant?"

"Who noticed me?" Steve asked, alarmed.

"People who like Fiona," Lip said with a smirk.

"Tony? That cop who brought Frank home?"

"Bingo. Do you think he'll just let it slide? If someone stole the girl I liked and flaunted it in front of me, I'd make their life hell."

Steve paled, realizing his mistake.

"You know," Lip added, "I think you'd make a great doctor."

"Really?" Steve asked, surprised.

"Yeah. Careers and hobbies don't have to conflict. You just need balance."

Lip leaned in slightly. "Jimmy, for the record, I want you to be my brother-in-law. But if you hurt Fiona, I'll make sure you regret it. Twice as much."

Steve stared at Lip, feeling like he was face-to-face with a tiger.

"Hi, what's going on?" Fiona's voice interrupted as she entered the kitchen, followed by Ian, Carl, and Debbie carrying Liam.

"Uh… just expressing my admiration for Lip," Steve said awkwardly, handing Fiona a plate of bacon. "We had a little heart-to-heart."

Fiona glanced at Lip, who gave her a playful salute before heading upstairs.

"Let's just say Lip gave me some much-needed advice," Steve added with a shy smile.