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“It’s okay to be attracted to somebody else,” Marley said softly.
Pres blinked, not sure he’d heard right for a second. But he had, he knew that. “Where the hell did that come from?”
“I’m just saying what I see.” Marley shrugged. “And there’s no need to look so fucking guilty.”
“I’m not looking guilty.” Pres looked away anyway. “And I’m not attracted to her. I just don’t gush over people like you do. Or flirt like Alex. I’m a professional.”
“You’re an idiot. And I know you like her.”
“Jesus, are we back in school again?” Pres asked, shaking his head. “Since when did I need you to organize my love life?”
“Since you didn’t have one?” Marley asked. “And if it helps I can tell she’s into you too.”
No, it didn’t help, actually. Not one bit.
“Can we change the subject? Talk about the weather or something?”
Marley lifted a brow. “I see a lot from behind the drums. You don’t realize I’m watching but I am. I see the way you look at her. The way she keeps looking at you.”
“We’re singing together. I’m making sure we’re in sync.”
“Sure you are.” A ghost of a smile passed his brother’s lips. Marley could be a cynical asshole when he wanted to be.
“Why are you so adamant for me to admit something that’s not true?” Pres asked. “We both know what happened to the band the last time there was a relationship.”
Marley shrugged. “Because I watched you crumble after Jade died. And you stayed crumbled for a long time. It killed me not being able to help. You not accepting any help. Did you know the reason Mom calls you every day is to make sure you haven’t done something stupid? We worry ourselves sick about you because you’ve built this wall up and you can’t seem to tell us how you feel.”
Pres’ chest contracted. “I know you worry. But you don’t need to. Delilah and I… we’re doing fine.”
“Fine.” Marley shook his head. “That’s the worst fucking word in the English language. Is that what you want for your life? Is that what you dream of Delilah being? Just fine? What happened to amazing? What happened to happy? What happened to living life again?”
“I am living life,” Pres said, his voice low. He felt cornered, like an animal.
Marley ran his hands through his hair, looking agitated. “No, you’re not. Or you haven’t been. Did you know the most alive I’ve seen you since losing Jade is when you’re singing with her? For a few minutes it feels like my brother is back. Like you’re letting him out of his cage to play.”
Pres’ mouth felt dry. He knew Marley cared. More than cared. They were twins, there was this invisible chord that bound them. If Marley hurt, he hurt.
And the other way around.
“I’m sorry,” Pres said, his voice gritty. “I know it’s been hard for everybody.”
“We love you, man. We want you to be happy. You and Delilah.”
“That’s what I want, too,” Presley told him. “And I’m trying. For her. I really am.”
Marley opened his mouth to reply, but the door opened and Alex breezed in. “What’s going on?” he asked. “Are we getting some beers or what?”
Pres looked over at Marley who shrugged. Conversation over.
And yeah, he was good with that. Talking about emotions had never been his forte.
Singing about them, however. Yeah, he could do that.
Chapter
Eight
Delilah was all out sobbing, her red face stained with tears. “Where is she?” Her breath hitched. “I need her.”
