“Nothin’,” Cole replies.
“Just hangin’,” Logan finishes.
“Uh-huh.”
“Hey, Dad.” Dom’s voice gets louder. “Where’ve you been?”
“Just had a shower.”
I picture my uncle—all tall and big, towering over the boys—and I hold my breath, hoping he doesn’t question them further.
“So, it’s getting kind of late. Think it’s time for you guys to head to bed and rest up. We’ve got a big day tomorrow.”
“Yeah, cool. Good idea.”
I wince at Logan’s breezy response.Good idea?He’s ten and being told to go to bed, and he saysgood idea!
Uncle Wily snickers, and I can picture him mussing up Logan’s hair as he says, “Okay, you three amigos. Go brush your teeth, pajama up, and into bed. I’ll come check on you guys in ten minutes. Cool?”
“Yep.”
“Okay.”
“Sounds good.”
Seriously, Logan! Sounds good? Stop saying stupid shit!
“Riiiight.” Uncle Wily is definitely starting to sound suspicious.
Thankfully, Dom saves the day. “Hey, Dad. Have you seen my football around? I saw Seb playing with it earlier, but as usual, he didn’t return it to me. Think you can help me find it before bed?”
“Sure thing, kiddo.”
“I’ll check my room again. Would you mind checking downstairs?”
“Yeah, of course. Back in ten.”
My breath is still on hold until I hear Uncle Wily’s lumbering footsteps getting softer. And then the door pings open.
“Okay, go, go, go,” Cole orders, yanking my arm and pulling me out of the room.
“Dude, I think we should be charging you a second room clean after that.” Logan runs a shaky hand through his hair like he just did me this huge favor.
Part of me wants to growl at him, insult his transparent replies, but all I can see right now is Curry making out withanother girl, and my stomach hurts and… Why do boys have to be so stupid!
“Hey, are you okay?” Dom’s voice is soft and sweet, and it’s only then that my brothers even notice the fact that I’m fighting tears.
“I’m fine.” My voice wobbles.
“Zo-Zo.” Logan steps up, pulling me into a hug whether I want one or not. For a ten-year-old, he’s surprisingly strong, and I let him hold me, because he’s getting taller now and I can bend my neck and rest my cheek on his shoulder… and having a shoulder to cry on feels kind of good right about now.
“What happened?” Cole asks, his hand skimming down my back. His voice is firm and quietly demanding.
“Give her some space, dude.” Logan cups the back of my head.
“Someone’s obviously upset her. What did you see on your phone?” Cole lets out a soft gasp. “Was it that guy from today? Did he do something mean to you?”
“What guy?” Dom’s voice is all curious, and I wince, squeezing my eyes shut and blubbering.
