“How are you?” My dad asks as I put the plate on the tray for him. “It’s so nice to see you happy.”
“I’m good, happy. Miss mom, but— I go quiet, not sure what to say so I don’t upset my dad talking about mom.
“I miss her too,” my dad whispers. “I know she’ll be happy today. You’re with Hayden, she always wanted you together.” Dad starts eating his food and looks over the door as some people walk past the room. “She was always prepared for dying, she knew the day would come and the only thing she ever wanted was to make sure you were happy. So, seeing you with Hayden, that was probably her dying wish.” Dad continues to eat with a smile spread on his lips, and I don’t say anything because there is nothing to say after that.
Knowing she was happy at the end is all I needed to hear.
I’m sitting on the couch watching some football game on the TV, while Hayden goes to the door to get our pizza which has been delivered.
Once Hayden sits back down next to me, he flips the box open, and he looks to the other couch which is empty.
“You can call them.” He hasn’t spoken to his brothers since Cain spoke to them.
“They don’t want to talk to me, I fucked up. They deserve to be angry.” Hayden grabs a pizza slice and hands it over to me. “I just didn’t think it would be two weeks. Mason is head strong, but I thought Miles and D would be more…I have no idea.” He grabs a pizza slice and leans back watching the game.
The house has been quiet without Miles and Mason being here, and I know it's killing him, them not being there.
I lean in closer to him, and he wraps his arm around me pulling me closer. I just wish one brother would talk to him, understand what he did because he had to.
I look at the time as the game finishes, Hayden's been checking his phone every time the team scored, and not one message from his brothers. I don’t know what to say to him, because no matter what, I’m not going to be able to fix this for him.
I hear the door open behind us, and smile. Please have one of them here to talk and not just get their clothes.
“Crap game.” Miles sits down throwing his car key on the table. “You would think they would get a better QB.”
“We lost in the second quarter,” Hayden replies, and then looks over at him. “You staying?”
“I live here, fucker.” Miles looks over at the door as I hear Mason walking back in and straight upstairs. “He’s still pissed.”
“And you're not?” Hayden asks.
“Nah, the fucker deserved it, plus you’re my brother, I can’t be angry for too long.” Miles stands up hands in his pocket. “Sorry, I should have been here sooner, you’ve always had my back, I should have had yours.”
Hayden looks up at him, and smiles. “And I’ll still have your back; just happy you’re talking to me.”
“See you in the morning, and stop being a pussy. Go see Cain, the fucker will hate you, but we all know you’re his favorite.” Miles pats his shoulder and leaves, and in the moment I feel Hayden relax for the first time in two weeks.
He kisses the side of my head and pulls me closer.
“See, back to normal.”
“Almost, Mason and D still aren’t talking to me. One step at a time.” He kisses me again, and I lean against him
“You’ll be fighting again in no time,” I joke, and I wrap my arm around his waist, and try to stay awake while he puts on a movie.
Forty
Hayden
I parkthe car outside Skyline, it’s busy as always. I don’t think there is one night this place doesn't have a line outside it.
I walk straight in, nodding at the bouncer as he opens the door. I look over at the bar and see Lincoln. Walking over to him, he meets me halfway.
I don’t even know if Cain is here or not. I thought if I called beforehand he would have left not wanting to talk to me.
“About time you pick your balls up and come.” Lincoln pats my back laughing, and I tell him to fuck off. “He’s in the office.” Giving Lincoln a nod I make my way up. It’s been almost three weeks since the night he came to the house.
This has been the longest I’ve gone without talking to Cain, and I understand it, it doesn’t mean I like it.
