“I tried, Toni, but they refused. Hell, even TJ tried using his work to give them some facts about how bad it can get, but they won’t listen.”
“Is his behavior because he’s gay or is their behavior because he’s gay?” TJ asked. He’d been there when Cody had come out and it hadn’t gone down well. Things appeared to have settled, but TJ knew looks could be deceiving.
“They tell me they’ve adapted.” Carter placed his still full bowl on the table and folded his arms over his chest. “They’re not telling me everything.”
“They won’t. Not if they’re having real issues.” TJ watched Cody step outside and stop when he saw them. “Has he lost more weight?” Even from a distance, it looked like Cody was slimmer than the last time TJ had seen him.
Carter snorted. “They said it’s a thyroid issue.”
“Not fucking likely,” Toni muttered. She held her hand up when Carter opened his mouth. “I know they’re your family, but he only started being like this after he came out.”
“I was about to agree with you.”
“Oh. Sorry.” Carter smiled at Toni when she spoke and kissed her softly. “I’m worried.”
Putting his arm over her shoulders, Carter kissed her temple. “Me too.”
“I could try something through work.” TJ shrugged. “He’s not family, though, so I don’t know.”
“They’d only refuse. I love my brother, but we’re very different men. I would move mountains for any of you, but he puts the walls up instead of talking.”
“Cody! Get in here!”
“Well, that was short-lived,” Carter murmured. “Better get the boys.”
“He was doing nothing,” Toni muttered. “Why couldn’t Cass leave him alone?”
“I don’t know.” Carter sighed, then they all winced when Cody screamed ‘fuck you’ across the lawn.
Toni placed her hand on Carter’s arm. “I’ll get the boys ready to go. You two see if you can diffuse the situation.”
TJ followed Carter over to Cody, who now stood facing Cass. Cass Paarman looked like his brother, Carter. Tall and slim, with short black hair. His blue eyes narrowed as he glared at Cody. “I told you to tidy your bedroom. It’s a mess, Cody. Food and bottles scattered everywhere, and dirty clothes strewn about. When was the last time you showered?”
“Cass. Give Cody a minute, yeah?”
“This is a private matter between me and my son, Carter. The party is over. I’ll speak to you later.”
“Yeah, better do what Cass tells you. Don’t want him to lose his shit and do something.” Cody glared at Cass. “Never know what he’ll do.”
“Has Cass done something to you?” TJ stepped closer to Cody.
“Get out, TJ, this has nothing to do with you. You’re not family,” Cass snapped.
Cody jumped up. “Don’t you speak to him like that.”
Cass pushed Cody back and TJ stepped in between them. “Stop now.”
“Fuck off, TJ—”
“TJ is deputy sheriff, Cass. You have just committed assault against Cody. Be careful.” Carter stood in front of Cass, his back to TJ and Cody, forming a barrier.
TJ looked Cody over then asked softly, “Are you okay?”
Cody’s bloodshot dark blue eyes met his then flickered away. TJ placed a hand on his shoulder, then dropped it when he felt how slim Cody was. He could feel his shoulder bones through his dirty T-shirt. “When did you last eat?”
“His mother cooked for him yesterday. It’s probably still on a plate in that pigsty of a room.”
“Ignore him,” TJ murmured. “What did you last eat?” TJ’s eyes traveled over Cody’s slim frame, the dirty clothes smelling like he’d been wearing them for days. Stains covered them, and when TJ raised his eyes to Cody’s, he was surprised to see them shimmer with unshed tears. Cody pushed past TJ and ran inside the house. Cass followed, and TJ stood next to Carter, listening to them scream at each other.
