“You don’t think I know that?” I asked. “Why are you lecturing me?”
“Because it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you with that look in your eye.” Another slow sip of tea. God, I hated him.
“Yeah, it’s been a long time,” I admitted. That sugar suddenly tasted bitter on my tongue. “Before Dad.”
Austin's expression tightened, but he nodded. “Yeah. We haven't really had time to think about anything else.”
Truly, it had been one thing after the other. “I know that all of us have been giving you a hard time,” I started. “But you really need to slow down, Austin. It's unhealthy. You're only thirty-five, but the amount of work that you're putting in every day is going to hurt your body. Taking time off this weekend has beenhard in a way because I’m so used to working, but I needed it. I really needed to take a moment and slow down. You need that too.”
“I know,” he said. “I do. It's just that I can't let everyone down. I'll take a break at some point.”
“Will you? you've been saying that for a while.”
His brows pinched together. “I thought we were here to talk about Madi,” he countered. “The gorgeous LA animator who's also apparently into the same shit you are.”
“If we have a fist fight right now, you're not going to win.”
He gave a hearty laugh and started rocking in his chair. “Whatever, man. Where do you think you learned how to throw a punch? Drink your fucking tea.”
I smiled to myself and took a long sip. He did have the art of southern iced tea down to a science. We’d all learned how to make the best pitcher from our dad, but Austin’s was the closest to how his used to taste.
Austin’s voice was gentle, yet firm. “I think you're fucking up by not talking to June. That's the last thing about this I'll say.”
“Avery—”
“Would be thrilled. She's not like us.”
“She's not likeyou,” I chastised.
He laughed. “I wouldn’t underestimate her. I mean, she would murder you if you ever broke June's heart.”
“Maybe that's why I've never done anything,” I muttered.
“Right.” Austin let out a soft hum. “I guess it would be a good time to mention that June is home today.”
I leaned forward. “What? Why?”
“Laura cut herself at the shop yesterday and they had to go to the hospital.”
I stood up fast enough from the rocking chair, it shot back a foot. “What? Why the fuck wasn’t this in the group chat?”
“June has been busy being a mom to her niece.”
I planted my hands on my hips. “Well, why do you know about this and not me? Why didn’t Avery text me?”
He held up his hands. “I’m just the messenger. Mateo texted me about it this morning since Avery spent the night there last night. Thought I’d mention it in case you want to stop by.”
“Of course I fucking do.”
“Because you’re justfriendswith June.”
I stared at Austin for a moment and seriously contemplated punching him. If I punched him hard enough, it would maybe put him out for a couple days, which would be a perk. But also, I needed my hands in good working condition.
“We all care about Laura,” I said.
“We do. I’m sure June wouldn’t mind having some lunch dropped off.”
I immediately pulled out my phone, shaking my head as I sent her a text. I was pissed no one had told me about this. June was always doing too much. Especially the last few months.
