Page 92 of Never Forget

He gestures to the sitting room, where Jesse looks like he’s reading a newspaper until he lifts a pencil and says a little excitedly, “Oh, got one! Fifteen down. Four letters. Hamilton’s rival. That one’s easy. It’s Burr.”

My grandmother raises an eyebrow. “How did you know that?”

“I’m basically obsessed with that soundtrack.” At my grandmother’s unimpressed frown, Jesse grins widely. “I’m just kidding. I remember a little American history. But I probably would have had to think harder if not for the play.”

Grandmother purses her lips but doesn’t look annoyed. She looks almost amused.

Reaching up, I feel my forehead. “What the fuck is happening?”

“Watch your fuckin’ language,” Will says before tackling me into a tight hug. “We wouldn’t want Grams thinking we’ve corrupted you.”

“Grams?” I ask incredulously, playfully pushing Will off me.

“Jesse started it,” he says, as if tattling on a sibling. “She kind of hates it, but with time, she might come around. I think we’re growing on them.” He snickers.

“Like a fungus,” Luc says, stepping out of the kitchen. “Welcome back, man. Thanks for letting us crash here.” He gives me a slightly timid bro-hug. “I made gumbo earlier. There’s some left if you’re hungry.”

“That’s not gumbo,” Jesse sing-songs from the sitting room.

“Quit talking to my dad,” Luc sings back.

My grandmother looks up from her crossword, eyes widening when she sees me. “Nazario? When did you get here?”

“Hey, Grandmother. I just got in. Sorry it took me so long to get back,” I say, walking over and pressing a light kiss to her temple.

Her hand grips my forearm, making me stop and look down at her. “Is everything alright?”

Confused, I look around. It seems everyone except my grandfather, Eric, and Zane have come to greet me. They’re all wearing various levels of concern on their faces, and if not pity, then understanding. My bandmates, at least, know what it’s like to have all your dirty secrets spilled for the world to see.

It doesn’t really explain why my grandmother is worried, though.

“We told them,” Ari says softly. “We didn’t want them to worry, but it felt like something they needed to know.”

Translation: One or both of my grandparents expressed their displeasure in my absence, and they stuck up for me by telling them enough of the truth to get me some sympathy points.

Grandmother squeezes my arm, reminding me that she asked a question. I blow out a breath, then sit in the chair Simon brings over for me.

“Thanks,” I tell him before facing my grandmother again. “Everything’s fine. Our manager and the security lead have a plan. It’s just going to take a little time.”

“But you’re safe here?”

Not are we safe here? Not I can’t believe you exposed us to danger. Not even, isn’t this whole thing a little over the top?

“You don’t need to worry about me,” I assure her. “We have people helping keep us safe.”

“Speaking of people keeping you safe, where’s Scott? I saw Cory drive past but didn’t see Scott with him,” Ari says.

“It’s a long story. He’s in Raleigh, diverting some attention while I made my way here.”

“Did Cory make you drive around the entire state before you doubled back?”

I laugh. “Something like that.”

“Well, that’s good,” Grandmother says, still clutching my arm like I might try to get away. “At least we know no one followed you here and all you boys are safe.”

All you boys.

I blink back at my grandmother. “Just exactly what did they tell you?”