Page 15 of Broken: Taylor

Tobias didn’t give up. “I can go with you if you want me to. I know you don’t want her to get rid of all the stuff before you at least get a chance to look.”

His ex-wife had sold their old home and was moving to Canada. Taylor didn’t blame her for wanting to move on. As a matter of fact, he was glad for her. But damn if he wasn’t sure how to gather the strength to go through what had been their children’s belongings.

“I’m sick of all this shit.” Taylor got to his feet and stalked to the door. Unfortunately, Tobias was on his heels. When he swung around they almost bumped chests.

Taylor pushed him away. The asshole barely budged. “What is it with everybody suddenly trying to fucking babysit me? I’m a forty-six-year-old man. I don’t need this shit. I’ll do what I want, when I want.”

Of course Tobias was not at all phased by his tirade. “Yeah, so that would be cool if not for the fact others are counting on your ass to get the shit done.”

“Janice can fucking throw all the shit out. I don’t care.”

“Bullshit. You care. Whatever has crawled up your ass is making you say things you don’t mean.”

“Get out of my face Tobias. I swear, I’ll...”

“What? Hit me?” Tobias bumped chests and huffed. “Like you could beat me.”

Taylor swung.

Unluckily, his cousin was faster. The bastard punched him in the gut so hard Taylor doubled over and blew out air before falling to one knee, arms wrapped around his mid-section.

Taylor got up and tackled Tobias. They tumbled past the doorway and into the kitchen.

Before they could get up, the dogs pounced on them. Tails wagging furiously, the younger Lab, Scamp, took a hold of his jeans leg and of course the huge older Lab, Duke, decided his arm was a great toy.

“Ouch! Shit.” Taylor swatted at the dog. “Stop Duke, I mean it.” The Lab obviously thought it was a big game, barked and bit down on his t-shirt tugging it upward.

In the meantime, Tobias got another good punch in.

Taylor swung and missed, landing the hit to Tobias’ shoulder.

“Get your damn dogs off of me.” Taylor shook his foot, but Scamp hung on.

He glared at Tobias. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

His cousin gave him a droll look and whistled. The dogs immediately released their hold on Taylor and ran to the kitchen expecting a treat. Taylor sat up, but stayed on the floor. He was winded and at the moment wouldn’t be averse to laying down exactly where his butt was planted.

He needed space. Had to figure out where to go and get away from everyone and everything.

“I want you, and everyone else, to get out of my face about shit. I’m...” What was he going to say? Constantly in pain? Too old for mothering?

Unfortunately, Tobias was like a dog with a bone once he got his mind set on something.

“Look dude. Whatever the hell is wrong with you, just come out with it. Stop trying to convince everyone you’re okay. I know your ass is in pain constantly. I hear you moaning at night. Can’t imagine what it’s like for you. But you got us. You got family, and we’re worried about you.”

Taylor ground his teeth. “What if I told you I was too tired to give a shit about much? There is nothing more than this boring ass routine every fucking day. Wake up. Convince my busted ass to get out of bed. Go through the motions and work through the damn pain. Repeat.”

“Then I’d say join the damn club. Guess what? The rest of humanity does pretty much the same thing too. It’s not like most of us jump out of bed and tap dance to the shower.”

“You don’t get it.” Taylor stood and walked toward the hallway, hoping to get to his room. But Tobias had a jump on him and blocked the way out of the kitchen.

“Nope you don’t get away from this that easy.” The guy crossed his arms, biceps bulging. “I think we need to go on a road trip. We’ll go down and visit Janice and keep going for a bit. Maybe camp or something, get you some fresh air.”

Taylor almost laughed. “Get plenty of fresh air, I work outdoors moron.”

“Okay...then we can go stay at one of those resorts in Cabo San Lucas.”

Taylor hitched a brow. “Should we buy matching pink trunks?”

“Don’t be an ass. I’m trying to help.”

“I know. Shit. I’m sorry.” Giving up on escaping, Taylor pulled back a chair and sat. “Maybe I do need a vacation. The bad thing is, I’m going to be there.”

“Yeah, I know. Man, you gotta take care of whatever it is that’s wrong.”

“Look at you, all Dr. Phil and shit.”

“Fuck you. I’m better looking.” Tobias yanked off his shirt and flexed.

“You’re an idiot.”