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Tobias looked up at the sky. “I guess because she didn’t want me to stay just because she was pregnant. Man, I know she was a kid. But that kind of shit, you don’t keep to yourself and then dump it on someone twenty years later.”
When Luke came closer and pressed his forehead to his brother’s, Tobias realized he was sobbing uncontrollably. He was grieving for the little boy, his son.
“I don’t know what to fucking feel.” He allowed his head to fall onto Luke’s shoulder and his brother remained still as a statue. “What am I supposed to feel?”
“Pained. Angry. Betrayed.” Luke summed up exactly what he felt.
Tobias jerked away and swiped away the tears with the back of his hand.
“Did you know?” Tobias directed his anger toward Luke. “Did Mom tell you? She knew. I’m pissed at her, too.”
“Nah, I didn’t. Mom probably felt it wasn’t her place to tell you. This was something Tori had to do. Explain it. Did she?”
Tobias nodded. “She feels guilty about it. Shit, I guess it wasn’t her fault. I suppose not really mine either.”
They walked for a few minutes. The time allowed Tobias to get his shit together. Admittedly, he felt a bit embarrassed about crying. However, if he were to be honest, he and Luke had always been open with emotions.
“It’s not too late, you know?” Luke said, his gaze forward. “You and Tori. She’s young enough.”
Tobias stopped abruptly and gave his brother an incredulous look. “What are you talking about? She and I are barely on speaking terms.”
“That doesn’t mean you’re not in love.”
“Since when are you a romantic?” Tobias attempted at humor, but it came out dry.
As was the norm for his brother, Luke only stared back at him. A look that said, “I know you more than you know yourself.”
A couple hourslater, the twins walked into Shooters for what could be a late lunch or early dinner. A pretty brunette who worked there did a double take reminding Tobias of how often it used to happen when they were younger and hung out all the time. Lately, they rarely did and because of that, sometimes Tobias forgot that he and Luke were identical.
“I know you’re probably used to this…” the young woman’s gaze moved down his body and up Luke’s. “…but you’re like every woman’s dream.”
Tobias looked to Luke. “I’ve never heard that, have you?”
The more menacing of the two, Luke narrowed his eyes and took a step closer to the young woman, who seemed to be rethinking the flirtation. “You volunteering?” Only Tobias knew Luke was kidding.
“Oh. No. I was just…” She took a step backward and giggled nervously.
Ernest materialized with a beer in his right hand. He ignored Luke and looked at the woman. “Don’t pay any attention to him. He likes to intimidate people for no reason.”
The woman gave them a quick smile and hurried away.
Tobias moved to stand just a bit closer to Ernest than Luke. “Don’t start shit, Cuz. Don’t need to get kicked out of here again.”
Ernest slid a quick look to Luke. “Henry and I have a table over here. If you want to hang out with us.”
They went to where Ernest’s partner was. A different server, a slender guy this time, placed a pitcher of beer on the table and two glasses. “Would you like something to eat?”
They ordered a shitload of wings and another pitcher. It had been a while since Tobias had spent time out with family. The whole Mimi thing had him staying away from them in an effort to not hear any crap about her. Damn, he supposed they’d been right. Of course, he’d never admit it out loud.
Henry was easy-going and patient, the perfect partner for Ernest who was almost as much of a hot head as Luke. Luke eyed Ernest and huffed. “I’d think you’d be too much of a snob to hang out here.”
“Obviously, you shouldn’t be allowed to think,” Ernest replied, taking a long swig of beer.
As usual, Henry defused the situation by piling fries on a plate and sliding it in front of Luke. “I hear you and Leah are selling the cattle. What brought this on?”
They began to discuss the fact Luke and Leah were going to open a horse ranch for service members with PTSD. The idea had merit and Tobias was proud of what his brother planned to do.
“Have you heard from Mimi?” Ernest asked Tobias.
“No and I don’t expect to,” Tobias replied. “I ended it with her.”
Henry grinned. “I’m going to miss that woman. She made me laugh. What a ditz.”
Tobias nodded. “Yeah, she is one of a kind, that’s for sure.”
Just then, Ernest looked over Tobias’ shoulder. “Taylor’s here. Texted earlier, says he’s got some interesting news.”