Page 94 of The Wright Man

With him.

She reached out, touched my arm. "Hey," she said gently. "We're gonna be okay."

I nodded, but I didn't believe it.

Not even a little.

Hours later, the sun finally started to set. Thank God.

The music had gotten quieter. A few of the older cousins were packing up leftovers, and Cap was out back hosing off the grill. The crowd had thinned, the laughter softened to conversation.

I was tired of pretending I was okay. Tired of watching Gavin touch Angelica like he'd earned her. Tired of knowing Kareem was locked in a cell while the rest of us got to celebrate.

I wanted to go home. Shower. Sit in the dark.

Angelica stopped me before I could reach the front door.

"Wait," she said, eyes bright, voice sweet. "I have one more surprise."

I forced a half-smile. "You already got me a new chain. Ain't no topping that."

"This one's better," she said, practically bouncing. "Wait in the living room. I'll be right back."

I dragged myself to the couch and sat down, letting my head fall back against the cushion. My jaw hurt from clenching. My temples pulsed like they were counting down.

Whatever she had planned, I hoped it didn't involve cake or group karaoke. I didn't have a fake laugh left in me.

I heard footsteps coming around the corner.

Then I heard her say it, light and excited: "Surprise!"

I sat up.

And there he was.

Andre.

My oldest brother.

Standing in the doorway like someone who'd been outside in the cold the whole time and finally knocked.

Same face. Same build. But a man. He had dreads now, shoulder-length and neat. He had a beard. A suit. He looked grown. Professional. Like somebody who had his shit together. Like someone who hadn't had to survive what I did.

He looked like him.

Our father.

My stomach flipped.

"Hey, Shrimp..." he said, soft and sheepish. He held a gift box in both hands like it was some kind of peace offering.

I saw red.

I didn't hear Angelica at first, just the blood rushing in my ears. My fists clenched automatically. My body stiffened like it was preparing for impact.

"I found him on Facebook," she said, stepping beside him with a proud smile. "He was looking for you—and Kareem too. He didn't know how to get in touch, so I figured... y'know, since I'm leaving soon... that this might be—"

"Get out," I said, flat.