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“So, try ending it before you stick your dick in a prostitute?”
He looks away, rubbing the back of his neck. My disgust with him grows, and I ball my fists, ready to completely annihilate the piece of shit.
“Please don’t tell her. She’s not in a good place, Tug. She still isn’t over what happened with your mother. That’s why I haven’t left.”
“You’re a fucking loser, Harrison. You always have been, but she loves you, and you’d better tell her.”
I turn to leave and he says, “Just give me some time, please.”
The genuine desperation in his voice makes me believe at some point he truly did love my sister. I glance at him over my shoulder.
“I’ll give you a few days, but that’s it. Grow a set and tell her, or I will.”
I go to the living room. Javier is waiting by the front door, holding his toy train to his chest. Del is in the kitchen. Her eyes go wide as I approach her.
“I’m sorry,” she says quietly.
“Harrison has a girlfriend who happens to be my sister. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll stay far away from him.”
She nods, and I say nothing else. I wash my hands in her sink before I leave with Javier.
Javier and I sit in my car. He’s quiet and hugs his backpack, his fingers toying with the plastic wheels on the toy train in his hands.
“I’m sorry you had to see that.” He shrugs, his expression never changing, and I can’t help but feel like it’s not the first time Del’s been locked away in her room with a man. It’s not appropriate for me to grill him about it though, so I ask, “How was school, kiddo?”
“Good,” he answers quietly. I consider taking his backpack and tossing it in the back, but he’s clutching it like a security blanket, and I figure he needs it.
“Good? That’s it? Did you do anything fun?” He shakes his head. “Recess was fun, though, right?” He shakes his head again, and his expression is one I recognize. As a kid with a genius IQ, and two grades ahead of my peers, I hated elementary school. Humor and brains were my best defense against the bullies. “The kids aren’t nice to you, huh?”
“They’re mean.”
“They can only be mean if you let them.” He shrugs. “Seriously. I’ve been there. Stand up for yourself, give it back to them, and they’ll leave you alone.”
Drew runs out of the house when we pull into the driveway, his overnight bag in hand. Tori comes out shortly after, waving. Javier and I get out of the car. Drew hugs me and I take his bag, tossing it in the backseat.
“Hey, is Brady here?” I ask Tori.
“No, he’s at the studio with the band.”
“Liv?” I ask hesitatingly.
“The Center, I think.” She smiles at Javier.
“Oh, this is Maria’s son, Javier. Javier, this is my sister-in-law, Tori.”
Tori says hi, and Javier waves.
“You want to see my rope swing?” Drew asks. Javier nods, hands me his train, and they take off to the side yard.
“So I’m guessing you worked things out with Maria.”
“We’re giving it a try.”
“Good. I’m happy for you.”
“Why don’t you look ‘happy,’ then?” Her lips purse. “I’m about to get some motherly advice, aren’t I?”
She nods. “I am happy for you, but be careful. If you’re not serious, don’t get too attached to that kid. I’m sure he’s been through a lot, like Drew. Trust me when I tell you, kids trust easily, and their hearts break just as easily. Are you sure you’re ready for that?”
