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Berke rubs the back of his neck and pushes away from the door.
“I don’t hate you, Wyn.” He looks away like he’s trying to gather his thoughts. “I don’t know you all that well. It’s like I don’t belong.”
“Then you need to get to know us.”
“I’m learning that, but I have to be around you all to do so.”
“Why the hesitation?”
“Do you know what it’s like to be an independent adult and get grounded by someone ten years younger than you? It’s frustrating because there’s literally nothing I can do about it. It’s embarrassing. People back home fear me yet some little woman comes and shuts me down without lifting a finger. If that’s not a nut punch I don’t know what is. Plus, I can’t go to the fucking shop without your assistance.”
“I get that. Do you need something?”
I don’t know what I would do if I’d been thrown in Berke or Karessa’s shoes. I, as well, have been independent for a long time and it would be unnerving to suddenly have to depend on someone I never thought I needed.
Berke shrugs. “I’m just happy to get out of the house.” He frowns at my chuckle. “What is it?”
“This is a mansion with a chef, basketball court, pool, tennis court, media room, bowling alley, a putting green, and an arcade. You’re hardly in prison.”
He grins but he’s still not back to his full capacity. “Doesn’t change having to ask for rides and money to buy something as simple as a fucking brew.”
“I know it’s not ideal, but do you really think I’d tease you or gloat?”
“I suppose not, it’s still…”
I grab my wallet from the dresser and take out one-thousand dollars.
“Don’t do anything crazy and it’ll keep you fairly independent.”
“Thanks.” He still looks at me while he puts the money in his pocket. “My tux was delivered if that’s still something you want.”
It’s almost surreal to have Berke suggesting such a thing.
“Do you want to be my groomsman?” I ask for clarity.
“Yes, I’d like that.”
“Is this the surprise relative section?”
Dallas rolls his eyes at Berke's joke when Berke sits next to him. “Everyone has always known who the fuck you are, Berke.”
Berke raises a surprised eyebrow as he sips on his beer. “Is that so? You knew who I was before they found out you were a Hale?”
Dallas nods at his question. “Yes, your dad had a whole damn news segment ran just because you graduated.”
I chuckle because that’s my dad. Always bragging on his sons; even the one who doesn’t talk to him.
“Both times,” I confirm. Berke’s surprise is comical. He’d know these things if he didn’t freeze us out.
“Fuck that. What about that dumb ass magazine spread?” Oran interjects, settling in his seat across from us and crossing his long legs on the table. “This asshole plays professional rugby for five minutes and it’s national news. Erlander Hale with this damn magazine article titled My Son the Rugby Player.” He snorts. “Meanwhile, I take over an entire family company and Elmer doesn’t give a fuck.”
Berke stares at his beer. His thumb rubs his ring while he pretends to not listen. It’s one of the things he does when he’s uncomfortable. His dark eyebrows are furrowed as if he's trying to figure something out.
I opt to change the subject. “How are things with Sienna?”
“Fuck her. She’s nosy.”
Oran and I throw our heads back chortling at Berke while Dallas looks between us confused.
