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“That’s everyone,” Kyle said, suddenly feeling small and insignificant in his own house. He hated that, and he hated how he had no one to anchor himself to anymore. Todd had Laura. Adam had Jesse. Blake and Gina were practically inseparable—except for guy’s night, apparently.
“We invited you,” Jesse said. He rolled his eyes. “You never responded.”
“You’re still welcome to come,” Blake said.
Kyle didn’t want to now. “Stillwelcome?”
“Yes.” His brother lifted his chin in slight defiance. He wasn’t really challenging Kyle, as Blake acted more like the glue for the family, not the other way around. “We’re leaving now, though.”
“Adam’ll have to amend the reservation,” Jesse said.
“It’s fine,” Blake shot at him.
Kyle turned toward Todd. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
“What would I say?” Todd asked. “You got all the same messages as me.”
Kyle wasn’t sure why his pulse stormed through his whole body. He honestly wanted to pick a fight with all three of his brothers, and he couldn’t do that. His memories flashed at him, reminding him of the last time he’d curled his fingers into a fist and swung it toward another human being.
He realized the grip his fingers had gone into. “I have the concert tonight.” Had they talked about that and he’d missed it? His brain felt fuzzy, and he couldn’t remember when he’d left his bedroom that day. His stomach growled, so maybe he’d skipped lunch?
“Are you guys eating?”
“It’s a sports bar,” Blake said.
“He literally said we’re getting wings.” Jesse rolled his eyes. “I’ll call Adam.” He turned and headed for the door, and Kyle glared at his back.
“Is it that big of a deal if there’s one more at a sports bar?” Kyle asked.
“It’s a ticketed event,” Todd said. “You should’ve answered your texts.” He followed Jesse, leaving Kyle with Blake.
He looked at his older brother, suddenly at a complete loss for what to say. He had no excuse other than he’d been consumed by the music once again. Blake clapped his hand on Kyle’s shoulder. “Come on, Ky. Don’t let them get to you.”
“I didn’t realize they were so upset with me.”
“Yeah, well, you’re—” He cut off. They started toward the door too, and Todd had left it gaping. The air conditioner already labored to keep up with the eat, and normally Kyle would’ve been annoyed. He was today too, but an overriding sense of fear and anticipation had started to cascade through him.
“I’m what?” he asked.
“Different,” Blake said. “You’re different, Kyle.”
“In what way?”
“I can’t describe it,” Blake said. “You’re distant. You don’t eat with us anymore. Todd says you’ve literally been in that room all day today.”
“I’m trying,” Kyle said, but he didn’t finish the sentence. Hewastrying to finish the song. He was trying not to disappoint Maddy. He was trying to make his dreams come true.
At what cost?filled his mind, and he couldn’t answer his own question.
ChapterTwenty-Three
Maddy put a bowl of blackberries and raspberries on the table. “Here you go, Momma.” She set the sugar bowl next to the tiny pitcher of cream and sat down across from her mother. Daddy hadn’t gotten out of bed yet, and just like yesterday morning, Maddy had found her mother in the kitchen, trying to make pancakes.
She did seem to be moving around easier now, but Maddy still didn’t want her working in the kitchen. They had toaster waffles she could eat, and Maddy had finished up the pancakes while Momma had sat down to rest. She hadn’t even argued, which meant she was tired, whether she’d say so out loud or not.
Maddy spooned sugar into her coffee. “Does Daddy usually sleep late?”
“Yes,” Momma said. “Lately, he has.”
