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“Alright then.”
“Sloane it’s not that,” Kade said placatingly. “It’s just… it’s well…”
“It’s okay,” I smiled. “Go. See your brother for the holiday. We’ll all hook up later on tonight.”
He paused another moment or two, making sure I was alright. Then he kissed me before bouncing off the bed and leaving the room.
Valerio yawned, then stretched a comforting arm over my shoulders. He squeezed me against him.
“I’m sorry you never got your last two pieces done,” he said softly. “I’m sure your show will be just as awesome, though. Even without—”
“Forget about me, I’m fine. Do you have the address?”
He stopped mid-sentence and blinked at my question. “What address?”
“Kade’s brother’s place.”
“Sure.”
“Good,” I said, bouncing from the bed myself. “Go get ready. We’re going out.”
I smiled, as an idea formed in my mind. The look on my face had Valerio tilting his head questioningly.
“Okay… where?”
“You’ll see.”
Thirty-Four
KADE
It was about as Christmas as we could get, sitting on the threadbare couch with my brother and I in our usual spots. Watching the same animated Christmas special we’d watched since childhood, if not for any other reason than because of ‘tradition.’
“Anyone need more popcorn?”
Danielle’s voice sounded overly cheery from the kitchen, but also a little forced. Thankfully Brandon didn’t notice.
“No thanks,” I shouted back. “We’re good!”
My brother was leaning into an open palm, staring blankly at the screen. Watching as the abominable snowman chased Rudolph and Yukon Cornelius across the frozen tundra of the North Pole, while growling menacingly the whole way.
“This was scary when we were kids, no?” I asked.
Brandon grunted. It was the best answer I’d get.
“It used to give me nightmares,” I admitted. “Even knowing he turns good at the end, it’s just so…”
“Creepy?”
He looked back at me through bloodshot eyes, trying his best to smile. I appreciated the effort. I didn’t know how badly he was dope-sick, only that he was feeling pretty terrible.
But for right now at least, he was clean.
Knock Knock.
We all spun in the direction of the door, equally surprised. Danielle was halfway back to the couch with drinks. Brandon and I were looking at each other.
“Probably the neighbor’s Door Dash,” Brandon grunted. “They always screw up the house number.”
