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“Jase seems to think it’s hardly any surprise given everything she’s been through.”
“Yeah, she’s had it tough.” A flicker of regret shone in Cameron’s gaze. “That was a shitty thing for me to say. Peyton is a good kid even if she’s a little misguided. Leigh loves her. Lily too. And I can’t imagine what it must have been like, finding her mom the way she did…”
“They’re in high school. They’re supposed to screw up and experiment and make mistakes.”
Fuck knows I had.
From the way Cameron was staring at me, I knew he remembered what I was like at that age all too well.
“I don’t envy Jase,” Cam admitted, “that’s for sure.”
“Look at us, having a normal conversation.”
“Stranger things have happened.” He regarded me. “Did you make a decision about Jase’s offer yet?”
“No, and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t start. I have some things to figure out first.”
“What things?”
“I’m not doing this—”
“There you two are.” Hailee slipped out of the patio doors and came around to Cameron. Leaning down, she grazed his cheek with her lips. “Dinner won’t be long. Xander.” She smiled at me. “I’m glad you came. We both are.”
I gave her a small nod.
“We’re just discussing the job at the high school,” Cameron said.
I wanted to bang his head against the wall. He couldn’t just leave it alone like I’d asked.
“And?” Hailee looked at me expectantly.
“I’m still deciding.”
“Well, I’m sure you’ll make the right decision for you.”
“There’s only one decision to make here, surely you know that?” Cameron studied me.
“I didn’t ever see it being a permanent thing.”
“That’s bullshit, Xander, and you know it.”
“Cam!” Hailee warned, squeezing her husband’s shoulders. “Xander is a grown adult. He can make his own decision.”
“I just don’t understand what there is to decide.” Cam slumped back in the chair, letting out an exasperated breath. “It’d give you stability. A real shot at getting out of that shithole apartment. You’d get a full package: health insurance, a dental plan… all that stuff.”
“If I’d have known coming would have turned into a third degree I would have gone to Bell’s.”
“I asked him to play nice,” Hailee added, before disappearing back inside.
“I just don’t understand what you’re so scared of?” There was no malice in his voice this time, only genuine curiosity. But it was easy for Cam. Always had been. He’d been old enough when Mom had died to get on with life, same with Dad.
I knew he hadn’t had it easy taking care of me, but he’d had Hailee by his side, not to mention Jase and Asher.
I stared at him, at the brother who’d raised me. The guy who’d always been there. And I’d never felt more distance between us.
“You don’t get it,” I whispered.
“Try me. For fuck’s sake, talk to me, Xander. I don’t see what the problem is.” His eyes narrowed and he ran a hand over his jaw. “Jase did you a solid by offering you the job with the team.”
