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And maybe, just maybe, he could make things up to his family. And then he wouldn’t have to handle it alone.
Sitting out onthe back deck with his brothers, sipping beers and watching the moonlight reflect off of the dark ocean surface far below, Jet could almost fool himself into believing things were normal. It was only when he’d glance over at one of them that he’d notice the tense set of their jaw and shoulders, or the way they each studiously avoided his eyes.
The tension had been thick all through dinner, with the brothers maintaining civil tones for Mila’s sake.
Mila, for her part, seemed completely happy to see him, thrilled in fact, with the fear and tears she’d greeted him with earlier having completely evaporated. She was bubbly and laughing. Jet wasn’t sure if she didn’t sense the stretched-rubber-band tension between the adults, or– more likely– she was acting extra cheerful to compensate.
His theory was confirmed when, as soon as the plates were cleared, she’d all but shoved the four of them out onto the back deck, beers in hand. The deck-and-beer routine was one of the Valentine Brothers’ longstanding rituals, and perhaps she thought if she could get them doing something nostalgic together, their brotherly love would kick in and they’d work things out.
Hell, he kind of hoped that, himself. The issue seemed to be finding the right opening sentence. If he could just get the ball rolling, he was pretty sure they’d talk things out. But where to start?
Luckily, Troy took the lead, just like he usually did where the four of them were concerned. In a low tone, he said, “Well, Jet. How about you tell us what happened?”
Jet’s gut clenched. What he had to say wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. “My bandmates got fed up with my shit.”
His words were greeted with silence; he was going to have to elaborate. “I’ve been acting like a real jackass. To them, and to you guys, too. To pretty much everyone in my life. And now my chickens have come home to roost.”
Gavin turned to look at him. “Wow. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard you talk that way.”
Almost afraid to hear the answer, Jet asked, “What way?”
Gavin shrugged. “Humble. Accepting responsibility.”
Jet took a deep breath. “Well, I’m not going to let it be the last. I have a lot of changes to make in my life. A lot of ground to make up for. I’m taking this time to do that.”
Donovan clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Glad to hear it. I think that’s a good idea.”
“Yeah,” Troy agreed. “It’s great. I’m glad, man.”
“We’re here if you need us,” Gavin added.
Jet took a deep breath. It was like a tight band had loosened around his chest, allowing him to breathe freely again.
“Damn, guys. Thanks for that. I was kind of freaked out to come here. I wasn’t exactly sure if I’d be welcome.”
“Don’t be an idiot,” Troy said.
“Yeah. You’re our brother. It doesn’t matter how big an asshole you are, we’ll always be here for you,” Donovan added. He broke into a grin. “But, damn, it’s a lot easier when you’re not being an asshole at all.”
Gavin wrapped up the sentiments. “We’re not mad at you, Jet. We just want to see change. Real change.”
Jet nodded. “That’s what I want, too.”
“Good.”
Troy yawned and stretched an arm over his head. “Shit. That’s my cue. I hate to break up this little party, but I have to be up at four-thirty tomorrow.”
Gavin and Donovan stood up, and so did Jet.
Shit. Since things are going so well with my first goal, he thought, might as well take a shot on the second.
Feigning nonchalance, he said, “Since I’m in town, I thought I might take the opportunity to catch up with some old friends.”
“She owns a wine shop downtown,” Gavin responded, pretty much immediately.
“What?”
“Dude, don’t even try.” Donovan chuckled.
“Yeah, we know exactly which old friend you’re interested in seeing,” Troy added, punching him lightly on the shoulder.
Jet laughed. He wouldn’t bother pretending. Standing up and setting his beer down, he said, “Well, damn. If I’m going to make it there before closing, I’d better start walking.”
