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I agree, “For Linc.”
Emerson is still struggling,but she recognizes it, which is a start. We got Elodie cleaned up and fed before I basically put both Em and her down for a nap. I’m about to sneak out of her bedroom when my phone vibrates in my pocket with an incoming call. Darting down the hall, I pull the phone out to see Aiden’s name flashing across the screen and debate not answering just as the vibrating stops.
Okay. Guess that’s that, then.
Until the vibrating starts again. Damnit. I slide my finger across the screen and lift it to my ear as I walk down the stairs. “Hey.”Because this isn’t going to be awkward as hell.
“Carys.” His tone is clipped and quiet.
Two things my brother never is.
He’s the talker in the bunch.
The one who’s always laughing and loud.
“Listen, I’m going to be in town this weekend for a game Sunday night. I got permission from my Coach to see you Saturday.” That’s it. Nohi, how are you doing?NoI’m sorry for being a jackass. JustI’ll be in town.
“Aiden... It’s been a really long few days. The funeral was earlier in the week, and Emerson had the baby the next day. She just got home from the hospital. I don’t know if I can meet you Saturday. And to be honest, I don’t know if I have the energy to fight with you either.” One of the things this whole mess has forced me to realize is that honesty may not always be the easiest thing, but I’m no longer filtering what parts of me my family gets.
This is me.
Take it or leave it.
“Care Bear, I’m playing a game thirty minutes from your house. I’m staying at a hotel fifteen minutes from you. At the very fucking least, let me come see you.” He waits a moment, then adds, “Please.”
“Wow. Sabrina really has you house-trained, huh? You just said please.” It’s a low blow, but I’m still mad at him.
“How about I bring dinner? It’s got to be early though. I promised Coach I’d be back by eight.” His voice sounds hopeful, and I should probably be grateful he’s making an effort.
“Fine. Be here at four. And bring enough food for everyone.” Cooper and Rook eye me as they come in from outside.
Coop silently asks who I’m talking to.
“Yeah, big brother.” I watch a flash of annoyance cross Cooper’s face. “Everyone. Emerson’s home from the hospital with Elodie. And Cooper’s staying here for a while—”
He cuts me off before I have a chance to finish. “Are you fucking kid—”
“Love you, Aiden,” I singsong as I hang up.
This should be fun.
“Your brother’s coming? Am I invited for dinner too?” Rook asks, a little too excited by the idea.
I stand from the bottom step I’ve been sitting on and run a hand down Cooper’s chest, startling him. “You might not want to be here that night. Aiden was pretty pissed when I told everyone about us.”
Rook grabs his keys from the counter and smiles. “You’ve been shot. Shouldn’t that be aGet Out of Jail Freecard?”
I move to block Rook’s path. “Excuse me, but am I the jail in this scenario?” He surprises me when he hugs me, his lips brushing the shell of my ear.
“Push him, Carys. He might not be ready to admit it yet, but he needs you.” When he pulls away, there’s a devious glint in his hazel eyes.
I catch my bottom lip between my teeth and nod. “I gotcha. Thanks, soldier.”
Rook growls, “You do it just to piss me off, don’t you? You’ve got to know the difference between a soldier and a sailor by now.”
I laugh and walk into the kitchen as Cooper follows Rook to the door and locks it behind him.
“Are you hungry?” The fridge is full of leftovers from the reception after the funeral. “Bingo.” I pull out a small tin of lasagna and pop it in the oven. “This should warm up in a few minutes.”
