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Tommy glares at me. “Are you an idiot? He shouldn’t be having all of this sugar.”
“Relax, Tommy. I didn’t eat any of it.” Eli picks up one of the games and slides it into the Nintendo DS.
“Listen, Tommy, I’m really sorry. I didn’t know it’d be bad for him. I just figured he might like a few treats. I know what hospital food is like,” I force a snicker to cut the tension, but Tommy doesn’t let up. His shoulders are squared, his mouth stretched into a tight line. My weak attempt to break the ice does absolutely nothing. I’ve made a fan with Eli, but Tommy? He wants to inflict pain. I know the look. If my head was in a vise right now, he might actually smile.
Eli waves the Nintendo DS in the air. “Check it out, T! I got game, man. This thing is awesome!”
Tommy’s narrowed eyes focus on me once again. Christ, if looks could kill, I’d be face down in a very shallow fucking grave. “Why’d you bring him that?”
I shrug. “I knew he liked video games. I figured he might enjoy something new.”
Tommy creeps toward me, his voice deep and menacing. “I don’t know who you are or why you’ve just shown up here to take pity on my brother, but we don’t need you. Or your gifts. I take very good care of Eli. We don’t need handouts, got it?”
My throat tightens. This is new territory for me. I’m not exactly what you’d call a philanthropist, so I just figured bringing him things he might like would win him over. I don’t know how to do this…how to make friends with a kid, how to be a buddy. I just want to do something positive for someone else. For once in my life I want to make a difference in a good way.
“I’m not giving you a handout. I’m just trying to make him comfortable, that’s all. I figured he might like to have a friend to hang out with and play video games with. That’s all, man. I don’t want anything from you or from Eli. I, uh, I don’t know if you’ve heard about this program the hospital has for kids on this floor, but—”
“The Buddy System or some shit, right?” Tommy grunts, rolling his eyes. “Because that’s gonna help Eli, right? Having some stranger come in here and pretend to know what Eli is going through?”
I glower at him, my fists balling at my sides. Fucking prick has some nerve taking off after Sloane’s program. “This program has helped a ton of kids since it’s been put in place. Families appreciate it because there’s always downtime when they can’t be here for their kids. Having buddies really makes a difference here. They aren’t peppy assholes who come in and out and give lollipops in exchange for a smile. They’re people who’ve experienced similar circumstances, people who understand how to communicate with the kids and guess what? They actually help!” I puff out my chest, my voice getting louder and louder. “So before you spout shit, get your facts straight.” I wave at Eli. “Nice meeting you, kid. I really hope you beat this thing. Take care of yourself.” I swivel around, gritting my teeth. I pull open the door and walk into the hallway. My pulse throbs against my neck. That dickhead. I wanted so badly to take a swing at his smug ass mouth. Talking shit like that without—
I let out a deep sigh, stopping halfway down the hall and leaning against a bright orange-colored wall. Of course, he would be suspicious. Of course, he’d be apprehensive. He just found a stranger with his brother, a stranger who evidently looks like the Grim Reaper. If I’d have been Tommy, things would have gone down a lot differently. So he said some crap about the program. I get so damn defensive all the time. I really need to temper that shit.
“Hey.”
I turn my head in the direction of Tommy’s deep voice. “Yeah?”
He walks toward me, his hands stuffed into his pockets. “I didn’t mean to send you packing like that. I’m sorry for being an asshole. Our lives have been pretty fucked up lately. I didn’t mean to take it out on you.” He runs a hand over his shaved head, and his lips curl into a sad smile. “You know, I did this for him. I didn’t want him to lose his hair and feel like he looked different from everyone else, that people would stare and wonder. So I shaved mine so he’d have a partner in this.”
I nod. “I get it. He seems like a good kid. It sucks that he has to go through this. It sucks for both of you.”
“I guess he told you about our parents.”
“A little, but I didn’t ask any questions. He’s got you, and he thinks you’re pretty fucking awesome.”
“I do the best I can. But he seems to like you, which is pretty odd since he hasn’t really opened up to anyone since he got here. Everyone kind of avoids him now, so I try to be here as much as possible so he’s not alone. But, ah, I’ve got some things going this week, and I’m not gonna be here as much as I want.” He averts his eyes for a second and then looks back at me. “If you want to stop by and keep him company, I think he’d like that.”
“I can do that. And I won’t bring any more candy.” I smirk and hold out my hand. “I’m Max, by the way.”
“Nice to meet you, Max.” Tommy grins and shakes it. “And if you see your hot nurse friend Sloane, tell her to come by so we can thank her for sending you.”
“Will do,” I reply in a strained voice. I’m gonna have to let him know that my hot nurse friend Sloane isn’t up for grabs by anyone but me. I watch Tommy walk back to Eli’s room, but this time, he doesn’t close the door. He leaves it open. Interesting. Maybe they’re finally ready to open up a little.
Because of me.
Fucking A. Who’d have guessed that I’d ever be the voice of reason?
