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"Right. My brother." She sighs over the sound of water rushing from the tap. I look back despite my better judgment to see her staring down at her hands as they rest limply in the harsh flow of water.
I'm doing the right thing. I know I am.
"Those are going to kill you one day."
"No shit,” I say and take another drag pointedly. What did I do to deserve this? Tonight of all nights? Oakley scoffs, putting his hands in his pockets and standing awkwardly off to the side.
"If you're here to punch me again, at least wait until I'm done," I mumble before taking another deep inhale. The thump of sneakers against the cement sounds behind me, and my shoulders tense. I prepare myself for the inevitable pain coming my way.
"I am not going to punch you."
I throw the cigarette on the sidewalk, stomp on it and look over at Oakley. The crisp night air chills me straight to the bone. Or maybe that’s just fear. I’m not sure. I really don’t want to be punched again. My eyebrows shoot up as I silently question him.
"Then why are you here? I highly doubt you came out here to smoke a dart with me."
Wouldn't that be a scene to remember? Goody two-shoes Oakley Hutton smoking.
He clenches his jaw tightly and shoved his hands in his pockets.
"I'm assuming she's okay? After earlier?" The suspicion is obvious in his tone as he tries to see if I'll tell him the truth about where I have been.
"She will survive. It was just a small cut."
He chuckles at my answer, and rolls his eyes. "You know that's not what I meant, smartass."
"And you know that's all you're going to get from me, hotshot," I retort before a genuine laugh pushes through my slightly parted lips.
"Look, Tyler. If you want to date my sister, all I ask is that you don't hurt her. Or lie to me again." He sighs and leans against the tree standing to the side of us. "That wasn't cool, man."
"You have nothing to worry about. There is no Gracie and I. Okay?" I huff slightly at the curious expression on his features as he watches me thoughtfully, judging every slight movement I make. I don't blame him for not believing me; even I don't believe it right now.
"But you'll tell me if there is, right? You're both my family. And I know my sister better than to think she's going to roll over." He laughs genuinely and holds his hand out in front of him, taking a step forward.
"Scouts honour." I wink and grasp his hand in mine, giving it a firm shake. "You're my family too."
"I'm not going to apologize for punching you, by the way."
"I wouldn't expect anything else."
I really wouldn't.
