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“We haven’t worked out the details,” Anthony said, his smile still in place. Ted kept quiet. “But I want to spend a few days here getting to know the place Ted has chosen to call home.”
Ted had never been able to turn on the charm with the practiced ease his younger brother could.
“Well, if you need to run while you’re here, we have a group, or I’d be happy to take you out.”
“Oh well, that’s very kind of you,” Anthony said, and Ted could see the surprise on his face. He wasn’t used to random people offering him things.
“You all good there, Ted?”
“Sure, Mr. Goldhirsh. See you round.”
“We have a reading tonight, and I think you’ll enjoy it.”
“I’ll try and get there then.”
They watched Mr. Goldhirsh jog away.
“A strange man.”
“No, he’s an intelligent, good man,” Ted said. “Now back to why you’re here. I want nothing to do with you running for senate, or any campaign. Dad’s there, he’s done it, so he can help and rally support.”
“Are you ever going to forgive us?” The words were spoken softly, but Ted heard them as if they’d been roared.
“Go home, Anthony.” Ted turned to leave, but a hand on his arm stopped him.
“Emily has gone, and we all have to live with that. None of us could have done anything to change what happened, Edward.”
Inhale, exhale.Ted did it several more times before the cloud of rage eased. Talking, thinking, even hearing his little sister’s name made him irrational.
“I don’t want to talk about her, or that time. My life is here now, and far away from you. Now leave, Anthony…, please,” he added.
“You’re my brother, surely that counts for something? I can’t believe you’d turn your back on me when I need you.”
Anthony had always been good at piling on the guilt. Ted turned to face him again.
“Are you in any trouble?”
“Of course not!”
“Are you sick?”
“No!”
“Then there’s nothing further we have to say to each other. Good luck with your campaign.” Ted walked away.
He didn’t go back into Tea Total, instead heading around the rear to get rid of the tension inside him. He didn’t need anyone asking him about Anthony or why he was angry.
He saw the Robbins sisters’ car and a few others. Making for the row of trash cans, he kicked the first one hard. It made a satisfying sound, which had him doing it again.
“Ted?”
“Go back inside, Mandy.” He didn’t look at her.
“Are you angry?”
She’d closed the door and was walking toward him, worry on her face.
“What gave me away?”
