AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Mom wants the whole family together. You’re in the family. She’s not torturing you, Jackson.”
I cross my legs and grab my ankle, desperate to hold something. Being in Goldheart is hard enough. If they could feel the way my skin crawls, the cold sweats, the clammy hands, they wouldn’t force it as much.
“We are together. And people aren’t my thing, Reid.”
“They used to be your thing. In high school.”
That was such a long time ago. The friends I had have faded away over the years, even though some of them are still living in Goldheart. After I saw his mom at the clinic with Shiloh, Eric called me and left a message. I want to call him back and see how he’s doing, but the phone feels like a thousand-pound weight when I pick it up to try.
“I will kick you out if you say anything else about this.” I take a swig, but the Scotch, usually smooth, burns all the way down my throat.
“Mom has been hinting that she wants the kids to get together and have a night off. Emily is campaigning for a Saturday night for us all to do something…”
“No, Reid. You know I can’t go out into town.”
“Fuck, Jackson. People know you’re home. It’s been nine months. Hiding just creates more questions, more mystery. You’re the fucking enigma of our family.”
I swirl my drink in my hand, my throat growing thick. My capacity for social interaction is so low that some days getting to the office and getting three things done feel like an effort. Being around people drains my energy to nothing, and I’m tired of stares. Talking with Bonnie at the urgent care was enough.
In this apartment, alone, is where I belong.
“At least participate in the Brewery Games.”
“Fine. You sound like Shiloh,” I say, taking another big gulp. I finally match my brother and pour more. This Scotch needs to work its magic and quick.
Reid looks at me with a blank stare and flubs. “Shiloh?”
“She keeps trying to get me to join things. She wanted me to go to the end-of-season party. She even decorated my office.”
“I heard. You must’ve loved that.”
“Oh, I did,” I say sarcastically.
“Is she okay? I heard about the raccoon attack.”
The feel of her breath on my cheek hits my memory and I cough in my hand.
“She’ll be fine,” I say. “It was our lovely niece who let the fucker in.”
“Yeah, Emily needs to curb the raccoon enthusiast in Olive. It’s getting out of hand. Jason Banning had it coming, but Shiloh…”
“Shiloh didn’t deserve it.” I balance my glass on the armrest. When I catch my brother staring at me, I flinch.
“Do you like Shiloh? Likelikeher?”
I scoff and laugh, muttering, “No, why would you say that? She annoys me.”
“Why? Shiloh is the least annoying person I’ve ever met.”
“Like…like, she eats peanut butter and jelly every day. With the crusts cut off, Reid.”
“Peanut butter and jelly is phenomenal,” Reid says.
“I know, but she eats it every day. No variation. She wraps it in wax paper. Who does that?”
“So?” Reid asks.
“Her sneakers? Why doesn’t she replace them? They have a literal hole about the pinkie toe.”
