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I walk to Pop’s front door and peek through the side glass. Chalk that up to something I never did prior to last month. Before then, the assumption was anyone on this property had the right to be here. Be they family or friend, they belonged.
But since the shit show that went to hell in a handbasket, Pop locks his doors, more cameras have been installed for security, and we’ve all become more cautious.
So the late-night surprise has my teeth on edge until I realize it’s Brax. Brax who isn’t using his key. Brax who didn’t call or text before coming by. Brax who just left Eli’s house after having a talk.
Fuck my life.
I pull the door wide because my brother doesn’t give me much of a choice. He’s barreling down like a west Texas tornado, and avoidance is better than collision.
“Where is he?”
“Asleep. Or he was. You should know that since Emberleigh stays here every other night and has for the last three weeks.” I shut the door behind him as he moves into Pop’s living room.
“I need to talk with him.”
“About something that can’t wait until tomorrow?”
He paces, his boots pounding a tattoo on the hardwood floors. That is, before he spins on me, staring curiously. The light bulb dawning is scary to witness. “You knew, and you knew I’d care. How could you withhold this from me?”
For the first time in my life, I see pain trump anger in Braxton’s face. Emberleigh has polished the rough edges and tamed the beast. I’d celebrate my big brother growing up if the result wasn’t pouring out as an accusation on me.
“Brax—”
“Don’t Brax me. You hid this from me. You. Eli. Pop. Didn’t I deserve to know?”
“Brax,” I begin again, but his eyes laser me to my spot. “No offense, but there’s been a lot going on.”
“So much so that you of all people couldn’t tell me?” He’s taken to pacing again, the steady clomps of his boots reminding me of the beginning of ‘Jolene.’
“That’s fair.”
“Oh, it is? Glad to know I get a voice in this.”
“Well, you do. And you don’t.”
The beast is back, and his anger is palpable. My big brother, whom I’ve always tried to please, whose favor I’ve always wanted, and who’s approval I’ve fought for, clenches his fists as he stands in direct opposition to me and rages, “Care to explain to me how the threat to this ranch, to my business, our careers, to the breeding operation, to my home—our home—is something I do. Not. Get. An. Opinion. On?”
Well, I read that whole situation wrong. I need to think quickly. I thought he was going on about me and Elias.
This is worse.
“I just mean, you get a voice as loud as any of us. But ultimately, we need to outsmart people who don’t give a fuck about us. In that way, none of us have a voice.”
I watch him grapple with what I’ve said until he calms, even just a little. “Pop told you?”
Dangerous question. My only option is to go with honesty. If I know Eli at all, I know his candid, plain speech, especially around topics that are convoluted and complex.
“No. Elias told me.”
“What the fuck?” His gaze is calculating. I swear I can see the wheels turning. Who does he think is lying… me or Eli? “When?”
“About the same time Colt came home.”
“Why?”
“Oh, I don’t know, Braxton.” I throw out a hand before planting it back on my hip. “Maybe because it impacts our home, our business, our breeding operation. Why the hell do you think? Ugh!”
Iturn back to the sofa and toss my phone screen-side down. No need pouring gasoline on this fire.
