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“Oh no, that’s ok…” I started saying as I waved him off, but he gave me a look that said he wouldn’t take no for an answer.
He wrapped it around my shoulders and tugged the front closed. His warmth and masculine scent surrounded me.
“Thanks,” I said with a small smile.
8
DYLAN
The light started flickering,threatening to go off.
“I didn’t think Oregon had tornadoes,” she said, looking at the lights.
“Maybe a few a year? This probably isn’t one, just a storm.” Lana looked worried. “Don’t be nervous. We’ll be okay.”
Then I patted her hand, which was a mistake. I needed to remind myself not to touch her, because it only made me want to keep touching her.
I wasn’t worried about the tornado as much as I was of sitting that close to Lana. It’d be hard not to give my feelings away.
“I’m sorry he left you stranded like that,” I said. “Makes me want to kick his ass when he wakes up.”
“Makes me want that too,” she said with a soft laugh, and then looked at her hands. “As long as he’s safe. I was getting worried.”
“He’s safe at home,” I said, squeezing her hand. There I went, putting my hand on her again.
“I’ve noticed he’s been going out more than usual,” Lana said.
“Yeah, I’ve noticed that too.”
“Do you think everything’s ok with him?” she asked, concern filling her eyes.
“I don’t know,” I answered honestly, shaking my head. “I hope so. He’s been doing really well for a while now.”
I wondered how much she knew about Todd’s history with addiction.
“It hasn’t been easy for him growing up without our parents.”
She looked down, nodding. “He doesn’t talk about them. But I know it’s been hard for him.”
"Todd was only three when Mom died,” I began.
Lana gave me a sympathetic look. "I’m so sorry,” she said.
“I remember the day our parents told me mom's cancer returned. Mom fought hard but eventually…" I trailed off. "Dad did his best to raise two rowdy boys. He was always working, doing the best he could for us."
Lana stayed silent, listening intently.
I took a shaky breath. "Then Dad got in a car accident. He was gone by the time help arrived.”
Lana reached over and squeezed my hand.
“It sent Todd over the edge. He started acting out, getting into trouble. I tried to keep him on the straight and narrow after I dropped out of college. But I was working all the time at Grandpa's bar. I didn't see what was happening to Todd. He fell in with the wrong crowd. Started getting into alcohol and drugs."
Lana took my hand. "You did the best you could."
I shook my head. "Maybe, but it wasn't enough. I feel like I failed Todd.”
"Don't be so hard on yourself," Lana said gently. "And he turned out okay. He’s doing better now, right?”
