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“Yeah, I think I am. She was less than impressed about the condom situation…” Nix says to Ren, who nods in understanding.
“Can’t imagine why, dude. You were so well behaved. I’m sure she loved helping you back to your cabin the following night too. Acting like a drunk dickhead at the bar all night…” I remind him, and Nix cringes.
“Let's just say I did a lot of groveling.”
I’ll fucking bet he did. His dad had to cut him off. He’s the one that messaged Holden for back up.
“It’s good to see you like this, man,” I say, patting his back. Nix might be a little shit, but he’s my best friend, and I just want him to be happy and healthy. We all do.
* * *
“Save Me” by Jelly Roll feat Lainey Wilson
ROSE
“There she is!” Romeo cheers as I make my way down the staircase. “Look at you!” He claps his meaty hands, making me chuckle.
“Hey, you,” Sadie greets, walking over to give me a hug. “Your hair looks good.” She winks.
“Thanks. I thought I should touch it up. I didn’t realize how faded it was.” I try to laugh it off but fail. She pats my shoulder and backs up. Jeez, how bad was I that even Sadie is acting like I just crawled out of the sewer system…
I’m wearing jeans and a tank top, planning to grab a jacket before the game since it tends to be pretty cold in the rink.
I did my makeup for the first time in weeks as well.
“First game?” I ask as I walk over and hug Rome and then Griff. Holden, Ren, and Nash are all sitting with my twin on the longer couch, playing some game on the Xbox. Hockey? Playing a hockey game before actually playing? Okay, then.
“Yep! And we plan on killing it,” Griff says with a whoop, making the other guys chime in. I’m actively attempting not to look at Nix, but it’s futile because after he laughs maniacally while the other three boo, he jumps off the couch, tossing the game controller down.
“We got the best seats for tonight,” Nix announces as he walks over. I stare at him, a little bit lost for words. Or thoughts. I’m just lost in general.
“Okay.” I nod, and when he lifts his chin and our eyes meet, I search for some sign of what the fuck is going on in his mind. When I don’t get the answers I’m looking for, I just blurt it out. “What the fuck?”
Shit. That's not what I wanted to ask. I wanted to say something deeper, like, why are you here, brother? Why now, what's going on, and are we okay? Instead, I said what the fuck…brilliant. How is my favorite hobby writing? My communication skills are trash.
“Come on,” Nix sighs, sounding slightly frustrated. As if his announcement earlier should have been enough for me. “Ho, you too!” Nix snaps as he drags me out the back door and onto the patio.
Seconds later, our stepbrother follows us out. His eyes are wide as they bounce between the two of us, and I lift a brow at the man. He’s acting like he’s in trouble.
“Holden called three days ago because you apparently tried to kill yourself–”
“I said she almost fell down the stairs. Jesus, Nix!” Holden snaps, cutting my twin off.
“Point stands. Your sloppy, drunk ass nearly fell down the stairs, but lucky for you, Romeo’s mountainous ass was there to catch you.” My eyes go wide, and my jaw unhinges as it falls to the ground…
What? How do I not remember that? Holy shit, how drunk was I?
“You need to sober up. You’re headed down a dangerous path. I would know.” He gives me a pointed look, and I just blink. Nix has never been this candid with me. He’s always seen himself as my protector. At least, he used to. Maybe that hasn’t changed after all?
“Okay…” I say because my mind is still reeling.
“I’m only going to say this once, so you two listen up. Holden. You don’t have to be perfect to be loved. Stop trying to prove yourself to everyone all the fucking time,” Nix says, pointing at the man, who looks just as stunned as I feel.
“Um.” Holden blinks three times and then shrugs. “Yeah, okay…”
“And, you.” Nix rests his hands on my shoulders, forcing me to look at him. He cringes slightly but takes a deep breath. “I hate feeling like all you see when you look at me is a failure, so I stopped looking. Forgive yourself because as far as I’m concerned, you’re still the best of us.” Nix shakes me slightly, making me smile, even as I start tearing up. “Be happy,” he whispers, and I suck in a sharp breath.
Then he ruins the moment by singing. Specifically, “Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin. I watch, mystified by my brother’s ability to turn even the most serious situation into a joke as his head tips back, and he belts the song like it’s mission critical.
