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“What’s wrong with Peace?” Lace asks. On the opposite end of the couch from us, she’s leaning on Bryan the way Shaina is on me.
My best friend and I exchange a look. No words are necessary. We both realize we’re the two luckiest fucks in the world with the women we have.
“She disobeyed her dad,” Bryan says softly, tipping Lace’s chin up so he can look at her.
It’s late. Everyone else has retreated to their rooms. All seems to be blissfully quiet upstairs.
“I thought sneaking into War’s studio was Bo’s idea.” Lace’s brow furrows. “Wasn’t that why you took away his new headphones?”
“That’s the story according to Bo.” Bryan frowns. “But it’s not the truth.”
“He’s protecting Peace.” I share my take on the situation.
“By lying.” Shadows darken the lightness in Bryan’s eyes. “That’s why I disciplined him.”
“The reason he lied is important,” I point out. “You should take that into consideration.”
Bryan shakes his head. “This isn’t like when we hotwired your father’s car, War.”
We’ve been friends so long; sometimes I swear he can read my mind.
“Isn’t it?” My brows rise. “They’re friends. Bo didn’t want Peace to get in trouble.”
Keeping Bryan from ending up in juvie was certainly my motivation for lying to the cops all those years ago.
“He took the blame.” Bryan nods his agreement. “Figuring my opinion of him couldn’t get any worse.”
“Maybe, Bry.” My lips flatten. I don’t like that things between Bryan and his son are strained. “Bo’s not a bad kid.”
“Not yet.” Bryan’s frown deepens. “Not if I can help it. I just can’t go too easy on him. Can’t have him dodging responsibilities and consequences now, or how’s he gonna end up?”
“He’s not your dad.” Lace’s expression turns troubled. “This year at school has been difficult for him.”
“How so?” Shaina asks and sits up.
“I think he feels neglected,” Lace says. “I’ve been away a lot this year. Milan, Paris, New York, my business has really taken off. Most of the major fashion houses have invited me to showcase my gowns.”
“Because you’re brilliant,” Bryan says proudly. “I’ve been around. My mom too. Bo isn’t neglected, and his behavior is not your fault.”
“Thanks for the pass, babe.” Lace gives him a smile that’s obviously forced. “I just wish Bo would feel comfortable talking things out with me the way he used to before he was diagnosed with dyslexia.”
“So, Bo has trouble processing reading and language.” Shaina quotes from the textbook she studied for her portrayal of a dyslexic character. “That’s tough.”
“Yes.” Lace nods. “The other kids don’t understand. They make fun of him. Bo is angry. He’s been getting into fights.”
“Miriam has dyslexia.” Remembering how homework was always a struggle for her, I aim my gaze at Bryan. “Has your sister talked to him?”
“Yeah,” Bryan says. “Miriam and my mom have tried to convince him to take his exams orally. But he refuses.”
“He doesn’t want to stand out any more than he feels like he already does.”
“How’d you know that?” Bryan cocks his head. “That’s almost exactly what he told me.”
“Social outcast, remember?” I point at myself. The only place I felt like I fit in was in our band.
“I remember you sayingfuck youa lot to people who didn’t try to understand you,” Lace says.
“Still do.” I’m somewhat domesticated, but I haven’t completely assimilated.
