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“You’re making a mistake,” the stranger gasped.
Mason hauled him up by the collar of his shirt, his eyes flashing with fury. “You’re the one making a mistake by threatening my brother. Now get out of here before I do some serious damage.”
The stranger stumbled backward, looking at Mason with a mixture of fear and anger in his brown eyes. Mason slammed the door shut behind him, turning to see Reid slumped on the bed.
“What the hell was that?” Mason demanded, furious.
Reid shrugged, taking another swig from the bottle. “He’s just a guy I owe money to.”
“I knew you hadn’t changed, Reid,” Mason hissed, pacing back and forth. “You showed up yesterday, telling me you’ve changed. But you haven’t. You can’t keep living like this, drinking yourself into oblivion and making enemies.”
“I can take care of myself,” Reid muttered.
Mason walked over and snatched the bottle out of Reid’s hand. “Tell me why you went to Elijah’s.”
Reid scrubbed a hand over his face. “I just wanted to talk to him.”
“And why do you owe that guy money?”
His brother sat up, glaring at Mason. “You haven’t changed either. “You still think you’re all high and mighty. You act as if I’m scum.”
“I’ve never thought of you as scum,” Mason argued. “You’re the one who’s always treated me like shit, like you resent the fact that I was born. Why do you owe that guy and how much?”
Reid shot off the bed and got in Mason’s face. “Fuck off. I don’t need my big brother swooping in to save me. I don’t need saving, Mason. What I need is for you to get off my back and get out of my room.”
Mason stared at him in disbelief then shook his head and stepped back. “Fine. You don’t want to talk about it, then don’t. Stay away from Elijah. Stay away from me if all you’re going to do is get into trouble in Midnight Falls.” He headed for the door. “If you’re here to swindle people, you better think twice. I’m not going to let you run any scams here.”
“You shouldn’t have run Reggie off,” Reid mumbled as he fell onto the bed and threw his arm over his eyes. “He’s going to come after you.”
“Let him,” Mason snarled. “Think about what I said, Reid.”
“Yes, Mom.”
With a disgusted shake of his head, Mason walked out. There was no use talking to Reid. Nothing Mason said would get through to him. If the guy wanted to fuck up his life, fine. Just as long as Reid kept him out of it.
Chapter Seven
Elijah squealed when his parents pulled into the driveway. He was so happy to see them. He knew it had been a long trip, and both of them looked exhausted. Elijah swung the door open and ran out, hugging his mom first.
She squeezed him tightly before letting go. “I have to use the bathroom. Help your dad with our bags.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He took a step back and watched her walk inside.
“Good to see you, son.” His dad gave him a hug. “Long trip. My back is killing me. Are your grandparents home yet?”
Elijah grabbed the bags from the trunk. Holy hell. They’d packed as if they were staying for a month. He’d worry about it, but his mom always packed that way. “They’re coming home today. Grandma is feeling much better, and I’m really glad she’s doing better, though the doctor wants her to continue the physical therapy for her hip.”
“Glad to hear it,” his father said as they made their way toward the house. “How’s work been?”
“Busy as always,” Elijah replied, opening the front door for his dad. “But it’s been good. I’ve been making decent tips too.”
“That’s great, son,” his dad said, patting him on the back. “I’m proud of you.”
Elijah smiled, feeling a sense of warmth in his chest. It was always nice to hear his dad say that. Elijah led his dad inside. “How was the drive?”
“Long,” his dad said with a chuckle.
They dropped off the bags in the guest room and made their way to the living room. His mom was already sitting on the couch, a glass of water in her hand. His dad sat in the armchair, turning on the TV.
