AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Is this an intervention or something? Where’s the camera crew?” My question is half serious. I’m not sure what’s going on, but I don’t think I like the look of it. I sit in the chair beside Jake and lean back, arms crossed over my chest. Before they have a chance to say anything, I hold my palms up in surrender. “I know I screwed up. I’m here to make things right. You don’t have to worry about me going MIA again. I swear.”
Dax speaks up first. “Ethan, we’re concerned about you.”
Jake speaks up next. “Your disappearing suddenly was concerning enough. And since you’ve been back, you’ve been distant, remote. You haven’t even visited or called Mom yet. She’s worried. You know how she dotes on you.”
I look from one brother to the next. “So, the entire family has been talking about me?”
Jake looks uncomfortable when he responds. “Like I said, we’re concerned about you.”
“I appreciate your concern, but everything is fine. I was going through some stuff and just needed some quiet time away. I’ve worked it all out. I’m good.”
“I call bullshit,” Dax says with a smirk.
Jake darts a quick warning glance at Dax to silence him, then focuses his attention on me. “We’re your family. If something is going on, tell us so that we can help you.”
“Look, I’m back at work. I’m going to do my job. There’s no need for all this lovey, cuddly, I-wanna-hug-you-and-talk-about-your-feelings bullshit. I made a mistake, and I’m ready to move on.” There, that should put an end to this. I stand up, ready to leave.
Jake stands up, too, looking ready for battle. “Sit down. We aren’t through.”
Well hell. They aren’t going to give this up. I make a big point of sighing loudly as I sit back down.
“Fine, now what?” I ask, thoroughly annoyed.
“Sooooo, what was Liz doing in your condo yesterday?” Dax asks slyly, eyebrows in the air.
Well, fuck. I didn’t expect that question.
“None of your business.”
Jake leans forward. “Oh, well, we’re making it our business. You see, it’s odd. Up until yesterday, we were under the impression that you and Liz barely spoke ten words to each other over the last year. I just find it interesting that she was at your place.”
“Fuck off,” I tellhim.
Dax starts laughing out loud. “You and Liz? I didn’t think you had it in you, bro.” He picks up his phone and makes a show of going through his contact list. “There’s gotta be someone I can tell about this.”
If eyes could shoot daggers, Dax would be dead. “There is nothing going on between me and Liz. Leave her out of this.”
“I don’t believe you, not for a second.” Dax’s mouth quirks in amusement. “Man, Jake, you need to start enforcing that no fraternizing in the workplace rule. Your employees are getting out of hand.”
“Shut up, Dax. You aren’t helping here,” Jake says. “Alright, Ethan. You might as well come clean.”
“Sometimes I hate you two,” I mumble grumpily. “Look. It’s not a big deal, so you might as well know. Liz and I went out a few times. Nothing serious, and it’s been over for months.”
Jake is looking at me shrewdly. “And exactly when did you stop seeing her?”
“A few months ago,” I hedge.
“A few . . . as in about seven or eight months ago?” he asks, a sharp edge to his voice. “If you stopped seeing her, why was she at your place?”
I remain mute and motionless.
Dax blows air out loudly through his mouth as he leans forward, elbows resting on his knees. “Hoooooooolyyyyyy shiiiiiit. Dang, man. This keeps getting better and better.”
I hold up my hands in protest before Jake can comment. “It’s not what you guys are thinking. The baby isn’t mine.”
Jake is scrutinizing me through narrowed eyes. “She told you that?”
“Well, no, not exactly. She told me that the baby was mine. But there’s no way. I used protection.”
