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“I’m good with whatever you guys decide. I haven’t talked to Liam yet about whether he needs help with the girls or not, so I can just let you know.”
My brother nodded, tapping away at his leg.
“You and Liam getting along?”
I nodded, giving him a smile. “Yeah, he apologized for being a bit of jerk in the start. I like being around the girls a lot.”
“Yeah, they’re great,” he agreed, still tapping on his knee.
I wanted to tell him to come right out and say whatever was on his mind, but I had a feeling I already knew. He was making assumptions about Liam and me. He’d already warned me, and apparently warned Liam last night. If I mentioned it right now, it would just confirm his suspicions.
“You talk to dad recently?” I decided to change the conversation, even if it meant we changed it to something unpleasant.
My brother’s face transformed from open and agreeable to closed off and shut down.
“No, not since all the shit went down with Nora.”
I understood why. I hadn’t either, but I had heard through Blaire that they’d moved out.
“The house is empty, according to Blaire.”
Colson’s eyes expanded. “Vacation?”
I shook my head. “Trouble with taxes. I think they’re hiding.”
“They didn’t sell the house?”
I understood the hopeful tone he expressed, because that house meant so much to him. To his mother.
“Not that I know of. Have you talked to our brothers?”
Cole let out a sigh, shaking his head.
“Yeah, me either.” I looked outside, seeing across the street the gas station bustling with people.
“Life has been crazy…I’m just trying to get this Community Center open and Nora moved over. Then I assumed we’d figure it out.”
I grabbed the handle of the door and pulled it.
“Well, I’ll keep you posted on anything I hear…thank you for the ride.”
“No problem, and Haley?”
I waited, ass half on the seat, watching his blond hair shift as he dipped his head.
“This thing with Liam and the girls…just remember that you have your whole life in front of you. He’ll get along fine without you.”
I gave him a smile in response, but his words were as effective as a butterfly knife being shoved into my chest.
Exiting his truck, I walked around with my heart barely intact. Once my car started, he finally drove off and I sagged into my seat. Liam would get along fine without me. He had before I got here, and he would after me. My being here didn’t make or break their life; they would just keep on living it once I moved on.
But me?
I already knew Liam and the girls would be an imprint on my soul that I’d carry for my entire life. Whether they wanted me a part of their lives or not, they’d be a part of mine.
* * *
I walkedinto the gym feeling relieved. When Liam put me on the bag and gave me a few drills, it felt so nice to release the pent-up energy in my system. I was hoping he’d allow me the same opportunity today.
