Goddamn his brother for his logical conclusions. Taking all of Ryan’s anger and morphing it into empathy and a little chagrin.
“Fine, you’re right,” Ryan muttered.
“What? Say that again.”
“Fuck off.”
“You should call her.”
“I tried, but she didn’t answer.” Ryan sighed and scuffed his foot across the cement sidewalk. A rock skittered into the gravel lining the walkway, filling the silence between the brothers.
“I am no expert. Hell, my love life has only been marginally better than yours in the longevity department. But keep trying. Leave an actual fucking voicemail. Let her know you’re thinking of her, you’re waiting for her, you’re there. It’s all you can do.”
“So, does this adulting shit magically appear one day, or…”
Surprise of surprises, Alex closed the distance between them with a few long strides and pulled him in for a back-thumping hug. The DeMarco men weren’t exactly known for being all touchy-feely.
“I don’t know, Ryan. I think we’re all making it up as we go along. But I haven’t ever seen you care so deeply for anyone not related to you. If she’s the one, it’ll work out. Give her a chance. I think she’s good for you, and honestly, I think you’re good for her. I like Elissa?—”
Ryan shoved him away with a warning grunt.
“Not like that, dumbass. I like her because she brings out the best in you. And you wear down her sharper edges. Make her human, instead of a human calculator. Have you ever noticed how she smiles whenever you walk into a room?”
Ryan shook his head.
“Look next time,” Alex said. “Trust me, you’ll know exactly how she feels about you.”
“I still don’t understand why you’re being nice to me.”
“Because you’re my brother, and despite our rocky history, I love you.”
“Aw, you big marshmallow.”
Alex slugged him in the shoulder but not hard. “Shut up, asshat. You’ve done okay with yourself, and you don’t deserve even half the shit Mom and Dad put you through. I’m sorry I didn’t stand up for you sooner. I can talk to Dad about getting you out of your stupid-ass deal. If I remember correctly, I owe you a favor for going on that blind date.”
Best fucking favor ever! Ryan probably owed his brother, if he were being honest, but he was keeping that to himself for now.
“A deal’s a deal, and it might serve me best in the long term, even if I hate the idea right now. But it can wait.”
“Yeah, it can. Get some rest, see what you can do about your pretty accountant. I’ve got your back.”
Ryan walked away but paused a few steps down the sidewalk. “Thanks, Alex.”
A jaunty whistle was the only answer he received.
forty-five
mom, i screwed up
Elissa sat next to her mother, watching her sleep. Getting her settled and morning rounds had kept her from being able to truly rest. But the nurse had ensured the morphine was good to go and as soon as the hospital personnel left her alone, she drifted off.
At Elissa’s insistence, Ami had driven Dad and Leo home to rest. Or at least a shower. When they returned, it would be her turn. She’d have Ami drop her off at DeMarco Properties to collect Bertha. Or get her towed, whatever. She really did need a new car.
“Mom, I screwed up.” The words tumbled out of her. “I played hooky to be with a guy. He said he loved me. I freaked out and left. I don’t think I can ever make it up to him.”
Elissa dashed the tears out of her eyes. “I’ve been waiting for the shoe to drop. Accepted to USC, but you lost your job. No room for a music teacher when budgets were slashed. Got my CPA, and had a triple whammy—you got sick, Victor left, and Ami got in big trouble. Now, you’re better and I finally fall for a guy, and you get in an accident. What am I doing that’s so wrong?”
She broke, all the past losses overwhelming her soul, and dropped her head on the edge of the hospital bed. Every damn time something good happened, every time she put herself first, something bad would happen to her family. She wouldn’t allow it anymore. No more taking for herself.
