“I mean, I’m here for you, bro. Unlike some of our asshole siblings, I don’t hold anything that’s happened the last few years against you. You were figuring shit out. So if you ever want to talk, I’m here for you. I’m literally right next door.”
“Right.” I laughed slightly at my brother’s teasing tone.
“So maybe stop being a stranger—and an asshole—and open up a little. I miss having my partner in crime around.”
“I do miss sneaking cheese out of your fridge.”
“Maybe knock first now though.” Ryan quirked his eyebrows. “Just to make sure everyone’sdressed.”
I grinned even as my heart lurched in my chest. Don’t get me wrong, I was glad my brother had found his person—that all my brothers had found their persons—I was just…envious, I guess.
“I like your girl, Dylan.”
I jolted as Aunt Wendy patted my shoulder and forced me back into the present.
My smile felt plastic. “She’s not my girl. Just a friend.”
She tipped her head. “We’ll see about that.”
Whoa. Yeah, no. I really didn’t like the sound of that. “She’s nineteen, Aunt Wendy. And doesn’t have anyone to rely on. The last thing she needs is—”
“Is dinner almost ready, or should I get Wyatt a snack?” Austin butted in. “He’s getting hangry, and it won’t be pretty here in a minute.”
“Give him some bread then put the rest on the table.” She shoved the breadbasket into his chest. “And maybe next time, mind your manners and wait until we’re finished talking.” She waved a hand between herself and me.
“When it comes to my hungry kid, I’m not waiting for anyone.” Austin sneered. “Especially not this asshole.”
“When you’re in my house, you will damn well remember your manners and act accordingly. If you can’t, you’re welcome to leave.” Aunt Wendy stared Austin down for a beat. “Now apologize to your brother, and then feed your kid.”
Austin was caught in her thrall for a moment, totally abashed, before he stepped back and shook his head. He mumbled a quick, “sorry” then all but ran away with his tail between his legs.
“And you need to sort that out.” Aunt Wendy turned her stare to me. “Actions have consequences, and you’re reaping what you’ve sown. It’s on you to fix your relationships with your family. Avoiding it won’t do shit.”
I nodded quickly. “Yes, ma’am.”
She grunted in reply then headed for the stove to finish off dinner preparations.
I knew better than to follow her.
“Damn, son. Dinner and a show.” Ryan chuckled under his breath. “Love seeing Austin get his ass handed to him.”
“And me too, no doubt.” I hung my head, too ashamed to look my brother in the eyes. I shook my head, totally disgusted with myself, and took another pull from my beer. The way it was going Indy would be the one driving us home tonight.
I had to get my shit together.
“Nah, we’re good.”
“Wait, what?” I blinked and jerked my head up to stare at Ryan in confusion. “Seriously?”
“I mean I wouldn’t turn down an apology—”
“I’m so fucking sorry, bro. I did shit that was stupid, irresponsible, downright asinine and I know there’s—”
“Whoa.” Ryan raised his palms. “Calm your tits. A simple sorry will do it.” He paused and patted me on the shoulder. “I get why you did what you did. I grew up in the same house, remember?”
I nodded tightly.
“I get wanting a dad—a real dad. He clearly snowed you. And then before you knew it you were neck deep in his bullshit without a shovel to dig yourself out.”
