He grins like the little shit he is. “They were missing home. They wanted to attend the launch.”
“Missing home, my ass. What exactly did they say that led you to believe they were missing home so much that you should buy them two plane tickets for the next day to surprise me?”
Tommy shrugs. “Something about the sand being annoying. But it was all in the tone.”
I roll my eyes. “I’ve been trying to close the gap between us and you’re scheming to trap me with Mom and Dad. Classic.”
He huffs a laugh. “And just how have you been trying to do that?”
“I’ve been texting you,” I say, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.
And he looks at me like I’m out of my mind. “Is that what those texts were for?”
“Yes. What did you think they were?”
“A call for help!”
A bubble of laughter pulls our attention toward the kitchen, where Mom and Madison are baking.
Tommy’s thoughts follow mine. “They seem happy to see Madison.”
Just at the mention of her name, warmth seeps into my chest. She came here tonight to tell me something.Something important.I’m scared to let myself even imagine what that something could be.
“Yeah . . . they really do.”
And then he takes a needle to my balloon of joy. “It makes it easier for when she agrees to date me. Integration into the family will be smooth.”
My glare cuts to him. “Right. Well. Best of luck . . .” I say, still tasting her on my tongue and not knowing whether that makes me more or less angry that my brother is pursuing her.
I aim toward the kitchen again, where I hear Mom and Madison laughing, but am stopped again, this time by my dad coming down the stairs. “James! Meant to tell you, I stopped by the restaurant earlier. It looks good, son.”
“Thanks. It’s nice to see the old greenhouse in working condition again, isn’t it?”
“It is. It’s also good to see you two boys working as a team.” My dad is standing tall in front of us, arms crossed and shoulders looking as sturdy as ever. But I know that appearances can be misleading sometimes.
“Yeah, Jamesloooovesthat part. Just like helovedthe idea of starting this restaurant.”
My eyes cut to my brother as he pushes his hand through his fluffy blond hair. “Why are you being such a shit right now?”
“Because I want you to tell him.” His gaze squares with mine, and I see a new set to his shoulders I’ve never seen before. It’s antagonistic, but also something else. . . .
“Tell me what?” asks my dad, moving to lean casually against the doorframe, looking so strong I think his body could hold up this entire place on its own if needed. I hate that I know it’s not true.
“Nothing,” I say, aiming the word and ominous tone at Tommy.
He scoffs. “Lies, lies, lies.”
I take a step toward him. “Would youpleaseshut the hell up already?”
“You’re babying him,” Tommy says, glare cutting through me and all hints of amusement gone.
“Okay, boys,” my dad says, pushing off the wall. “Now I really need to know what’s going on.”
Tommy’s glare never wavers from me. “He is stronger than you give him credit for, and he wouldn’t want you to be shielding him out of fear for his health.”
I swear I’m going to knock Tommy’s teeth down his throat.“You better start running now so you get a head start.”
My dad steps almost between us, a hand pressing to my chest, holding me back. “James. What’s going on?”
