“But you’re part of our family.”
“Yep.I am.That’s just not something I’m going to do with you guys because I’ve been busy doing all the things for everyone for too many years.Therapy is not the be-all and end-all.I’d like to be clear about that.But what might help Blake is you just holding Blake accountable.If you had another tenant above the garage, you wouldn’t be cool with them showing up drunk and not paying rent.That would not be okay.So why should it be okay with your own son?”
My brother was bright, and that was the only thing that got him through college.And, shockingly, law school.He had blown out of his internship because he got drunk.In a way, his intelligence hadn’t helped him.Now, he couldn’t even hold a job.He was swimming in a river of shame.“Blake is going to have to claw his way out of this, Mom.Somehow.”
I almost cried right then.I was just so fucking tired of being the mostadultadult in my family.
I reached over, catching my mom’s hand and squeezing it.“It’s okay, Mom.Okay?I’m here.How are you?”
She brightened.“So, are you seeing anyone?”
Good grief, leave it to my mom to take this there.“No, Mom.I’m not dating anyone.”
Of course, the second she asked, my thoughts spun to Jude.
There was no way that could ever work.Right?
ChapterEight
Jude
“What do you think?”Tommy asked, standing by the table.
“It’s amazing,” I said, still chewing.
My mom threw me a look.“Manners, please.”
I swallowed and took a sip of water.All the while, my brothers chuckled, and Tommy’s smile stretched even wider.My nephew had decided he was going to learn to cook, and damn if he wasn’t skilled.I gestured toward him, sliding a look at my mom.
“I know, I shouldn’t have been talking with my mouth full, but it’s amazing.Tommy, you’ve got some serious skills.”
He even blushed a little.Elsa, my now sister-in-law, walked in at that moment, stopping beside Tommy to ruffle his hair.
“What do we have tonight?”she asked.
“Gourmet macaroni and cheese, plus a separate dish of sautéed caribou and onions,” my mom chimed in.
“I love your courage to try new things.”Elsa smiled down at Tommy.
“Well, you can’t go wrong with mac and cheese,” Tommy said with a somber nod.
“Oh, most definitely not.”Elsa’s blond ponytail swung as she sat down beside Haven.We were all still adjusting to how completely smitten Haven was with her.
He smiled at her, oblivious to the rest of us, as he leaned over to kiss her.Elsa’s cheeks turned pink, just before her stomach growled.Tommy glanced over at his dad as he sat down across from him.“Dad, she’s starving.You need to let her eat.”He caught my eye.“This was why I wasn’t sure I wanted to move over there.”
Asher almost choked on his water beside me.
“Why’s that?”Cole asked, all innocence.
“The PDA.”Tommy looked exasperated as he threw his hands up in the air.“Elsa, I’m really glad you make my dad happier and less cranky, but ugh, gross.”
Haven grinned, unabashed.“Dinner’s awesome.Anyway, how was school today?”
“Good.My grades are fine.That’s all that matters, right?”Tommy returned.
“Gradesandbehavior,” I replied.
My mom caught my eye, a twinkle in hers.“Really, Jude?”
