“But what about Brett?” Max looks towards me. “We can’t just give up on him.”
“Drop it, Max. He’s made it clear he doesn’t want to be part of us anymore. No amount of talking will change that. He wants to go,” Ash replies.
Bernie clears his throat, reading the low mood of the room. “It’s going to take some time to re-adjust, make decisions, and plan your future. I take it you want to stay together?”
“I know I do,” Ash says.
“Absolutely fucking yes.” Max nods.
“Without a doubt,” I confirm.
Bernie almost smiles with relief. “Then how about I find you boys a place to rent in the middle of nowhere? It could be a more productive setting.”
It’s a good thought, but before I voice my opinion and let him know time with my son is a priority, Ash has another idea. “What if everyone stays with us in Braebeach instead?” Ash turns to me. “With the kids. All of us.”
I smile briefly because I sense Calla’s surprise.
“Sorry, baby, I know we haven’t talked about it, but I guess?—”
She laughs. “It’s not a problem. The more the merrier.”
Ash winks her way, turning his wife to jelly. I love the way he still makes her blush after all this time.
“I’m in,” Max says.
“Awesome.” Ash grins.
Max is taking this hard, but I think he’s turning his hurt into Anger. Ash and I feel the same way. We’re fucking angry as hell, but we’re trying not to let it show. Ash’s plan is the perfect way to secure our bond so it’s stronger than ever.
“I guess you can cope with this lot hanging around your place.” Bernie smirks at Calla.
“There’s plenty of room, Bernie, which is a good job.” She smiles. “What about you, Tommy? Are you in?”
“My plan was always to go home. If you’re happy to have us stay with you, I think Oz would love that.”
Who knows, maybe Chelsea will miss our boy and want to visit. I won’t hold my breath, although I should let her know I’m taking Ozzie back to the UK. She’s bound to kick off just for the sake of it, but I’ll be ready for whatever shit she’s about to throw my way. Jesus, I’m so ready to get away from New York.
CHAPTER TWELVE
TOMMY
I’m gettingready to leave Ash’s place when Max pulls me aside. “Hey, Tom, are you in a hurry?”
“No, what’s up?”
“Can I catch a ride back with you? You could drop me home on the way if that’s okay. It’s just we need to talk privately.”
“Sure, whatever you want to do.”
My guess is Max just wants to talk things over. I understand. This whole thing is still fresh and it’s going to take some getting used to.
Max scratches his forehead.
“What’s going on, man? Are you okay?” I ask once we’re in the back of the car.
“Not really. I don’t know how to say this.”
“Jesus. Don’t tell me you’ve had a change of heart and want to leave the band too.”
