Vance's expression didn't change. "You did your homework."
"My brother was living with a stranger. Of course I did my homework."
"He has a habit of not asking for help," Tristan said. "Of handling everything alone. Don't let him."
"Working on it."
"Good." Tristan turned to me, pulling me into one last hug. "Call me this week. Not when you're ready. This week. I want to know how you're doing."
"I will."
"And think about Mom and Dad. They're scared, not angry. When you're ready to face them, let me help."
"I will. I promise."
He held me for another moment, then let go, nodded at Vance, and walked to his car.
We watched Tristan's car disappear down the highway.
Vance's arm was around me, solid and warm. I leaned into him.
"You okay?" he asked.
"Yeah." I turned to face him. "He knew where I was this whole time. He was protecting me while I thought I was hiding."
"That's a good brother."
"The best." I shook my head. "I should have trusted him. I should have called him instead of just running."
"You did what you had to do."
"Maybe. But I hurt people. Him, my parents, Elizabeth." I took a breath. "He's right. I can't keep handling everything alone."
Vance pulled me closer. "You're not alone anymore."
"I know." I looked up at him. "That's the part I'm still getting used to."
He kissed my forehead. "Take your time."
We stood there for a moment, watching the empty road.
"Let's go home," I said.
"Let's go home."
Chapter 16
Vance
It started with a phone call on my day off.
Tobias was at the counter reading one of his thrift store paperbacks while I made lunch. We had fallen into a rhythm—him reading, me cooking, both of us existing in the same space without needing to fill every silence with words.
My phone buzzed. Cedric.
"What?" I answered.
"Nice greeting. Very warm." Cedric's voice was cheerful. "Quick question—did you file the incident report for the loading dock issue last week? Ronan can't find it."
