She peered around her room, walking toward her bed. It was just as she’d left it. She slowly sat down and closed her eyes, allowing the calm to wash over her. This was what she needed. It didn’t last long of course. She heard the gentle knock on the door. Roxanne should’ve known she wouldn’t be left alone long. Bogs poked his head through the crack in the door.
She sighed. “I’ll apologize.”
Bogs pushed the door open, snickering. “Of course, you will. You’re the nice Garrison.”
She snorted, and her cheeks heated with embarrassment for the way she spoke to Kenzie. She’d done nothing to deserve it.
“Yeah, really nice.” She shook her head. “I’m an asshole.”
He scoffed. “We’re all assholes. You just hide it better than the rest of us. Under normal conditions.”
Leave it to Bogs to make her laugh when she was at her lowest. He always had that gift, even when they were kids. He’d piss her off, but she couldn’t stay mad for too long. He always found a way to make her smile. But it didn’t change the remorse she felt for going at Kenzie the way she did.
“I’m sorry.”
“I know you are, and while I suggest you formally apologize to her,” he chuckled, “Kenzie knows you’re upset. She gets it. Lucky for me, I found a very forgiving woman.”
“I would think that had to be a prerequisite for the woman you settled down with.”
He laughed and moved closer to stand next to the bed. “This is the Rox I love. More snark, fewer tears.”
Her shoulders slumped as the mattress curved when Bogs took a seat next to her. Her eyes welled, and she sucked in a breath. She wouldnotcry. His hand rested on her back, rolling over her shoulder and tugging her into his side. It wasn’t oftenshe found herself being consoled by Bogs. In fact, she couldn’t remember the last time. Part of her was waiting for him to tease her. But he didn’t. He’d never kick her when she was down. And right now, she was pretty low.
His fingers trailed over her arm, and she dropped her head onto his shoulder.
“He ended things?”
She nodded, unable to speak.
Bogs’ hand stilled on her arm. “When?”
“A week ago.” She sniffled and straightened, reaching over to the small nightstand for a tissue. She dabbed under her eyes trying to salvage her mascara along with her dignity. “He said there was no place for me in his life. It was bullshit.”
“Yeah,” Bogs muttered under his breath.
“Want me to beat the shit outta him?”
Roxanne snorted. “Can you? He’s pretty big.”
Bogs sighed. “Probably not, but I’ll give it a try, Rox.”
“I can take him.”
She gazed at T, leaning up against the doorframe, scowling as usual. But beyond his harsh glare, there was something else. Pity maybe? Or just feeling for his little sister, whose heart was broken.
“I’m having flashbacks to sophomore year when you all ganged up on Cooper More because he told everyone he nailed me after Homecoming.”
T snorted. “That pussy nearly pissed himself when we cornered him.”
Bogs laughed and grasped her arm, holding her tighter. “Oh man, I remember that. See, Rox, we did it once, so we can do it again.”
She nodded, trying to hold on to the humor. It was the only thing saving her from a complete breakdown.
“Hey Bogs, man, go check on the steaks.”
She glanced over at T, who’d pushed off the doorway and strolled into her room, taking a seat in the chair across from where she sat on her bed. Bogs gave her a tight squeeze and did something he hadn’t done in forever. He kissed the side of her head. She wrapped her arms around his waist and smiled through her glassy eyes.
“You’re awesome when you’re not being a dick.”
