Thirty-Five
Norah,Rebel,andBrandonare playing a game at the coffee table. We just had lunch and now we’re entertaining ourselves with this. Goosebumps have me abandoning the game. I want nothing more than to go outside, out of the apartment, to see the sky.
“I’m going outside for a bit, is that okay?” I search for Rebel’s eyes and she nods to me. Norah also hums something that sounds like approval.
I quickly turn and flee out the front door onto the walkway. As sunlight touches my face, a wave of warmth washes over me, instantly lifting my spirits and easing my anxiety. A few steps down, I sit heavily on one of the steps. I lift my face and close my eyes, enjoying the sun and the fresh air. I’ve been locked up forthree days. Just three days. God knows how long Norah’s been there, how long Bel’s been there… and I can barely stand being inside.
I grab my phone and send Kyler a message to let him know I’m going to see my parents. Then I rise from the stairs and saunter to the cemetery, breathing in the warm, dry air.
At the grave, I keep myself busy cleaning the stones and tidying up the grass. It keeps my mindandmy hands occupied.
I kind of lose track of time as I think about all kinds of things. Eventually, I walk back to the clubhouse with a purpose.
“Who are you looking for?” Colt asks, standing at the bar, hands shoved in his jeans pockets.
“Brooks and Kyler,” I mumble and hop to my other leg.
“They’re inside. Go on.” The left corner of his mouth curls up slightly in what’s probably meant to be a grin.
My eyebrows shoot up. “Women aren’t allowed…” I pause, my thoughts turning to Brooks’s words;not everything’s the way it used to be. I glance questioningly at Colt. “Can I… really?” I point to myself and then at the door.
“Sure.” He winks at me and walks over to his motorcycle.
I step forward cautiously. An uncomfortable feeling settles in my stomach. Reaching the doorway, I glance inside.
It looks pretty cozy in there.
I take another small step forward, so that I’m just inside the door. Chesterfield couches sit along the walls, each with a small black coffee table. There are also two square tables surrounded by wooden chairs. It’s basically just a bar, but cozy in a manlyway. In the back, the double solid wood doors with carved designs are open.
Brooks and Kyler are sitting on one of the couches, leaning over a table. I stand rooted to the spot, because I don’t want to disturb them. Also, I’m too afraid to go any farther; this place feels off-limits to me.
Fortunately, it doesn’t take long before Kyler looks up. “Layne?”
I immediately retreat, standing outside once again. “Colt said I could come in, but…”
“Come on in, it’s no problem.”
When I step back inside, I almost bump into him. “Um, I want to discuss something with you guys.” My voice trembles, and I hope he doesn’t hear it.
Kyler tilts his head and nods. “Brooks, Layne’s here.”
“Hey, Laylay.” He sounds tired, and when he rubs his face, he looks it too.
“Can we sit down?” I look at them both.
Both men nod, and Kyler walks back to Brooks. There are two chairs across from the couch, and I take one of them.
“Okay, I’ve got an idea.”Great opening line, Layne.
Kyler raises his eyebrows. “An idea? Regarding…?”
“Well, I thought it might be helpful to have someone come over to Brooks’ place to help with Brandon?” I cautiously glance at Brooks. “You’re busy with your work for the club and all. I kind of assumed Jen was taking care of him the most. Maybe I’m overstepping, and you should tell me if I am, but if what I’m saying is true, then I might have a solution.”
Brooks closes his eyes briefly, and I instantly feel a rush of heat.
“Okay, I’ve clearly crossed the line.” I hold up my hands defensively and slide my chair back to get up.
“Sit down, Layne,” Brooks says softly. “You’re right, but that doesn’t mean I want to talk about it.”
