While Phoenix washed up, a hospital worker brought a covered breakfast tray and set it on his table.
Phoenix returned and groaned at the sight. “You don’t need to kill me. That stuff will.”
“Want me to run to Two Boots?”
“Naw, just eat half. Make it look like I’m doing my part.”
Caleb lifted the tray cover and placed it on the brown melamine side table. “You gotta eat.” He tried to upend his scowl in encouragement. It felt as if his face might crack from the effort. “You know Mom’s gonna check.” He lowered the tray table to chair height and stuck the spoon into the gray oatmeal.
Phoenix scooped a bite and made a face.
Caleb fought the urge to smooth the cowlick sticking out in the back of his brother’s hair. “Hey, didn’t Orchid come home this weekend?”
His brother swallowed. “Yeah.”
“Is she coming by soon?”
Phoenix shook his head, and bit open a hard-boiled egg. The green-tinged yolk rolled desolately to the curved edge of the plastic plate. “She’s not coming by.”
“Why the fuck not?”
Phoenix pushed his tray away.“This is too much for her.She’s not in my life anymore. I really can’t talk about it.” His voice cracked.
Caleb exploded into a standing position, feet wide apart, as if prepared to fight. “What?” he shouted. “Too much forher? That selfish bitch.” He slammed a fist onto the table, making the tray jump and silverware rattle.
Phoenix doubled over, holding his side as if in pain. “It’s not her fault, it’s mine, but can we not talk about this?”
Caleb had held out hope that Orchid could pull Phoenix out of his funk. He pictured the punked-out beauty and felt bitterness rise into his mouth at the thought of her callousness. Caleb took a step towards his brother, intending to comfort him.
Phoenix rocked forward. “Fuckin’ leave me alone,” he pleaded.
Caleb left the room. The door shut to the crashing sound of a tray and dishes hitting the floor.
CHAPTER 22
CALL IT A DAY
Caleb
“Sascha?”
“Caleb?” Sascha asked, her voice full of sleep.
“You up?”
“It’s two in the morning. Whadya think?”
“Sorry.”
Sascha clicked a switch, probably a light. “It’s all right. What’s the matter?”
“I can’t sleep.”
“Normal people take a pill, not call their ex.”
“You’re funny even in the dead of night. I should let you go.”
“Nah. I’m up now. How’s your brother?”
