Leah turns back to me and waits for me to begin.
“Uhm,” I stammer. I had a hell of a long car ride. You’d think I would have rehearsed my pitch.
Nope.
That would have been too logical for me.
“I’m moving home to Lilly Leaf Falls.”
Before I can go any further, Dylan jumps in, “And you need a place to stay?”
“Well, yes, but—“
“What is wrong with staying with Mom and Dad?” He questions.
“Wouldyouwant to stay with Mom and Dad?” I counter. Before he can answer, I keep going. “Look, I know it’s a huge imposition. You’ve got a toddler and a baby, but I could help out. I could babysit whenever you needed. I’m going to get a job, so I can pay rent and help out with things around here. Please don’t make me stay with Mom and Dad. you’re the only one with an extra bedroom.”
That’s the excuse I give, but really, there’s way more to it than that.
When I was growing up, Dylan and Ronnie were the closest to me in age. Seven years is still a pretty decent gap, and back then, Ronnie was always off doing her own thing while Dyl would let me hang out with him and his friends. That’s probably why I turned out way more tomboy than anything else. Because of that, my brother has always been a huge fixture in my life.
I wait for him to say something—anything. But he takes his sweet time.
Instead, Leah speaks. “I think it’s a great idea.”
“What?” Dylan and I ask in unison.
“Dyl, we have a toddler with more attitude than a freaking teenager and a five-month-old. You’ve been doing more hours at the auto shop, and I’d like to be able to take on more tattoo clients. It would be nice to have a little extra help.”
My brother’s strong features suddenly look very concerned. “Leah, why didn’t you tell me? You know I would have done anything to make it better.”
“I know you would have. I didn’t say anything because it’s not that big of a deal. Life is good, but when help shows up, literally on our doorstep, I’m not going to deny it.”
I watch them talk through this for a couple minutes. The way they communicate is so healthy. I’ve never had any relationship anywhere close to that. Despite my parents and all of my siblings being in committed, healthy relationships, mine have always been more closely related to a dumpster fire.
Honestly, Mario was just the tip of the iceberg.
I’m not sure how I became the bad apple.
Yes, I am. I’m impulsive, always craving a good time, ADHD, and honestly, a little crazy.
Dylan pulls me from my thoughts when he brings his attention back to me.
“Okay, Jo, you can stay here…for now.”
“Thank you both,” I say with a smile.
“No parties. No random guys coming over. And no smoking in the house. I’m serious.” He points his finger at me.
I hold up my hand. “Scout’s honor.”
“Come on. I’ll show you to your room. You can crash tonight, and I’ll help you bring everything inside in the morning.”
I stand up to follow him, figuring he and Leah probably want some alone time.
As we walk down the hall, I ask, “Where are the girls?”
“Sleeping. It’s almost ten o’clock, Jo.”
