“It’s the next step in the evolution of cell phones.”
“The features are awesome. I can’t wait to get one.”
“How much do you have saved?”
“Two hundred so far.”
“You have a long way to go.”
“I’m picking up more hours at work.” He polishes off the juice and tosses the carton into the garbage can. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Be my guest.”
“Are you the reason my father came home yesterday ready to blow a gasket?”
“The one and only.”
“I’ve never seen him that pissed.”
“He’ll get over it.” I sip my coffee.
“Are you and my sister—”
“Patrick, what are you doing here?” Pepper scurries towards us, tying her robe.
“What the hell happened? Dad ranted and raved practically all night but wouldn’t tell me anything.”
“Dom, I need to talk to my brother, privately.”
“I’ll be in the shower,” I say.
“There’s a spare toothbrush, washcloth, and towel in the linen closet,” she says.
I nod and amble down the hall.
Having a conversation with Patrick concerning my sex life will be a challenging endeavor. We settle on the sofa, but neither of us speaks. He picks invisible lint off his shirt, and I inspect my fingernails.
“Dad said I can never see or talk to you again,” he says, ending the awkward silence.
“Is this goodbye?” I ask somberly.
Losing my brother would be a devastating blow for me.
“Hell no,” he says, giving me a one-arm hug. “Screw him.”
“He’ll disown you too,” I say, laying my head on his shoulder.
“Doesn’t matter.”
“Yes, it does. I won’t be responsible for causing a rift between you and our father.”
“I’m not enlisting in the military, remember? He’ll disown me sooner or later anyway.”
“I guess you’re right, but let him believe you’re obeying his orders for now at least. There’s been enough drama.”
“Fine.” He regards me thoughtfully. “So, you’re slapping uglies with your boss.”
My cheeks heat. “He’s not my boss.”
