They always say once you start listening to your parents, it’s too late. I’m not saying all of them deserve that respect, but my mom absolutely did. Had I listened to her sooner, maybe she’d still be here.
I runmy fingers through my hair, tugging at the roots and yanking it out of its bun.
“Bullshit…” I whisper. It’s so soft, I know no one can hear it over those still shuffling their feet.
They don’t come to ask me to get up so they can take the last of the chairs. I’m left here, alone with my thoughts—a place that’s dangerous even on a good day. Though, I’ll admit, they aren’t leading me to a dark place, one that leads down highway 17 to where my parents’ accident was. Nor do they lead me back to my own selfish act, and self-loathing.
No, I’m tugged to thoughts of Ayden.
Not my stepsister, but my stepbrother.
I’m not even sure why I start asking myself where he is. I haven’t seen him in nearly eight years. He wouldn’t even come to Christmas—what makes me think he’d show up for a funeral? He obviously cared more about something else.
Something moreimportantthan his family…
I don’t want to be included in that. We aren’t family anymore…
Even if that thought stings.
Throwing myself back against the seat, I slump. My arms rest at my sides while I ball my hands into fists and release them. I’m bitter, and IknowI shouldn’t direct it at anyone but myself.
I should cancel my transfer, see if I can’t get back with my original house in Phoenix. Being here may make me spiral, and I fear it will be too much—not just living in the space my mom spent her days in, but the constant reminder of how I’ve fucked up so many times.
I’m not sure anything can keep me from that ledge again.
Ayden…
4
“Wait, seriously?!”
Honestly, I’m just as surprised as she is, but the last thing I’m going to do is raise my voice to ourlawyer.The man in front of us is handsome, sitting tall behind his desk, his blond hair neatly managed, and bright blue eyes watching us.
“Yes, Ms. Pierce. The home in Boulder will go to you, and Wildhart Hollow will be given to your brothers. Speaking of…” Travis shifts away from the two of us before flipping one of the papers. “Where is Keoni?”
The mention of his name has my heart doing stupid jumping jacks.
Looking at my sister, she shrugs her shoulders. “I’m not sure. He must’ve recently got a new number because I tried to call him but it was out of service.” She turns to look at me, a wink accompanying her smile. “I send him stupid memes from time to time.”
“Do you get them back?”
The hurt that crosses her eyes has me releasing a chuckle. She jerks away from me to address the lawyer. “He’s our stepbrother. That was another question I had…”Oh, Alysa.“Is he still that? Our stepbrother?”
He hums, and I roll my eyes. I can’t believe she would even go there.
“Technically, since your father and Keoni’s mother have both passed, you guys aren’t legally step-siblings anymore.”
I clear my throat. “Need I remind you of Joshua, lefty?”
A literalhuffescapes her. “I’m just asking, jerk. He’ll always be my stepbrother.” She gives Travis her biggest smile. “I’m happily in a relationship. I’d never pine over him, I swear.”
Little liar.
That has the lawyer chuckling. “No judgement.” He clears his throat. “Everything else was split three ways between their children. The estate has to go through probate, and if it’s straightforward, which it seems to be, it shouldn’t take more than six to nine months. Only longer if there’s any hold up. Are you local?”
Both Alysa and I groan. “I’m only here for a few more days. I live in London.”
“Lucky girl,” he says before looking at me.
