I nip at his ear. "You're going to spoil me if you have dinner waiting for me."
"That's kind of the point," he says with a laugh. "You spoil me and Nate. It's only fair we have our turn. We're capable of taking care of you too."
The ever-present weight that sits heavily on my shoulders lifts. I've been so busy trying to be the one who took care of them that I think I forgot that they can take care of me too.
Footsteps make the trailer rattle as our brother finds us.
"You making me eggs too?" Nate asks sleepily, hugging me from behind.
"I guess," Andy teases. But I know he will because Nate having an appetite is something to celebrate. This is the first time he's been so...light and happy.
After Andy finishes the eggs, the three of us hang out for as long as we can before I have to head in to work. A gutting sense of loss cuts into me as I start for the door. Like I'm being torn from them. It hurts. Based on the way they hang onto me by the door, I'd say they feel the same way.
Finally, I kiss them each on the lips before I force myself out the front door.
Fuck, this is hard.
Work is long and stressful.My mind isn't on a million other things. Just two. Andy and Nate. I keep replaying each kiss, each lick, each stroke, each hug. I'm dying for more—practically salivating for it. All I care about is getting back home to them.
It's times like these I wish we had phones so I could check in.
One day.
One day I'll give them phones and a television and endless amounts of ice cream. I'll give them whatever they want and need.
I'm damn near grinning when Bert pops me with a greasy rag.
"Break time, kid. You have a visitor."
My heart gallops in my chest. Is it Andy? The guys here at the shop are amused that I'm one of three triplets. If they knew what I did with my brothers, I doubt they'd be so amused. Andy said he'd go by the store, which is near the shop. It makes me wonder if Nate tagged along or if he's sprawled out in our bed studying. I'm all smiles as I drop the socket wrench on the bench with a loud clank and saunter through the garage toward the main office.
The smile is torn from my face when I see who's waiting for me.
Dad.
Disgust and hatred ripple through me like a violent wind. I wish for the socket wrench to throw at his huge head. He's just like I remember—massive, protruding gut, hateful eyes. A monster who hurt his children in different, but still sadistic ways.
"How did you find me?" I hiss, fisting my hands, ready to pummel him if I need to.
"Just you?" He laughs, harsh and cruel. "I know wherever you are, your prissy brothers are nearby."
I clench my jaw, not biting. "Leave."
"Ain't no way to talk to your old man, Dexter."
It's only been four months, but I've bulked up since we left. Andy and Nate could never take him, though I'm pretty confident I could whip his ass if need be. He must sense the violence thrumming through me because his eyes narrow as he sizes me up. I crack my neck and the bones pop in an intimidating way.
"Tell Nathan that Daddy misses him."
Bert steps into the office, clutching the back of my neck. "Is there a problem, kid?"
I'm sure he can feel the tension in my muscles because he gives me a supportive squeeze.
"He was just leaving," I grit out. "Right?"
Dad glowers at me. "You boys need to get your asses home. This has gone on long enough."
"Last I checked," Bert says, quickly picking up the hostility coming from my father, "they're eighteen. That means you need to go. You're not welcome here. Show up here again and I'll call the police."
