"He wasn't going to pull the trigger. He was just trying to scare you."
"You really think that?"
I pause. "Honestly? I don't know."
"I didn't even do anything. He was pissed because he thought he couldn't play football. It had nothing to do with me."
"He has a bad temper. He lost control."
"And almost shot me." He blows out a breath. "I'm starting to think he—" He rubs his hand through his hair, his other hand jerking the steering wheel so hard we almost hit the curb.
"You're starting to think hewhat?"
"Nothing. Just forget it."
"You think he might've hurt Andrea." I purposely say hurt because I know if I say kill, he'll either shut down or defend Braden.
"Fuck," he says with a sigh. "Maybe. I didn't think he could do it, even if he was pissed at her, but then he puts a gun on me, his own brother, and...I don't know."
"Did you say anything to provoke him that night? To make him angry?"
"No. I was trying to calm him down. So was Dad. But neither of us could. It was too late."
"What do you mean it was too late?"
"He changed. I don't know how to describe it. I just knew something was wrong. It wasn't him. That wasn't my brother."
"Has he acted like that before?"
"Not that I can remember. I've never seen him like that."
"I have. Last Friday when he found out I was dating Jackson."
"What'd he do?"
"He turned off all the lights and waited for me in the dark. I heard him say I'm dead and then he got up and got really close to me, looking all crazy. There was enough light coming through the windows that I could see his face. It's like you described. He looked different. It scared me so I grabbed something off the bookshelf to throw at him if he came after me."
"And then what happened?"
"Your dad walked in. He stopped Braden before he could do anything."
"Why didn't you tell me this?"
"I thought your dad would've told you."
"He doesn't tell me that shit. He always protects Braden."
"So do you. That's why I didn't tell you. I knew you'd take Braden's side."
We're at school now and Trystan parks and takes off without even saying goodbye. I get out of the car and follow a group of cheerleaders to the door. As I'm about to go in, someone grabs my arm, yanking me back.
"What the hell?" I look back and see Peyton.
She smiles. "Hey, bestie."
Chapter Fifteen
Istare at her. "Are you on meds?"
