Ren’s eyes flicked to mine, something in them softening, just enough to know I’d broken him out of his red haze.Liam let go and stepped back.He headed for the door.
‘I’m making the call tomorrow,’ he said, his voice raw.
And then, just before he shut the door, he turned to me.
‘Look after him, will you, Lyds?’ he murmured, so low I barely caught it, but I nodded just the same.
I stepped closer to Ren, inspecting him for any marks Liam might have left.Ren’s face softened as he finally looked at me, and it was almost painful to see the raw emotion he showed me – only me.He was gutted.Well and truly defeated.
He sighed and opened his arms.‘C’m’ere.’
I stepped into his open arms and felt him exhale, almost in relief.
‘I’m sorry you had to see that.’
‘I’m sorry I’m late.’
He pulled back, shooting me a dark look.‘Better late than never, right?And at least you didn’t miss the main event.’
His tone was bitter, and my heart sank.It had always been like this between Liam and Ren – this push and pull of their personalities that were so at odds.If Ren’s face hadn’t looked so weary, I would have almost been smug about being an only child.
So instead, I settled on something familiar – teasing him.
I jabbed his ribs.‘What the hell are you playing at, Lawrence?This house is Mum’s first rave, I swear.And I swear I saw Dad passing around something that looked suspiciously like a bong.’
Ren took a step back, rubbing his face.I was expecting the usual sly smile, but all I got was a dejected sigh.
‘Lydia… I’m really sorry.It just… got out of hand.’
I softened, a smile teasing the edge of my mouth.‘I’m pulling your leg.It’s fine.But I don’t even know half the people here.’ I glanced around at the crowds in the kitchen.‘This doesn’t look like your usual crowd.’
Ren huffed, ‘Well, that’s funny ’cos apparently I’ve met my brother’s expectations perfectly.’
‘Ren.’
‘I invited Isaac and Imogen.’
I winced.‘You said they were wild.’
‘They told everyone they knew.Before I knew it, another fifteen, twenty people had appeared.People I barely know.We’re just lucky it’s a Friday and a lot of people are working.On a Sunday we’d have been overrun.’
‘What are we doing out here?Come on.’ I grabbed his hand, leading him back inside.‘Let’s kick some people out.’
It took 20 minutes, turning on the ‘big light’ and unplugging the DJ for everyone to leave.Another 15 to clear the mess and get the house back in order.Mostly.Ren apologised to Mum more times than I could count.Then Mum and Dad giggled their way down the garden to smoke some pot that Isaac and Imogen had brought with them.
I clapped.‘Much better.’
I placed the last glass on the tea towel to dry, turning to Ren, who had a broom in his hand.He gave me a tight, sad smile.The house might have looked in better form, but Ren was still miserable.
‘Not all doom and gloom, grumpy.’ I walked over to him, poking his cheek.
Come on, smile for me.
‘Only because of you.’ He ran a hand through his hair.‘I don’t know what I’d do without you sometimes.’
I shrugged.‘Get arrested.Again.’
He rolled his eyes.‘It wasonce.’
