I narrow my eyes. "Excuse me?"
"Eat," he repeats, like I’m a toddler refusing vegetables. "I’ll keep you company."
I let out an exaggerated groan before dropping back into my seat, knowing full well he’s not going anywhere until I do. "Oh, joy."
Brooks just smirks, popping the orange slice into his mouth like he’s won some kind of battle. I’m just not sure what battle that is.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Hook, Line, Disaster
It’s Friday.
I need a break.
From everything.From everyone.
So I stay in bed, listening. Waiting.
Only when I’m sure Mom has cleared out of the kitchen and Jasper—along with his ever-present sidekick, Brooks—has left the premises do I finally peel back the covers. I didn’t think coming back here would be this exhausting.
Five days of hospital visits.
Five days of trying to rebuild something with Jasper.
Five days of tiptoeing around Mom, terrified of setting her off.
And five days of Brooks being everywhereI turn.
I need space. Breathing room.
Just one day where no one asks me how I’m feeling.
Or worse—assumes they already know.
My feet drag down the hallway as I run a tired hand over my face, willing the exhaustion to leave my body. It doesn’t.
I grab a mug from the cabinet above the microwave and shuffle to the coffee pot. It’s still on, so I pour myself a generous amount and take a slow sip, letting the warmth settle in my chest.
Then, I turn.
And nearly choke.
Brooks is standing by the fridge, arms crossed, a smug smirk plastered on his stupid, stupid face.
"Elowen," he drawls, like he’s been waiting for me.
I grip the mug tighter, willing myself not to throw it at his head. Violence is frowned upon, after all. Deep breaths.
"Why?" I ask flatly.
He blinks. "Why what?"
I exhale sharply. "Why are you always here, Brooks? Go. Home."
Ignoring me entirely, he announces, "We’re going fishing today."
I let out a humorless laugh. "Oh, no. We are not doing anything." I gesture between us with my mug. "I’m taking a long, hot shower, watching TV show reruns, and doing absolutely nothing until this evening when I go back to the hospital to sit with my dad."
