Until now.
“I’ve watched you go through the motions with the wrong guys our whole lives. Believe it or not, I was hopeful when you moved in with Zach, even if I never fucking liked him. The degenerate gambling thing took me by surprise, though.”
“Same,” I said as a sad chuckle slipped out. “That was my fault for not paying attention. I was too busy to notice what he was doing. Trust me, a punch in the face was lucky, compared to what could have happened to me.” I raised an eyebrow. “But you already know all that, right?”
“The gambling, the loan sharks, the stealing, the theft charges. Yeah, I do. Mom said you had to go to the hospitalalone that day. That bothers me the most,” Gary said, his jaw tight.
“Bothered Lee too. But again, I’m the one who stayed with him so long because it was easier than moving.”
“Easier,” he huffed. “Because you lived out of hotels for the most part anyway, right?”
“You’re always on the road too, so don’t give me that look.” I swung my legs over the side of the bed and sat next to Gary, pissed at him all over again.
“I admit I joined the army because I didn’t want to stay home. The more we stayed in that house, without him in it…”
“I know,” I whispered when he trailed off.
“I still have all his travel books. I guess I wanted to see the things he didn’t, travel the world, like he always talked about. But I was present when I did it. I don’t think you ever were. You just wanted to keep moving.”
“I’m aware. That’s why I came home, and whatever I do next won’t be a crazy life on the road. But I don’t understand what your point is.”
“My point is, baby sister?—”
“I’m a year younger than you. Stop calling me baby sister,” I scoffed.
“Little sister, then.” The corner of his mouth tipped up when he grabbed my shoulders. “Yes, I know Lee would never hurt you on purpose. But I’m worried about you here in his house, taking care of his kid, in his shower.”
I laughed at my brother’s tortured face, scrunched up in disgust.
“And I’m not saying this because I don’t think you’re an adult or I don’t think that you’re strong. But he’s a weakness for you.”
“He is,” I admitted. “I’m—we’restill figuring this out. It’s new. And when I say new, I mean last night.”
“It sounded like a busy night.” He arched a brow.
“It’s been brewing for a while. I tried to ignore it because, like you said, Lee is a weakness. But…” I held my brother’s worried gaze. “But I can’t walk away, Gary. This is Lee.” I lifted a shoulder. “If I end up hurt, I’ll deal with it. And then I’ll know that it’s not meant to be and move on.”
I gave my brother the biggest smile I could muster, but Gary still watched me as if I were about to crumble.
“I would regret it for the rest of my life if I ran away because I was scared. I’ve been doing that for a long time. And I’m tired, big brother. Really, really tired.”
“Hey,” he crooned, pulling me into his arms. “I know you are, sis. I get it. And whatever happens, if you need me, I’ll finally be close enough to run here.”
I let out a watery laugh when he pushed me back.
“I can’t remember the last time we lived this close to each other.”
“I’m not sure either.” Gary chuckled. “Traveling the world is fun, but I wanted to come home. For as long as they let me. I asked for the Northeast without expecting to get it and got lucky.”
“We all did,” I said. “I almost cried when you said you were moving back too.”
“Speaking of Mom, she sent me up here to apologize to you for upsetting you while you had a head injury.” He twisted his lips. “Did we make your head hurt?”
“No. I mean, it’s a little sore, but I’m fine. I said I wanted to lie down to get out of answering any questions. Mom warned me before I moved in that the lines would get blurred.” I held up my fingers in air quotes.
“And now that there are no lines, you didn’t wantto hear an I told you so. I get it.” He bobbed his head in a slow nod. “But you’re sure you’re okay?”
“Yes. Lee is being overly cautious and not letting me read or have caffeine or do anything fun.”
