I’m straightening Dad and Carolynda’s hotel room when he calls to let us know she’s getting discharged. He sounds relieved, like he wasn’t expecting the outcome to be a happy one.
It doesn’t take long to finish the room. I Lysol the place just in case, but it’s more about having something to keep me busy. I doubt Carolynda is contagious, and although Maisy has had a fever, we’ve all been in close quarters for the last three days. It’s too late to stop germs from spreading now. That ship has sailed.
I text the information to Vivian. Carolynda is better, but it means we’re spending another night in Durango. The schedule is well and truly fucked. But none of this could have been predicted.
Maybe if I’d had all the information ahead of time, I could have padded the schedule more. Why are they keeping everything a secret?
After I’m done, I return to our room. Vivian and Maisy are once again in the chair. She’s curled in his lap with her head resting against his as he whispers words to her. Words I can’t hear. I sit on the ottoman, careful not to jostle them. Maisy’s eyes are shut, her cheeks still red. But her hair is damp, and I hope that means her fever is breaking.
I sweep her bangs away from her forehead and my knuckles brush against Vivian’s cheek. Instead of jerking away, he leans into my touch.
The first touch was accidental. The next one is not. I smooth my thumb over the bruise on his cheek. I hate that I couldn’t protect him.
Not that he wants my protection. His words from last night haunt me.Needing help makes me weak.
I barely know his father, but I hate him.
The dark curls on Vivian’s forehead are damp. From Maisy or the heat? I brush his hair back and cup his head in my hand. He makes a sound but doesn’t open his eyes. Vivian’s tough. Sharp like a knife. But right now, he looks sweet. Unguarded.
I kiss Maisy’s forehead, glad she’s feeling well enough to sleep. Then, feeling brave, I brush my lips gently over the bruise on Vivian’s cheek.
“You’re being inappropriate,” he says in a singsong voice. His eyes are still closed, but there’s a smile tucked into the corner of his mouth.
“Inappropriate? Because you’re my brother?” I swallow the memories of last night and my need to do so much more.
“Stepbrother,” he corrects, opening his eyes. So dark I could get lost in them. “Our sister is between us.”
I smile. He’s not wrong.
Vivian falls, and I’m too far away to catch him. His head hits the table?—
“Jonah.”
I shake my head. “I’m so sorry.”
“We’ve discussed this. I’m not a delicate flower that needs protecting.”
“No. You’re more beautiful—” I stop as his smile drops. How was I so wrong about him? Vivian’s the opposite of vain. He’s like a prickly rose that needs holding but will stab you if you getclose. “In here,” I say, tapping his temple. “And in here.” I place my hand on his chest. His heartbeat is strong, and it anchors me.
His smile returns, and this time, it’s mirrored in his eyes. “Nice save.”
I want to kiss him. Hold him. Appreciate him the way he deserves. Unconditionally. Unrestrained. But wanting more than Vivian can give will destroy everything. Instead, I give him a wry smile. “What are we going to do about our parents?”
