“Why wouldn’t you come to her?” he challenged. “Seriously, bruh. If the woman you love wants to be in Atlanta, why wouldn’t you move heaven and earth to be here with her?”
The truth of the matter was plain to see, and despite my attempts to hide it, even from myself, my brother had recognized it. I rubbed a hand over my face. “Fuck.”
“Instead of sitting here with me, yo’ ass needs to be planning your move. Bruh, you’re a damn relationship coach. You can do that shit anywhere. Hell, you can move to Alaska and help women get fucked.”
I snickered. “You never stop talking, do you?
“Not when I see you fucking up.”
“Maybe you should pay more attention to your own shit.”
“Trust me, I could never run away from my own shit. But this isn’t about me. I’m talking about you. You’ve loved this girl since she had braces and messy-ass braids. And you’ve spent the last few hours maintaining this stance that Charlye isn’t ready. Thatshe’sscared, thatshe’llrun.”
I hadn’t realized that I’d said that much to my brother since I’d barged in on him trying to get rid of his date that afternoon. “Because it’s true.”
“Bull shit. You should know that every woman is not the same. What works for one doesn’t necessarily work for others. Some women need time to process a breakup or a death. But some women know what the hell they want. You act like you and Charlye don’t know each other.”
“Maybe we don’t.” My response sounded weak to my own ears, so I knew my brother would see right through it.
“Bull shit,” he repeated. “Years have passed. You’ve both experienced things that have shaped who you are today. But you’re still the same people you were that summer after we graduated. You loved her, and she loved you. The only difference was she was scared then. She’s not scared now, Dex. She’s been making all the moves. She askedyouto help her. She askedyouif you wanted to explore more. She askedyouto take things slow with her. She toldyouthat she could make her own decisions.”
I set my beer down on the table. It was my fifth or sixth since we’d been there, not including the two shots of bourbon I’d downed before we even left Duke’s house. The fact that my brother knew all those details confirmed that I talked too damn much—while under the influence. It was time to slow that down.
As if he knew what I was thinking, Duke smirked. “Too late, brotha. You spilled all yo’ shit.”
I asked the waitress to bring a pitcher of water. “I’m done. With the beer and this conversation.”
He waved me off. “I’m not listening to that shit, because I’m not done. All along you’ve been accusing Charlye of being whatyouare.”
“Shut the fuck up,” I growled.
“You’re scared as hell.”
I stepped to Duke, ready to choke the shit out of him. Only my anger wasn’t at my brother, but at myself. Still, I needed to take it out on someone, and his chin looked strong enough to absorb my fist. He didn’t back down, though. He never did.
Dad rushed back in, feeling on his shirt and his pockets. “I think I left my wallet.” His eyes darted back and forth between us. “What the hell…?” He approached us, clasped each of our shoulders. “Neutral corners.” The command was clear, and we did as he said. Turning to me, Dad said, “I don’t know what’s going on, but I can’t imagine any reason you would be ready to fight your brother in public. Dex, get your shit together.” Then, he faced Duke. “Sometimes you need to shut the hell up.” He let out a heavy sigh. “What happened?”
Duke smiled. “I’m good, Pops. Dex is the angry one. But he’s probably more pissed at himself than me.”
I sat down on a nearby stool and took a deep breath. “He’s right, Dad. He didn’t do anything but tell me the truth.” And because the truth hurt, I was ready to take it out on him. “I’m the one who fucked up.”
“And?” Dad questioned. “Fix it. Is this about Charlye?”
I nodded. “I overreacted. Because I’m…”Scared as hell to lose her. “I fucked up.”
“Good thing she’s standing over there.” He pointed behind me. “Tell her that.”
I turned around, and sure enough, Charlye was standing there, a tentative smile on her full lips. “Char?”
She let out a nervous giggle and waved. “Hi.” She approached me. “Can we talk?”
ChapterThirteen
PRAY YOU CATCH ME
Charlye
“Charlye!” Papa Stew embraced me. “It’s good to see you.”
