Page 23 of Let Me Keep You

Liam lets out a calm breath. “Awful idea, Tyler. You need to find a gym and work out your aggression before you do anything stupid. She won’t stop if this starts again. She lives for drama and has an endless supply of money to make anything illegal she does go away.”

I take everything Liam says into account, but it doesn’t release my pent-up anger. While letting it go is the responsible thing to do, I don’t know if I’ll be able to.

“You’re right. I should find a place to work out. I miss boxing. The fighting I did behind bars wasn’t for fun.”

Liam clears his throat. “I’m sorry.”

“No, no, you shouldn’t be. I made a choice, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world, but being in a place like that changes you. And I’m not sure it was for the better. Either way, I’d do it all again for you and Maddie in a heartbeat.”

“Thanks, man. I appreciate it. I wish things were different. I wish none of this had happened. It’s something I live with every day, and sometimes, the guilt is a lot to deal with. I’m fully aware of how my shit affected your life. I just hope it doesn’t ruin your future.”

Now, I feel like a steaming pile of shit because this call wasn’t intended to put Liam on the spot or bring him down.

“I never had a brother, Liam, and you’re the closest thing to one I’ve ever had, and I’d do anything for you. You’re my chosen family. Don’t feel remorse over a damn thing. Without all that, who’s to say you’d have Maddie right now? It was the catalyst that brought you together, so no fucking regrets.”

Liam chuckles. “I should probably get back to the gym too. I think I’ve gained thirty pounds during Maddie’s second pregnancy with all her junk food cravings.”

His words cause me to snort. “Not a terrible idea. Get rid of your baby belly. There’s only one gym here. I haven’t stepped inside since before I left for the military, but I’ll go check it out tomorrow. Honestly, it probably still looks the same.”

“Well, go find you a bar and have a beer for old times’ sake.”

When Everleigh’s condo comes into view, that becomes a better idea. “I think I might.”

“Hell, have two.”

I ask him about Maddie and how she’s managing so close to her due date, and by the time I unlock the front door, we end the call.

Once I’m inside, I grab some clothes and go to the bathroom to happily wash off this shitty day. Before I make it there, Sassy’s on my heels, barking like I’m an intruder.

“Sassy, no!” I try to sound as commanding as possible, but she gives zero fucks about it and tries to nip at my ankles. “Wanna treat?”

She growls, and I repeat the magic word, raising my pitch and walking into the kitchen to grab her doggy biscuits. As soon as Sassy sees the bag, she sits and wags her tail.

“Of course,” I mumble and throw a handful down before heading back to the bathroom.

Ever since my release, I’ve taken my time in the shower. You don’t realize how much privacy is taken for granted until it’s snatched away. All freedoms revoked, along with your dignity.

Once I finish, I wait for the water to go cold, then dry off and get dressed. Sassy still barks at me like I’m a stranger, but I hope she gets used to me soon.

Before Everleigh even asks me to walk her, I grab her leash, and we take off down the street. Those ten minutes with her give me time to get lost in my thoughts. Once we’re back, she drinks from her water bowl until it’s empty, so I refill it.

Taking Liam’s advice, I grab my wallet and walk the few blocks to The Ridge Pub. It’s close enough that I don’t need a ride home. Everleigh’s place is in the perfect location. It’s close to her business and the downtown square, which is the most popular place in town.

Thankfully, my job is within walking distance too. So as long as the weather stays nice, it won’t be a problem making it on time.

After a quick five-minute walk, I enter the pub, then sit at the bar. I look over the menu, realizing just how hungry I am. The bartender comes back, and I realize it’s a guy I went to high school with. He pretends not to recognize me. Or maybe he doesn’t. It’s been over a decade.

“Whatcha having?”

“Bud, tall. Shot of tequila. And a double cheeseburger with fries.”

He nods, and after entering in my order, he returns with the tequila and beer. I take the shot, hoping it loosens me up a little. Greg, or maybe his name is Craig, picks up the empty glass, and I order another.

I’m two shots and a beer in by the time he brings me my burger.

Food is another thing I took for granted before I knew better. Between mush and mystery meat, I could barely choke it down.

When I’m halfway done eating, I see Everleigh, Gemma, and Katie walk past the large glass windows, then open the door.