Page 88 of The Other Brother

“I agree, but we need to get her healthy first.”

* * *

As bad as I felt about Merritt being home, it was a huge relief having her back at work—even if she came in every day looking like a train wreck and smelling like a liquor store. I had a plan, but I knew she wouldn’t accept my help willingly. She was even more thick-headed than I was.

I walked up the concrete stairs to her apartment. Her car was parked out front, but there was no light coming through her window by the front door. I knocked and waited. Nothing.

“Merritt, it’s Tanner. Open the door if you’re in there.”

I waited another minute, straining to hear any kind of noise or movement from inside the apartment. Finally, I turned around and trotted back down the stairs. She could be out with her best friend, Shelly. Then, a sinking feeling came over me. There was a party at the Beta fraternity tonight. Shelly’s boyfriend, Brody, was a member. Guess I’m going to a party tonight. There would be alcohol there. Lots of it. I needed to stay focused on finding Merritt. I needed to do this. I pulled my car keys out of my back pocket and got into my Mustang.

Ten minutes later, I was scanning the packed room inside the frat house. I spotted Derek playing at our usual pool table. It felt like forever since I’d seen him. He nodded as I approached.

“What’s up, man? Haven’t seen you in a minute.”

I nodded. “I know. Been busy.”

“Where’s Charlotte?”

“Not here.”

“Uh-oh. Trouble in paradise?”

I shot him a look and he held his hands up. I wasn’t about to explain that Charlotte and I were not on speaking terms. I’d texted her once in the past month and told her I missed her, and that I’d be here when she was ready to tell me the truth. She never responded.

I thought I could stand my ground and demand that she tell me her secret. I thought when faced with the choice, Charlotte would tell me instead of walking away. I thought I’d proven myself enough to her. Every day without her hurt a little more than the last. It was like a slow death. Death by a million little paper cuts.

“I’m here on business. Have you seen Merritt?”

Derek nodded toward the kitchen. “She just got here a few minutes ago. I didn’t see your brother. Is he back from Cali already?”

I shook my head. “He’s still there. I’ll be back in a few.”

I peered into the kitchen and found Merritt with her friend, Tina. She was holding a glass in her hand. Tina was the last person Merritt needed to be hanging out with.

“I came by your apartment before.”

“Why, what’s wrong? Is Chase okay?”

“He’s fine. I just spoke to him an hour ago.”

Merritt’s cheeks flushed. “Well, at least he’s talking to somebody.”

“What do you mean?”

“He hasn’t responded to any of my texts.”

I sighed. What was it with people ignoring the ones they loved? “He’s just having a hard time,” was all I could offer.

“So, it’s okay to ignore somebody when you’re having a hard time?”

“Hey, don’t kill the messenger.”

Before I could stop her, Merritt threw the shot back and held her glass out to Tina for a refill. I wanted to get her out of here, but I knew she wouldn’t stop until she learned on her own. I needed to take this slow. I nudged Tina with my elbow. “Watch her tonight.”

“I don’t need anybody to watch me!” Merritt yelled as I walked away. I shot her a knowing look before disappearing into the next room.

For the remainder of the night, I played pool with Derek and watched Merritt gulp down shot after shot. She would disappear into the kitchen to get a refill for Tina, but sneak one for herself. By the end of the night, her friends had caught on, but it was too late. Way too late.