Page 113 of Don't Leave Me Behind
Tobias Russell
Hell yea
There’s a five-minute pause before three of my five brothers burst through the door. Adler grins at the sight of Ma, and I snuggle up together. He’s always been a mama’s boy.Squishing into her other side, he picks up a magazine, a low whistle coming out when he takes in the cover.
Toby sits beside me, grabbing for his own copy.
“Can I?” Brooks looks at the end of the bed, almost like he’s not sure I’d want him here. Guess that’s my fault. It’s going to take some time, but eventually, we will get back to how we all used to be. I hope.
“Of course.” I offer him a copy. He smiles, the soft one that, until Tessa arrived, hadn’t made much of an appearance after Kate.
We sit in silence as the boys all read the article. Adler finishes first, setting the magazine down on his lap, his eyes staring at the cover. There’s so much written on his face that I want him to share. Toby is wiping quiet tears out of the corner of his eyes. Brooks glances at me, one sharp exhale before he stands up and walks for the door.
“It’s really good, Leni. Really good. I…” He stops, his voice choking on emotion, and I know he won’t say more. That’s not really his style. Instead, he tips his hat at me and walks out.
There’s a pause between the four of us still here, holding our breaths before Brooks marches back in and snags his copy off the foot of the bed.
“It’s allergies,” he grumbles, swiping a thumb under both eyes.
“Sure.” Adler shrugs, no cocky smile on his face.
“Asshole,” Brooks mutters, turning on his boot heel, leaving the room again.
Toby looks at Ma and me, making eye contact with Adler before they burst into laughter. Ma and I join in, my whole body aching by the time we manage to pull ourselves together.
“Fuck, that hurts.” I clutch my side. Toby’s smile drops instantly.
“You okay?” He swipes my bangs off my forehead, eyes full of concern.
“Just laughing with a couple broken ribs, I’m fine.” I bat his hand away.
He grimaces. “I forgot about those. That sucks.”
“You guys are whiny babies,” Adler shakes his head, popping off the bed. His copy of the magazine is tucked under his arm.
“Not everyone gets to avoid pain,” I pout.
He grins. “True. When was your last pill?”
“Yesterday,” I grumble.
Toby sighs, shaking his head. “We’ll go get you one. Need anything else, Leni?”
I bat my eyelashes. “A sandwich? Please?”
“Oh my God! She’s back for less than a week, and we’re already catering to her!” Adler shuffles out the door, carrying on about how much of a nuisance I am, while Toby presses a kiss to my head.
“It’s really, really good.” Toby grins. “I’m glad you’re back for good, Leni.”
“We all are.” Ma presses a kiss to my cheek. “I’m going to go make sure they don’t destroy my kitchen, making you a sandwich. I’ll be right back, sweetheart.”
“Sounds good.” I smile, wincing at the pain. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Chapter 37
You Can Go For a Ride
Leni
