Page 40 of Between Brothers

“You’re feeling better.” Roach smiled, looking me over in that concerned, friendly way.

“I– uh. I should get back to bed.” I nodded, backing away ever so slowly.

“G’night Pumpkin,” Dad called, his tone barely restraining his amusement.

“G’night my ass. It’s early,” I piped up, when his words finally penetrated the fog of my thoughts.

I couldn’t sleep. I painted my toenails twice before I was satisfied with the outcome. I did my hair with more attention to the detail than I’d ever paid in my whole damn life.

I rearranged my bookshelf, made the bed, and put away the laundry that had stacked up on my desk.

I’d have scrubbed the baseboards with a toothbrush if it kept me from thinking about my dad and Roach. I didn’t have any resentment or distaste for her, like some did.

I just never expected… That.

She was young. She had an empty slate before her.

Possibilities.

I itched to go talk to her, and yet, the man I would be trying to talk sense into her about was my own father.

I didn’t have bad things to say about him, or a warning I could put into words. I’d just hoped she would be able to step away from their chaotic circle, not end up claimed by the ringleader of the shit show.

I sighed and checked the clock.

It was a quarter after seven.

“If you’re going, you better get, Kenny,” I told myself aloud, using the name my mother had always called me.

Dad and Roach had retired to his room. I could hear the television, but little else. Paxton’s bike wasn’t in the driveway, leaving me the clean escape I desperately needed.

I hurried to my car and quietly shut the door.

I gripped the wheel and glanced at myself in the rearview mirror.

I looked confident. Happy.

So, why was I unsure?

I nibbled my lip and glanced back toward the door just as headlights lit up the street. The vehicle slowed and parked just before it reached our driveway.

It was a Chevy that I’d never seen before.

I cringed when the door shut a little louder than I’d have liked, but all the irritation left me when I noticed Bootsie behind my car. She must have spotted me, because she didn’t bother going for the front door, she just hopped in my passenger seat.

“Girl, where the hell are you o— Oh shit. What the fuck are you wearing?” she laughed.

I glanced down, instantly second guessing the outfit altogether, even if he had demanded I wear it again.

“Is it–?”

“No. No, it’s… wow. I just… I’m not used to seeing you like that.”

“Did your dad get a new ride?” I asked, peeking back at the Chevy in the rearview.

“Nah.” She waved her hand, dismissing the topic of the truck. “I’m staying out at Nick’s place tonight. They needed someone to package in the morning.”

I wrinkled my nose, still not understanding how she could work in that place. I know some people prefer fresh meat, but I never could stand the smell of a butcher’s shop. Even if it was her boyfriend’s family business.