Page 124 of A Little Secret
“But he’s ignoring you because he knows you’re going to try and talk him out of it,” I finish.
“Yeah.”
“Shit.”
He frowns. “Yeah. Shit.”
“Well, then he probably isn’t doing much celebrating with Raine.” The cold metal handle causes a shiver to race up my spine as I start to push the front door open. “Let me see if I can talk to him.” I hesitate and turn back to Griffin. “Are you okay if I do this alone?”
“You sure you don’t need me?”
“I mean, I’ll always need you, but yeah. I think it’s best if I have a sisterly chat with him, one on one.”
“Whatever you think, Fin.” He bends closer and kisses me softly. “I’ll keep my phone on me. If you need anything, let me know.”
“I will,” I promise.
The house is quiet.Tiptoeing down the hall, I go to the bathroom and give myself a mental pep talk when a soft squeak from my bedroom catches my attention. Moving closer, I peek through the cracked door, finding Everett sitting on my bed.
The hinges creak as I push the door open the rest of the way and lean my shoulder against the doorjamb. “Hey.”
“Hey,” Everett grumbles.
“What are you doing in my room?”
“Wanted to…talk.”
“Talk,” I repeat. “Okay, so…talk.”
“Not sure what to say.” His head continues hangingbetween his shoulders as he stares at his hands. Hell, he’s a statue. A very grumpy looking statue.
“Are you still mad at me?” I ask.
“Disappointed.”
Rolling my eyes, I push myself away from the doorway and walk into my room. “Not sure that’s any better, but thanks.”
“In myself, not you,” he clarifies.
“Are you serious?” My frown deepens. “Why are you disappointed in yourself?”
“Because I pride myself on being a good big brother, and I fucked up in every. Single. Way.” He shakes his head. “I couldn’t have handled today in a worse way, Fin. I yelled. I stormed off. I made you feel like shit.”
“You didn’t?—”
“I did,” he argues. “I know you don’t like to talk about your feelings, Fin, but I know I hit below the belt today.”
He’s right. He did. But seeing him like this? It doesn’t make me feel any better. Honestly, it makes me feel even worse. He’s always been hard on himself. The man who thinks he can carry the weight of everyone’s world on his shoulders, come hell or high water. And it appears right now is no different.
“You were angry I lied to you,” I offer. “You had every right to feel that way.”
“You’re not irresponsible, Fin.”
The reminder is like a knife twisting between my ribs, but I fight the urge to rub at my sternum and face my brother. “I mean…” My shoulder lifts in a half-assed shrug. “I did get pregnant way too young.”
He chuckles dryly, finally gifting me with a glimpse of his eyes that match our father’s. “Yeah, but you’re you. Of course, you did shit backward. But you’reyou,” he emphasizes. “I should know better than to assume you can’thandle whatever’s thrown at you. You’ve been doing it your whole life, Fin. Your epilepsy. Dealing with me as a brother.” He smirks. “You’re going to be a great mom.”
A burn hits the back of my eyes, and I collapse onto the bed beside him, surprised by the waterworks and how much his words mean to me. I’ve always been closest to Everett. I mean, yeah. My half-sisters are awesome. But the age gap made Miley and Hazel feel more like aunts than actual siblings. But Ev? He’s my ride or die. Always has been. And hearing something as simple as his confidence in my ability to be a good mom means more than he’ll ever know. Especially right now. When it couldn’t feel further from the truth.