Page 65 of Lust For

“Hey, guys,” Brent says, joining us at the table.

My blood runs cold for an instant. I’ve been waiting for this, for him to tell us he knows.

“Hey,” we say in unison.

“See, here’s the thing…” Brent starts. “I know there’s something happening here, so don’t even try to deny it.” He holds his hands up, stopping all rebuttals before we could possibly give them. “And I don’t necessarily care. But I do know that this will end badly for both of you. Aiden won’t like it.”

“And what do you think?” Derek asks.

“I think it’s the end of the band.”

Brent is always direct. I’m almost glad he’s not beating around the bush with us. However, I hate that he thinks that. It could very well be the truth, but I’m sure it’ll spook Derek. It should spook me, but it doesn’t.

I watch Derek, waiting for his reply. Emma comes over, her phone call over.

“You think so?” Derek finally asks.

“Yeah, I kind of do. He’s not going to be very happy with this.” He gestures between the two of us. “This band is our life, man. So, you better be so fucking sure that you know what you’re doing here.” He points to me, turning his attention my way. “And you better be so fucking sure that he is what you want because this is going to hurt Aiden and it will hurt your relationship with him. You are the one thing he always works to protect. And he’ll beat the shit out of this man because of you. You better be ready for that.”

We let Brent’s dose of tough love sink in.

“I get what you’re saying,” I begin, “but don’t you think he’ll be a little understanding?”

“How naïve are you, Audrey? You can’t honestly think he would understand this. How are you going to explain it? I remember the first day I met you. Aiden told me he had one rule for me, and that rule was to not touch his sister.”

“But you won’t tell him?” I get he thinks this is a bad idea. There’s no way I’ll be able to change his mind, but I just need him to keep our secret.

Brent scrubs a hand down his face. “I won’t tell him, but Audrey, I’m not going to lie. I won’t do that to him.” He pauses and looks at Derek. “You’re fucking with the band right now by doing this.”

Derek closes his eyes and lets out a big sigh. When he opens them, there’s turmoil in his brown orbs. I wonder how long it will take him to decide that he’s ending this.

“I know, man, I know. But don’t worry, I won’t let it come to that.”

I want to say something reassuring, but there’s nothing I can say to change the situation we’re in.

“Well, I’m not sure how you’re going to avoid it, if you keep on doing this.” Brent turns to me. “Look, I know you’re having a hard time with everything, the moving and your dad, so if you need anything, please give me a call. I’m here for your brother, but I’m also here for you too.”

As if on cue, Aiden makes his way out onto the deck. “What’s everybody looking so serious about?”

I freeze, wondering how long he’s been watching and if he could have heard. When we were kids and our parents were debating something out here, cracking the patio door open was one of our prime listening techniques. Makes me wonder if he’s done the same now.

“Just saying goodbye to these two and letting your sister know I’m only a phone call away,” Brent tells him. He sighs and glares in Derek’s direction. “And reminding this fucktard not to do anything stupid while he’s here.”

Aiden laughs. “Yeah, don’t go screwing any locals. After that kiss with Serena the other night, the internet is on fire with photos and theories about you two.”

I die a little inside at that. I haven’t looked or checked because I don’t want to see what the press is saying. I’ve tried to stay in my lane and away from it while I’m on social media, but that might be harder than I thought now.

“You gonna be okay if I leave you?” Aiden asks. He steps closer to me and pulls me into a hug. “He’s going to be okay, Aud. I promise you that.”

I look over at him, dumbfounded, wondering if he’s done the same research that I have. There is very little chance our dad will survive this. Or maybe my brother just likes the rose-colored glasses approach to this because he can’t fathom that we will lose our father at such a young age. And that my mom will lose the love of her life. She’ll be all alone, and life will certainly be different for all of us.

I just nod.

“What?” he asks me, leaning down so that he can look me in the eyes. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”

“Nothing,” I rasp out. My voice is so thick with emotion, I could cry right now if I’d just let myself.

“I took care of everything I can here, Aud. But if you need me to, I’ll stay here with you. I know Derek is staying, but hell, I’d probably be more fun to hang out with than him.”

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