Page 52 of Back to You

“It’s okay. I wanted to ask, but I wasn’t sure if I should.”

“He’s … I’m not going to lie. He’s not doing well.”

“Is he okay?” Brandon said in alarm.

“I mean, he’s not really eating unless Nia or I make him. He’s lost weight. He won’t leave that fucking office for more than a few hours to sleep. And I don’t know how much of that he’s really doing.”

Brandon turned his back to Lake, staring at the espresso machine as it spit out shots. He knew it would be hard on Ethan, but …

“I’m not trying to make you feel bad,” Lake said quietly.

“I know. I just don’t know what to say. Or feel. I still love him, Lake. I don’t want him to do this to himself. But I don’t know what to do.”

“I don’t think there’s anything you can do. I don’t there’s anything any of us can do. This has to be Ethan’s decision to fix. He either will or he won’t, all we can do is hope he does.”

“That’s very wise from a man who’s about to down a massive amount of caffeine and sugar.”

“Hey, I’ve earned it,” Lake said, grabbing the warmed cookie and taking a big bite. “Oh God, I needed this.”

“Here’s your horrible drink.”

“Thank you.” He grabbed his wallet, but Brandon waved him off.

“On the house. To thank you.”

“For what?”

“For looking out for Ethan when I just can’t.”

Lake smiled at him. “Any time.”

“Blondie!” Rhonda cried, spotting Lake.

“Rhonda! Hi everyone! How was this month’s book?”

“It was great! Let me tell you about this one sex scene …” Rhonda said as Lake joined their table.

Brandon shook his head. It was going to be a long rest of the day.

***

After a quick stop at the grocery store, Brandon drove back to Michelle and Steven’s house.

Not home. He’d been there a month, but it wasn’t home. His home was … well, he didn’t really have one right now, did he?

He opened the front door and got a prime view of his sister sticking her tongue down her husband’s throat.

“Oh Jesus,” he cried, turning his back. “My eyes!”

“Is it just me, or did he get more dramatic while I was gone?” Steven wondered.

“It’s not just you. Brandon gets more dramatic year by year. I can’t wait to see him in his 80s.”

“Sorry guys, I should have knocked.”

“Nonsense,” Michelle said briskly. “You’re welcome to come and go as you please as long as you’re staying here.”

“Speaking of that, I need to get off my ass this weekend and find an apartment.”

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