Page 78 of These Pucking Boys

I swallow hard. “Technically, half-sister. But I never thought of her that way. My mother...” Fuck, this is harder than I thought it’d be. “She wasn’t faithful to my dad, even though he worshipped her. I’m not sure when she started to cheat on him, but when I was old enough, I figured it out.”

“Ryan, I’m so sorry. That must have been hard.”

“Yeah. I confronted her when I found out. She begged me not to tell my father, said it was a one-time mistake, and I believed her. But she kept doing it, and I pretended I didn’t know. My father would have been devastated if he found out. She left us a few years later and never came back.”

My eyes burn, surprising me. I didn’t think reliving those old memories would make me want to cry. I clench my jaw hard, trying to control my emotions.

“Was last night the first time you’ve met your half-sister?”

“Yes. She reached out a few months ago, but I blew her off. Cory—that’s my younger brother—he must have told her where I’d be. He was too young when Mom left us to know what was going on. He doesn’t get why I want nothing to do with that girl.”

“I can’t begin to imagine how painful it must have been for you, and I understand why you’re angry at your mother, but your half-sister isn’t at fault.”

I hold the steering wheel tighter. “That’s what Lachy said. I know it isn’t logical, but Mackenzie is the reason my mother left and never came back. She got knocked up with Mackenzie, and there’s zero chance Dad was the father. He was teaching abroad at the time.”

June doesn’t say anything, and I fear I lost my shot with her. “You must think I’m a jerk for taking out my anger on Mackenzie.”

She shakes her head. “No, I don’t think that at all. That’s a deep wound, Ryan. It’s understandable that you would see your half-sister as the reason for your mother’s abandonment, and thus, transfer your anger to her. Thanks for trusting me with your story.”

I blink fast, not quite believing this woman is real. “You’re amazing, do you know that?”

She smiles. “Yes.”

Laughter bubbles up my throat. “And here I thought I’d have to convince you of your awesomeness. It’s good to see your confident side, Peaches.”

She looks ahead. “It’s good tofeelconfident. Being free of a toxic relationship did that.”

At a red light, I stare at her profile for a bit. She looks serene and beautiful. I’m pleased her confidence boost has nothing to do with us. It needs to come from within to be real.

“I’m so fucking glad you came to the Titans party.”

She looks at me, grinning wide. “Me too.”

My heart skips a beat.

Hell and damn. When did it ever do that for any woman?

CHAPTER 33

JUNE

Before I walk into the garage, I tell Ryan he cannot offer to pay. No matter the cost, the car repair is my problem, and I’m not a mooch. Surprisingly, the repair doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. When I see the invoice, I understand why. The owner charged only for the part replacement, not his labor. I glance at Ryan. I wouldn’t put it past him to have sneakily tried to pay for part of the bill.

“What?” he asks innocently.

Instead of jumping to conclusions and accusing him, I ask the garage owner, “You didn’t charge me for your services?”

“No, ma’am.”

“Not that I don’t appreciate it, but why not?”

“You’re my grandson’s teacher—Louis Miller.”

Oh, Louis. He’s having a tough year, thanks to his parents’ divorce.

“That’s right. I had no idea he was your grandson. He’s a sweet kid.”

The man nods. “He is. My daughter said you’ve helped him a lot this semester. With everything going on... you know, they’ve had it hard.”

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