Page 92 of Synced to Us

“Don’t you start. Do you see me in a cast? I’m doing just fine, and all that’s in my tea is lemon. Smell, if you want.”

“I’m not here to accuse you.” Wyn’s expression softens. “But I’m not going to be ashamed over being worried, either.”

“Fair point, son.” May glances down at her cupped hands. “I’ve been doing some thinking, and I think I’m ready. To go back, I mean. I’m positive it’ll really stick this time.”

Wyn doesn’t hesitate. “Tell me when and I’ll get it sorted.”

“The same place in Montana? I liked the rooms there. All soft pinks and unlimited pillows.”

“No problem, Ma.”

I watch Wyn carefully during the exchange, looking for signs of tenseness, anxiety, or frustration over the ability to afford another stint in rehab, but there’s none. The tour must be paying him top dollar and his money problems a faraway concern.

For now.

How long will that influx of cash hold?

That’s where I’ll come in. I level my shoulders, confident in the realization I don’t have to be uncomfortable in this family situation. I have something to offer.

Wyn says, all innocence, “I’ll come sit with you in a bit. I have something to discuss with Brad first.”

May’s eyes narrow. “About what?”

“Don’t worry about it. Brother stuff.”

Even I, the girl without a family for years, can see right through his bullshit.

“I think I’ll take my tea out in the backyard. Dee? Would you care for some?”

“Ma, you don’t—”

“I’d love some.”

Wyn glares in my direction, but I subtly flick my hand at him at my side, telling him to go while May busies herself in the kitchen making my drink. At last, he gets it, giving me the thumb-up behind May’s back before retreating into the backyard.

And that’s when my loyalty twists. I don’t know if I did the right thing, telling him to confront Brad without May or I present. Maybe I should’ve sided with May and waited for all of us to be outside…

Damn it. Family referee is the one skill I’ve never worked on. I’m insecure and unsteady.

“Lemon?” May calls from the counter.

“Just black,” I say quickly, rushing to the window. “No need to make a fresh pot. I’ll drink it lukewarm.”

“City girls are always in such a rush,” I hear May mutter, but she does as I ask.

When she reaches me and hands over the cup, I push the back door wide and run out. I didn’t hear anything while we waited and the twins are out there. Wyn would never do anything with Scout and Daisy present—

Turns out, my sprint outside is wasted energy. Wyn sits at one of the outdoor chairs around a scratched frosted glass table with an off-kilter umbrella, tipping a beer against his lips and…shooting the shit with Brad?

“Dee!” Lucy scrambles up to a stand where she’d been cross-legged on the grass, picking dandelions with her children.

I wave at the twins and accept the warm hug from Lucy, but I can’t take my eyes off Wyn. “What are they talking about?”

“Who knows? Do you want a wine cooler? I have some in the Igloo over here.”

“Sure,” I say faintly, but remember the mug of tea I’m holding. “Actually, never mind.”

Brad has his back turned, facing the grill with smoke flying when he flips the burgers and fat sizzles against the coal. Wyn’s smiling at a spot between Brad’s shoulder blades.

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