Page 20 of Embody

Seven

JT

“DAD, LIKE YOUsaid, we’re adults. We’ll work it out between us. No need for a scolding from you,” I explain respectfully in between taking huge bites faster than a man fresh out of prison.

I’m ready to get the hell out of here…and I’ll risk choking to make it happen.

“Usually I’d agree with you, son. But not today. Becausetoday, my meal was interrupted and three guests inmyhome ran out of it as if on fire due to the way youadultswere working it out yourselves. So surely you understand why I now consider myself involved.”

“Brynn and I can be excused then, right? ‘Cause we handled ours. Only one who showed their ass was Skylar,” I clip back…and realize my fatal mistake.

“Brynn?” Dad’s voice drops way lower than any notes on a scale and his brows bend to meet in the middle. “What’s Brynn got to do with anything?”

My father loves all his children, as does my mom, but it’s a well-known fact we just accept and don’t talk about—Brynny is his baby girl and besides his wife, she is the one you do not want to fuck with…if you know what’s good for you.

“Good question,” Skylar snidely butts in, also a very dumb move. “How is Brynn involved? What the hell am I missing here, people? JT is stuffing food in his face trying to leave as fast as he can, he left the party early last night sulking, he’s mad at Judd and something happened with Brynn? That about cover all the mysteries?” She slams both hands on the table.

“Laney,” Dad grunts, rubbing his forehead. “Would you like first crack at reeling in your children before I lose it on them?”

Yes, excellent plan. Because the other unspoken ‘known’ in this family?I’mmy mom’s favorite, mostly because my dad is by far the toughest on me. Skylar has Aunt Bennett and Aunt Whitley’s favor—but I don’t see either of them here.What a shame for the shit-stirrer.

“Yeah, I’ll give it a shot,” Mom sighs and sets down her fork. “Sky honey, I love you, but two things. First, you need to time your outbursts better. We do not air private family matters in front of guests, making them feel uncomfortable. Understood?”

“Yes Ma’am,” she utters quietly.

“Good. And secondly, you really should let JT and Judd work things out on their own. They’re grown men and they’ve been friends, family, their whole lives. Judd, do you need Sky to fight your battles?”

“No Ma’am. And I could’ve sworn I said those exact words to her.” Judd gives his wife a pointed look.

“I know you were just trying to help,” Mom continues, smiling at Sky, ““but…don’t. Men lack the inherent need to talk everything out like women. Leave them to their ways. Now, JT, Brynn, why are you two having problems?”

“We’re not,” my sister fields this one. “We didn’t see eye to eye on something, but we talked and worked it out. Everything is fine.”

“You meanyou’refine.” Mom’s eyes narrow as she, like always, nails it right on the head. “Tell me if I get something wrong Brynn, but I know my son, and here’s what I think happened. JT gave in and let things go your way because you’re his little sister and he’d do anything to make you happy. But he’s miserable with the outcome, which is why he left the party early and looks like he lost his best friend now. How’d I do?”

Mom really does rock. That smug, over-the-top smile on her face is priceless.

“J,” Brynn turns to me, her voice wobbling under the weight of tears building in her sweet eyes. “Is she right? You said more than once you were sure.”

Could I be surrounded by any more ‘dramatize everything’ women?Jesus.

Judd clears his throat, the noise snaring my gaze, which was his intent. “I’m pretty sure I know what went down and I didn’t help any with what I said, did I? Made you doubt yourself and influenced your decision.”

I don’t respond. Don’t need to. Don’t want to.

“J, you gotta know, I just spouted off without thinking, had a buzz, whatever. You’re my brother man, I’d put your character up against anyone in the world. I didn’t mean anything by it and I’m damn sorry.”

“‘Preciate that. We’re cool,” I tell him and nod my head once. “Last time we talk about it though.”

“Of course,” he agrees.

“Will someone please tell me what the fuck we’re actually talking about?” Skylar’s dam bursts and she shouts, unable to stand being left out of the loop for another second.

“Laney, your daughter just said ‘fuck’ at my table,” Dad spaces his deceptively calm, clipped words evenly.

“I’m aware, honey. I can hear.”

“Just checking.”

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