Page 146 of It's Always Us

I rest my elbows on the table. “You want to know something totally crazy.” I cut in, finding my voice. She nods. “You and I are related.” Her small brow wrinkles. “We’re . . . brother and sister. Your mom had me many years before she had you.”

Her eyes flick between Lex and me. “That makes no sense to me. You’re my brother? But . . . you’re old.”

I pretend to stab myself in the center of my chest. “Ugh, I’m not that old.”

“I don’t know. You’re starting to get a few wrinkles and a couple of gray hairs.” Lex jabs, trying to keep things light.

Bree doesn’t play along but stares at me.

I take it back down. “I know this is strange, and I’m sure you have lots of questions, but I want you to know I’m stoked to have a sister.”

“How come I didn’t know about you before?” She’s still frowning.

I scratch my jaw. “Well, that’s a really long story, but the short of it is, I couldn’t live with our mom when I was young. She . . . needed to gethelp just like she does now, and couldn’t take care of me.” I try to be as gentle as possible. “By the time she got better, I’d already moved away.”

Her eyes move to the table while she thinks about what I said.

I cut into her thoughts, wanting to make sure she knows that isn’t going to happen to her. “I was thinking I’d stay here with you guys for a while, and we can get to know each other.”

She bites the corner of her lip. “Alex said you have to travel a lot for work.”

“I do, but not right now.” I hesitate and then continue. “I’m looking for a new team.”

“She said you play football.”

“I do.” I lean closer to her. “I’m pretty good, too.” I hope for a smile, but she’s still processing.

“You mean, you’re like one of those players on TV?” One side of her face scrunches up, and it makes me smile.

“I am.”

Her face brightens. “Mom watched football when we had cable. She really likes the Liberties.” I nod because there’s nothing else I can do. I’m not letting that little tidbit of information touch me. “What happens when you start with a new team?” She looks at Lex instead of me. “Will you leave then?”

Lex puts her arm around her. “We’ll have to figure things out as we go. We’re hoping you can help us.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Plus, these babies aren’t going to stay in here much longer. So the three of us have lots of work to do.”

I watch Bree lean into her and see the bond that they have. A small wave of anger flares for not being here, but I’m really glad I get to be now.

“Good thing your shower is soon. You need lots of stuff,” Bree says, taking an apple slice.

I groan. “Don’t get her started on baby stuff, or she’ll go into meltdown mode.”

Bree smiles.

Lex leans back in her chair, her eyes meeting mine. Somehow, it’s going to work out. It has to. This right here . . . is my family. All four of them.

“Can you come watch me at dance tonight?” Bree’s bright eyes peer up at me.

“Uh . . . I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” Lex cuts in and Bree frowns. “See, the thing about your brother, he’s kind of a big deal to a lot of people, and if we’re not careful, it causes a scene. Plus, his head expands three times its normal size.”

I raise and lower one shoulder. “Hey. I’m a likable guy and good at what I do. People love me.”

Lex points at me as Bree grins. “See, big head, but when he goes places, people tend to surround him, but he’ll drive us. Ok?”

“Wait.” Bree holds out her hand, revealing her chipped fingernail polish. “You’re like . . . famous.”

---