Page 147 of Come Break My Heart Again

“Partially. We had to extend it, so there was direct access to the screened section on the side.”

“Screened porch is cool. Short season to use it though.”

I smile. Sometimes, I can’t believe Cormac and I have the same mom and shared mostly the same upbringing. We’re different in many ways. But right now, I see it.

That’s the same thing I said when Elle showed me her drawing.

“We appreciate things more when we know they’re temporary,” I say, opening the door that leads from the screened porch into the living room.

The fireplace on one wall is the only thing to look at in this space. The walls have been ripped down to their studs, the floor covered with plastic to protect the hardwood that was already sanded and stained.

“Yeah, it still needs work,” Cormac comments, glancing around.

I chuckle. “Yeah.”

“Will it be done in time for Mom to see it?”

I swallow, hard, amusement immediately evaporating. “Has … has Mom said anything to you about her health?”

My instinct is to protect Cormac. But I can’t shield him from this.

He shakes his head slowly. “No. Since she told me she was sick, she’s avoided talking about it every chance.”

I sigh.

“She won’t discuss it with you?”

I shake my head. “Not without …”

“Without …”

I rub at the back of my neck. “Without making her feelings on other topics known.”

Cormac nods once. “Elle.”

“Right. When I try to have a discussion with her, she turns it around on me.”

“Simple. Fix your shit, then bug Mom about hers.” He keeps walking deeper into the house. “This the dining room?”

I follow him. “Yeah. Chandelier got replaced last week.”

The walls in here have been painted, and the floor is partially exposed. There’s a path of cardboard that connects the living room and the kitchen to protect the finished floors. Afternoon sun filters in through the bay windows that overlook the backyard.

“Nice,” Cormac comments.

He walks toward the stairs, and I trail behind like I’m the one taking this tour.

“It’s not simple shit to fix,” I say when we reach the landing.

Cormac barks out a laugh. “Obviously. Elle won’t even come over when you’re home.”

I grimace, not appreciating the reminder.

It makes me wonder about the timing of this visit. If he showed up here while Elle was at the trailer, visiting with my mom, on purpose.

Cormac turns when he reaches the top of the stairs. I pause a few steps lower. For the first time in my life, my little brother is looking down at me. He might be grown up, but I still have a couple of inches on him.

“You love her, Ry. That’s fairly obvious to anyone who knows you. And she sure hasn’t forgotten about you. You lost seven years. You really want to waste more time?”

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