Page 60 of Golden Rule

“On the nose,” he promises, and I walk him to the front door.

Today has had its share of unexpected twists and turns, most of which felt like setbacks. But this one, having Hunter show up out of the blue, has made the earlier disappointment in Dr. Tyler’s office seem a little less important.

And according to Hunter, that’s what big brothers are for.

Chapter Eighteen

Blue

Everyone’s here, they’re all on time, now let’s just hope things stay civil.

As soon as I lower a pan of lasagna to the middle of the table, I volley a gaze between Sterling, Tiffany, and Lexi. Out of everyone present, their trio is honestly my only concern. Not even the lighthearted banter circulating around mine and West’s patio table has me convinced we’re not a breath away from catastrophe.

Lex looks tense, but Joss and Jules are seated at either side of her, keeping her sane, I imagine. Meanwhile, Tiffany hasn’t left Sterling’s side yet tonight, and I’ve noticed her becoming increasingly attached to him, a sign of her insecurities bleeding through.

Attempting to stay calm, I drop down into my seat between West and Hunter, feeling incredibly content to have nearly everyone I love gathered in one place—West, Ricky and Dez, Dane and Joss, Sterling, Lexi, Jules, my siblings.

What more could a girl ask for?

We’re eating by candlelight underneath the stars, and soft music hums in the background, creating a chill atmosphere that will hopefully keep tempers from flaring. The more I think about it, Hunter was right to not want our father here. God knows I can’t afford to focus on keepingtwoexplosions at bay tonight.

Beneath the table, West places a hand on my thigh as dishes are passed and plates are filled. Despite the tension, this feels right.

“Speaking of changes,” Scar says, breaking up a conversation about politics that threatened to dampen everyone’s mood. “Blue, you meet with the contractor in the morning, don’t you?”

Smiling at her smooth segue, I nod. “I do. We’re doing a walkthrough, so he can get a better feel for what I envision. You should come, too.”

Her eyes beam, and I love that she genuinely enjoys being involved in things that are important to me.

“I’d love that. I’ll meet you there.”

I nod at her. “Good.”

“What’s the timeline for completion looking like?” Jules wants to know.

“Could be anywhere from six to eighteen months from what I understand, but after tomorrow, I should have a clearer idea.”

“Well, the sooner the better,” she says. “Things seem to be getting worse in the neighborhood. The kids are bored, lacking resources, and that leads to more petty crimes being committed. Just last month, my dad scared off a small group of teenage boys circling his car. He’s pretty sure they would’ve broken into it if he hadn’t intervened.”

Hearing this makes my mission feel more urgent. No, I can’t save everyone, but if I can do my small part, like Ricky has done in recent years, then it’s better than nothing.

“That’s not good,” Joss chimes in. “I get wanting to protect his property, but imagine if they’d pulled a gun on him.”

Jules lowers her gaze. “Trust me, that was my first thought, too.”

There’s a lull in conversation as we all seem to be thinking the same thing. That the south side of Cypress Pointe needs all the help it can get.

“Well, hearing this, I’ll see to it that the building has added security,” West says. “Including while it’s under construction. The last thing we need is vandals breaking in overnight, stealing tools, materials, copper piping. It’s sad that we have to think like this, but it’s better to be overly prepared than to think we’re invincible and get caught off guard.”

“Agreed,” Ricky chimes in. “I can even put my cousin’s company on the job if you’re interested. He’s got a really good team of guys, super reliable.”

West nods at the offer. “Perfect. Thanks, man.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Joss reaches for a bread stick, and the movement draws my gaze that way, stopping on Jules. She’s been quiet tonight, mostly because she’s barely taken her eyes off her phone. If it were just the two of us, I would’ve already asked what gives, but that’s probably not a good idea in front of everyone. So, I suppose I’ll mind my business.

For now.

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