Page 12 of Splintered Hearts

“Because he’s an asshole.”

“Becauuuuse they’re both stubborn shit heads, that’s why.”

“Ah. Understood.” I set my empty glass down. I refuse to admit I liked it.

“It’s just going to be friends getting together. A bonfire. Good food. It’ll be fun. I’m going to go help his brother set up.”

“Why isn’t your roommate setting up your party?”

“Because he’s an asshole.” Mark mutters.

“Because...” Hunter glares at him. “His brother helps him out. He’s got some health issues, a lot of pain, especially in his back. Some days are worse than others. He needs help sometimes.”

“Babysitter,” Mark coughs into his hand.

“You’re starting to piss me off.” All the air gets sucked out of the room. “I know you don’t like him but I want one day. That’s all I’m asking. I think after being real patient this last week, I deserve that.” Hunter plates some food, sliding it roughly over to Mark, then walks out.

“Why do I feel like I’m in trouble?”

“Just eat,” Mark grumbles. I try, but can’t stop thinking about the party. I love parties, and what better way to take my mind off shit. “I’ll take you shopping. Maybe get you an air mattress for tonight.”

“I’ll sleep on the couch, it’s fine.” There’s no way I’m letting Mark accommodate me anymore. There isn’t even enough room for an air mattress in the living room. Between my crying and drinking the last few days, I owe my friend big time.

I owe Hunter too.

“Hey.” Looking up, I jump, feeling Mark’s hand on my knee. “It’s fine. You’d do the same for me, okay? Finish up.”

I nod, while Mark stands and starts cleaning up the table around me. “Hunter, he—”

“It’s fine.” Mark gives me a weak smile. “I’m going to go talk to him.”

He leaves me in the quiet of the kitchen. So many things have gone wrong lately, but I’m not going to ruin my best friend’s relationship. Today’s the last day I’m going to just laze around.

Tomorrow is a new start.

It’s time I start being myself.

Four

Jamie

“I hate parties.”

“You!” Xavi nearly falls off the ladder, swinging his head around and gasping like a drama queen. He thought stringing up lights would add to the “ambiance” tonight, but all it will do is give me one more thing to clean up. I watch the tiny ponytail on top of his head shake—most likely Brianna’s work—it even has a cute little silver bow. This wouldn’t be the first time, or the last, one of us fell victim to her makeovers.

It would also explain the shimmering silver dragon scales decorating his temples. None of us give a shit about wearing stuff like that—especially Xavier. People bothered by men wearing makeup need to find a real struggle. My brother wears lip gloss and would beat anyone’s ass if they so much as say a word about it.

“I’m just saying! I hate this.”

He gets off the ladder and puts the leftover lights in Bri’s box. “I’m so sorry, Your Grace,” he says, giving me a curtsy. I think about flipping him off. “Silly me for thinking this wasn’t about you. My deepest apologies, sire.”

“Ignore him.” Hunter walks in. “Bri’s making him watchBridgerton.”

“Game of Thrones!”

“Whatever.”

“You know what I mean.”

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