Page 24 of Unwanted

And part of me liked it, and I hated myself for it.

Because I wanted to hatehim.

I wanted to feel that simmering rage I had been carrying around with me for four years. I wanted him to know that he could waltz in and play happy family with Lennox, Clem, and Remy, but it wasn’t going to work with me.

It wasn’tsupposedto work with me.

Now I was sitting in the waiting room, with Clem burning a hole in the side of my head with her eyes, while I worried about him.

“What?” I ask her, turning to face her, knowing I’m going to regret starting this conversation with her almost immediately.

“Really?” She raises an eyebrow at me. “You’re going to play it like that?”

“If I recall, you’re the one who left me alone with him.”

Huffing, she crosses her arms over her chest. “So what? Are you guys okay now?”

“We’re far from okay,” I say honestly. “But we can be in the same room together if that’s what you were worried about.”

“Well, it’s a start,” she mumbles.

“What exactly is it you’re hoping will happen here?” I question.

Sitting up in her seat, she pushes her chest out a little defiantly. “I want him to come home.”

I cock my head to the side. They weren’t the words I’d expected her to say, but now that she’s put it out there in the universe, my brain processes what she says.

Processes what that would mean.

Could I deal with him living here again? Seeing him all the time?

“Don’t set yourself up to get hurt,” I warn. Her or me, I’m not too sure who I’m referring to. “I’m certain he’s made a great life for himself in Seattle.”

“But we’re here,” she argues. “Lennox will need him.”

The hope in her voice pains me, knowing how much Clem would love all her family under the same metaphorical roof. She’s protective and maternal, and when she sets her mind on something it’s almost impossible to change it. And I know this will be no different.

I want to tell her that if he left once he can do it again, but maybe because it’s Lennox it’s different. He’s his biological brother and he’s worth staying for.

Reminding me, once again, that I wasn’t.

Choosing not to have this argument with her, and wanting to stop myself from the pity party, I decide I should stop stalling and go to the gym.

Just as I’m about to stand up, Frankie walks out of Lennox’s room, gently closing the door, and all my plans fall to the wayside.

His facial features are a lot less bunched up and the anxiety he was carrying earlier seems to have dissipated a little. And I exhale in relief and gratitude.

Glancing our way, he smiles. A little sad. A little soft.

I should leave.

But damn him, I want to stay.

He ambles over to us, and I try to play it cool underneath Clem’s scrutiny, but I feel her thoughts, wants, and expectations amalgamating with mine and weighing on me with every step Frankie takes.

There’s no hesitation in his gait as he gets closer, my presence here now expected and not full of tension.

He slumps into the nearest chair with a defeated sigh. “God, I’m so tired.”

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