Page 6 of Give Me Redemption

What?

Did she think we were going to be best friends or something?

It was just a fuck. Jesus.

I head out of the sliding glass doors, seeing my brother standing by one of his classics. This one is new, though, and it’s nice.

“New ride?” I ask.

“Yeah, guy named Austin rebuilt it for me.”

“Damn, man, this is sweet.” I look it over as Bryce walks around to his side. I mean, I’m expecting a fucking hug at least but nope.

“Come on,” he says.

And there’s my bossy ass brother. I open the car door and toss my bag in the back before I climb inside, making sure my smoke is still behind my ear.

“You even a little happy to see me?” I ask him as he starts the car.

“Of course,” he replies, looking at the mirror before pulling out. “Put your seat belt on.” I roll my eyes but grab the belt behind me.

My brother has always had a thing for seat belts. I know it’s because of the car accident we were in as kids that killed our father.

Our wonderful mom was high on heroin and decided she no longer wanted to be alive, so as we were barreling down the road in a thunderstorm, she reached over and yanked the steering wheel from our dad, causing the car to flip.

If it hadn’t been for seat belts, he and I would probably be dead as well.

Mom survived, by the way. It’s usually the high ones or piss-drunk ones that do.

Bryce doesn’t speak, clearly upset with me. I’ve disappointed him and I’m sure the rest of my family, too.

I run my fingers over my chin as we head away from the airport.

“Where do you want to go?” he asks.

“My place,” I reply.

He nods and I drift off in my own thoughts as we head down the interstate. I think about my lonely apartment and the walls I’ll be staring at when he drops me off. I’m not good at being alone. The thought has my chest hurting and my pulse quickening. I could use a beer, and I’m sure my fridge is empty.

A loud pop sounds, tripping me from my thoughts, and I duck instinctively, covering my head and feeling the severe shake in my bones.

Bryce swerves the car and I hold on for dear life as I shut my eyes tightly.

I see fragments of dirt and debris behind my closed lids, and I can feel the tiny pieces of gravel landing on my arms and neck.

“Jace,” I hear as my ears ring. “Brother, it was just someone’s tire that blew out.”

I blink my eyes open and look over at him, getting yanked from the past and into the now.

I’m riding in a car with Bryce.

I’m not in a war zone.

There are no guns and no explosions.

I straighten my back and swallow as I wipe the mist of sweat from my brow.

“Are you okay?” he asks me.

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