Page 109 of Spring Tide

Taylor and I had plans to host an intervention with Elio tonight. At the last minute, she was invited to meet her new partner’s family in the next state over, so I’m stuck carrying the load on my own. They’ve only been dating for about five weeks now, but she says she’s never felt this way about anyone before.

I’m happy for her, truly. She deserves this.

Besides, who am I to ask her to stay? I know she feels terrible about it, even though I’m fairly certain I can handle this on my own. Elio’s not someone I should be afraid of. I’m the older brother, the responsible one, and I can lay down the gauntlet all by myself.

I just might need a little extra mental prep beforehand.

Right now, the plan is to wait until our parents and siblings head to bed, hopefully after a family holiday well spent. Post turkey and stuffing, of course, since it’s my intention to catch him in the best mood possible.

Harper warned me to go easy on him before I left today. She said he’s “just a kid” and that we all make mistakes when we’re that age. While that may be true, I’m almost positive he lied straight to my fucking face. Not only that, but he took money from Taylor’s pocket and, indirectly, from mine. It pisses me off, especially when he knows how strapped for cash we all are.

Not to mention, our little sister, Giorgie, really fucking needs the money he’s been skimming off our parents.

Being the kind person she is, Harper offered to go home with me for moral support, but this is a family matter in the end. I can do this alone like I’ve always done. Plus, I wanted her to spend time with her roommates for Friendsgiving. It’s their tradition, apparently, and I’ve been eating up enough of her free time as it is.

It’s nearing six o’clock by the time I realize my plan is officially fucked. The table’s nicely set, the turkey is well rested, and my little siblings are already loading up on mashed potatoes. That’s one of Giorgie’s preferred foods, thankfully, so she feels comfortable enough to join us for the meal.

Unsurprisingly, though, my little brother is nowhere to be found.

With a tired, frustrated sigh, I ask, “Mamma, where’s Elio?”

She waves a flippant hand, pretending to tidy the napkins on our perfectly prepared table. “Oh, your brother’s at a friend’s house. You know Jackson?”

Yeah, I definitely know Jackson, the same fucking kid Elio got drugs from a few weeks ago. If he’s off doing that again—rather than spending a nice family holiday together—then I might actually lose my mind.

“Are you kidding me, Ma?” The reality of the situation weighs heavy in my chest. “He’s seriously missing Thanksgiving dinner with us?”

Her hands move to fuss with Vivia’s hair, patting down the flyaways as my little sister swats at her. “Luca,non è importante.”

“Yeah, it’s a big deal,” I argue, lifting a brow in disbelief. “He’s being a complete jerk.”

“Eh basta!” She gestures to the empty chair at the end of the table. “I don’t see your sister here, either.”

I blink at her, incredulous. “Taylor actually had somewhere important to be tonight. I can guarantee you E’s just trying to avoid spending time with me.”

“You’ll see him later, Luc,” my dad cuts in, gaze narrowing in my direction. He carefully carves up the turkey, one thick piece at a time, loading up a plate to serve his wife first. “Give your mother a break.”

“Yeah, Iwillsee him later.” I rub at the back of my neck, blowing out a heated breath. “Tonight, because you’re going to give me Jackson’s address.”

My mother tsks. “After dinner,caro.”

“Sure,” I relent, taking a plate from my dad’s outstretched hand, “after dinner.”

In an attempt to enjoy the rest of our meal, I push the frustration to the back of my mind. It’s no easy feat, considering I’m now flaming with anger, but I’d rather not stress my mom out any more than I already have. Besides, my little sisters seem to be enjoying themselves well enough. It’s a rare occurrence for all three of them to stay seated at the family table.

And I don’t want to ruin the fun with a sour attitude, so I sit myself down, shut myself up, and enjoy my damn food in peace.

After helping my parents clear the table, I take some time to tuck Giorgie in for bed. There’s this book she’s obsessed with about a little witch called Hazel, so naturally, she picks that one for me to read, forcing me to switch voices for each new character. It’s goofy, sure, but even I’ll admit I make a pretty awesome Toad.

Besides, spending half an hour laughing with Geeg is exactly what I needed to clear my mind.

* * *

When I arriveat Jackson’s place an hour later, it’s pretty fucking clear there’s a party going on. Loud music is booming from the house, the front lawn is scattered with drunk teenagers, and the distinct smell of marijuana is wafting through the windows of my car.

It sure seems like kids these days don’t give a shit about being caught.

Sadly, in order to find a vacant spot, I’m forced to park a few blocks away from the house. There are a lot of cars here tonight, which serves to irritate me even more. It’s fucking Thanksgiving, for God’s sake. These kids should be spending the holiday with their families. At least, Elio should since he has no good reason to actively hate us.

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