Page 35 of Winning Brynn

But maybe, if I'm being honest with myself, I've harbored some bitterness about the way it happened. And that shit is poisonous. It has polluted my soul, tainted the way I think, the way I feel, the way Ilive,and it has turned me into a man my mother would be ashamed of.

The revelation hurts in ways I can't explain.

There's nothing like your best friend calling you an asshole to put you firmly in your place.

"I'm—I'm…" I swallow, my throat clogged with guilt. "I'm sorry, man."

He just shakes his head. "It isn’t me you should be saying that to."

"I know." I nod. "You're right. But I still am. Sorry, I mean."

Taking pity on me, he lays a reassuring hand on my shoulder, showing me more kindness than I deserve right now. But that's Alex—loyal and kind to the people he loves, even if he's mad at them.

"Brynn Bear is gonna hate me for this," he says, more to himself than to me. "I think you should see for yourself why she was too busy to help you today."

"Really?" I look at him, surprised.

"Yeah. I'll text you the address. You should go now."

My gaze swings back to my daughter, lying back on the rug with a foot in her mouth. "What about—"

"I've got her," he cuts me off. "Go."

I guess I don't have a choice but to swallow my pride and do exactly as he says.

"Daddy Sully and the bros" group chat

Leo:Sorry if I've been an arsehole recently guys.

Roman:Um...it's fine? You’re just British.

Leo:It's not, though.

Leo:It's not fine, and it's not because I’m British, for Christ’s sake.

Roman:Can I ask, where the fuck is this coming from?

Alex:I may or may not have handed Sully his ass.

Roman:Oh Christ.

Leo:Nah, I kind of deserved it.

Alex:He did, to be fair.

Leo:Yeah, well, anyway…I'm sorry.

Roman:Don't sweat it, dude. I'd be the same if I was going through what you are.

Alex:Yeah, man. What Roman said. I was harsh, but only because I love you.

Roman:We all love you.

Roman:We're a brotherhood, you get me?

Alex:Daddy Sully and the Bros 4eva.

Leo:*eye-roll emoji*

---