Page 111 of Brands

My priorities have changed. Myfamilycomes first.

It might be time to make some really tough decisions.

When my phone dings with a text, it reminds me of what I have waiting for me.

Yet when I glance at it, what comes through isn’t what I expected at all.

Chapter Forty-two

Libby

“You don’t have tostay here, Lib. I’m fine.” Devon whips his hair out of his eyes. “Just because Dad’s gone, and Blue is leaving, doesn’t mean I need a babysitter.”

I’m still pissed Dad left. The only redeeming factor is he made sure all the household bills were on autopay from his account.

But he still left me a teenage boy to feed. And he can’t drive yet, so I’m back to running him to all of his practices and events.

Parent of the fucking year.

“Well, since I’ll still be cooking for you, I thought it’d just be easier to stay here for the next few days. It isn’t going to be forever.” I don’t want to sleep in the camper by myself anyways.

His lower lip sticks out slightly. The baby fat on his cheeks is starting to thin, but he still carries the hint of how young he really is.

“It isn’t your responsibility to take care of me. Dad must think I’m old enough since he left.” His chin gives the tinies of trembles.

Maybe it’s the hormones coursing through my body, but seeing him fight the emotions has me wrapping my arms around him and pulling him close.

“I love you, Dev. I always will. I’m not going anywhere, I promise. This is my forever home, and yours too as long as you want it, okay?” I struggle to hold back my tears.

They just come so damn easy nowadays.

He stands stoic and still for a long moment before I feel his palms land on my back.

When his face buries into my shoulder, and the first sobs shatter his poise, my own cries join him.

“We’re in this together, bud.” My words shake as I hold him.

“I miss Mom,” he sniffles. “Why is Dad such an asshole?” His voice cracks, his age betraying him.

“So we’d learn to rely on each other,” I answer quietly.

I let him hug me until he’s the one who pulls away. Hanging his head, he wipes his nose while looking at the floor.

“I guess it wouldn’t be so bad if you stayed.” He shuffles his feet. “Maybe you could even gut Dad’s room?” His hopeful glance shows the raw struggle that’s going on within him.

I give him a small smile. “I really like that idea. But what about when Dad comes back?”

“Fuck him.” His rapid answer tells me everything about the hurt he’s feeling.

I don’t even chastise his language.

It’s the truth.

Darla would roll her eyes at me so hard they’d pop out the back of my head if she saw me crying all night.

I’m such a wuss about Blue being gone, and he’ll only be gone for three days. I just have to sleep alone twice until he gets back.

But that didn’t stop me from curling around his pillow and bawling like I was never going to see him again.

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