Page 86 of Restless
“Can I ask why you’re so set on becoming a priest?”
Rule opened his mouth, then snapped it shut. Therewasa reason, other than it was his calling. CJ saw it in his brother’s eyes, but Rule didn’t intend to reveal the truth.
“A truce? You don’t harass Rebel about her praying, or lack of, and she won’t disparageyourspirituality.”
After thinking about CJ’s offer for a moment, Rule nodded. “Agreed.”
“While Rebel is shopping, I’m going to the attic for decorations.”
Rebel fell silent; interest lit Rule’s eyes.
“We’ve all helped Mom prepare cookies for our tree trimmings. While I’m lugging shit to the foyer, you make the cookies, Rule. We don’t have egg nog and I’m not sure if we have ingredients for the cider, but we can have milk.”
A glimmer of happiness crossed Rule’s face. Even Rebel relaxed against CJ.
“C-can we put the lights on outside?” Rule asked tentatively.
“Dad uses a dedicated switch and I’m not sure its location,” CJ said with regret.
Rebel jerked his hand away. “Can we spike our milk?”
“Not mine,” Rule said automatically.
“Priests drink. Jesus turned water into wine,” CJ pointed out.
“Wine, CJ, not hard liquor.”
Rebel swept her blonde hair over a shoulder. “Just pretend He turned water into whisky.”
Mouth agape, Rule drew himself up, pinned her with a hard stare, and stomped away. Instead of continuing to the staircase, he turned right and disappeared down the east hallway that would bring him to the kitchen.
“Did you have to, Reb?”
“Yep.”
“I can still request my card back.”
“But you won’t. It’ll make me cry.”
“Crocodile tears.”
“The best kind. Designed for guilt.”
“You’re incorrigible.”
“I disagree. There’s hope for my spoiled pettiness. For now, deal with it.”
“Goddamn.” Not having a response, CJ headed toward the west hallway and the back staircase that, to him, was the quickest route to the attic, though Dad disagreed. He paused and turned back to his sister. “Did you have something to tell me?”
Rebel licked her lips, glanced away, and thought for a moment. “No,” she said finally, smiling at him. Her eyes were troubled. “It’s not important.”
“Are you sure?”
She nodded. “Positive.”
CJ didn’t believe her, but he was on emotional overload, so he dropped the subject.
“CJ?”
