Page 69 of Ugly Truths
After that, I made it clear that I could no longer have an active role in his recovery. A lot of angry words were exchanged during that conversation, but by the end of it, he got the message.
He’s remained sober of those substances as far as I know, but the royal treatment we’re receiving and the number of drinks he’s had since dinner raise red flags I’d be stupid to ignore.
Davey glances up from his phone beside me, likely texting Natalie and telling her what a shitshow this is shaping up to be.
Dinner had been my attempt to soften Jeremy up. He was apprehensive about going out with me, especially after the board meeting, but I was adamant that it was just a chance for us to catch up. Davey joining us to serve as a buffer didn’t hurt, either.
The entire evening felt like a first date. I made reservations at a steakhouse we both enjoyed going to with our mother. We sat at a preferred table, and the service was immaculate. The drinks were flowing, and I kept things light. Family memories, harmless jokes—anything to get him to relax—but he never got there. When I tried to redirect the conversationto something of substance, he would rebuff me with a joke or excuse himself to the bathroom. By the time the check came, the only thing I’d accomplished was getting him moderately drunk.
Then suddenly he received a call from one of his weekend friends, and now we’re in this club where he seems to know every face and drink order.
He’s loosened his tie and unbuttoned the top of his shirt, though his hair is still perfectly groomed. For whatever reason, I can barely stomach it. Maybe some of it is jealousy. I’ve never had the luxury of being so unburdened. But it’s more than that. Jeremy’s always been different. Behind the polished charm, there’s a hollowness I can’t define.
It’s not from lack of trying to understand him, either. My mom worked hard to ensure that my siblings and I had a solid bond, knowing how isolating this life could be. She was convinced that even if everything fell apart, the three of us would always have one another.
Natalie and I took that seriously. We’ve spent most of our lives trying to build that invisible bridge between us, but Jeremy made it damn near impossible. I can rely on my sister for nearly anything, but I can’t say the same for him. It’s like he’s never truly beenwithus, even when he’s physically here.
I’m one to talk. I’ve been called cold and ruthless more times than I can count, but Jeremy is on a level even I’m uncomfortable with. It’s not just detachment; it’s like he’s missing something vital. And if I can see it, who else can?
“How much do you think he’s had?” Davey mutters against the edge of his whiskey glass, masking his words.
“Too much,” I reply as Jeremy tosses back another shot, his laugh loud and easy as he flirts with a new waitress in leather shorts and a matching bra with metal studs on the edges.
Davey leans back against the booth, head cocked slightly. “You’re not going to get anything out of him tonight.”
“Don’t remind me,” I sigh, dragging a hand through my hair. The waitress, who just finished whispering something against Jeremy’s ear, slinks away from our booth and moves to the neighboring one.
My brother turns back to us, raising his glass with that same broad grin that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “You two look like you’re at a funeral,” he jokes. “Lighten up, will you?”
I force a small smile, lifting my glass in response. “Clubs haven’t really ever been my thing.”
“Then why come?”
I shrug, letting my gaze drift with feigned interest. We’re tucked into one of a dozen oversized booths lining the back wall, each one perched a few feet above the main floor. An oversized walkway stretches in front of us, framed by a glass railing that offers an uninterrupted view of the chaos below.
The dance floor throbs with too many bodies. Strobe lights slice across the crowd in erratic bursts, turning sweat-slicked skin into flashes of silver and shadow.
My focus returns to Jeremy. “We can’t let you have all the fun alone.”
He rolls his eyes, but there’s no real heat behind it. “I don’t need a babysitter.”
“You’re right,” I say, keeping my tone measured. “But I’m still your brother, and I like to know you’re good.”
For a moment, something flickers across Jeremy’s face, but it’s gone just as quickly, replaced by that easy grin. The knot in my stomach twists tighter.
Davey speaks just loud enough for me to hear. “You’re going to push too hard.”
Not hard enough.
I lean forward. “So, how’s everything going with the projects you and Dad have been working on?”
Jeremy stiffens before he masks it with a shrug. “What’s there to talk about?”
“You tell me.” I shrug. “It seems like you two have been spending a lot of time together.”
Jeremy sets his glass down harder than necessary. “We have.” The sharpness in the statement is unmistakable. “Why?”
“Curiosity.” I don’t take the bait. “He didn’t mention your proposal before the meeting, so I was just wondering what else you two have been discussing.”
