Page 42 of Rules Of Engagement: St. Louis
“How’s Titan doing?” Elijah asked, changing the subject but landing on equally complicated ground.
Ron’s jaw tightened. “Why do you ask?”
“Because he’s our brother,” I said firmly. “And because we want him to be a part of this family, even if it’s difficult.”
“Titan’s...” Ron paused, choosing his words slowly. “Titan’s dealing with his own stuff. He’s angry, and he has a right to be.”
“But he’s family,” Xander said. “Family works through anger.”
“Tell him that,” Ron muttered. “Every time I reach out, he acts like I’m trying to sell him something. The boy’s got walls higher than the Arch.”
I thought about my brief interactions with Titan in Miami. He was guarded and suspicious of everyone. But underneath the attitude, I’d seen flashes of longing. Or hope that he was fighting not to feel.
“He came to that dinner in Miami,” I pointed out. “If he really wanted nothing to do with us, he wouldn’t have shown up.”
“But he’d be a fool to stay away from us. We only want the best for him,” Xander said.
“He’s not a fool,” I said. “He’s been hurt. There’s a difference.”
Elijah studied me. “You like him.”
“I think he’s worth the effort. And I think underneath all that armor, he wants to be a part of this family.”
“Maybe,” Ron said, sounding doubtful. “But wanting and being able to accept are two different things. Titan’s been on his own for a long time. Trusting people doesn’t come easily to him.”
“Then we make it easy,” I said. “We keep showing up. We keep reaching out. We prove that family means everything to us, even including him.”
“I admire your optimism, Son. I hope you’re right about him.”
“I am right about him,” I said. “And even if I’m not, we don’t give up on family.”
Ron smiled then, the expression soft and proud. “That’s my boy. Always willing to fight for what matters, just like your mother.”
“Is that where I get it from?”
“Among other things. Your stubborn streak, your sense of justice, your inability to back down from a challenge—that’s all me, baby.”
“Don’t forget our immaculate good looks,” Xander added with a grin.
“That goes without saying,” Ron laughed.
The courtyard was filling up with other diners seeking the warmth of the heaters and the intimacy of the outdoor space.
“You boys are good men,” Ron said. “Better than your old man in a lot of ways. You’re building great careers andrelationships. Your legacies will be immaculate. I’m proud of all of you.”
“Even Titan?” I asked.
Ron’s brows dipped. “Yes, even him. Titan’s survived a life that would have broken weaker men. He’s made something of himself when he had every reason to give up. So yeah, I’m proud of him too, even if he doesn’t want to hear it from me.”
“You should tell him,” Elijah said.
“The best I can do right now, is keep the door of communication open and hope he decides to walk through it.”
Silence settled over us and I took another swig of Brandy.
“So,” Xander said, refilling our glasses, “anyone want to tell me why Christian’s been checking his phone every five minutes?”
I grimaced. I should have known they’d notice.
