Page 76 of The Illicit Play
“Is Lacey home?” After a beat, he nods. “And Cyrus?” Dipping his chin, he cups the back of his head and sighs. “Yeah, no, I know. It’s gonna disrupt his routine. Is there someone else who can— Yep… Yeah, I get it.”
I’m pretty sure Tyrell ain’t happy at all right now. About any of this.
Sliding my hands into my pockets, I wonder if I should leave him to it, but I’m guessing the guy might need to offload once this call ends, so I wander over to hisdesk and scan a packing list he’s created for our spring break trip.
Snatching a pen out of the mug on his desk, I scribble down two items he forgot, then feel my insides shrivel.
“Yeah, Ma, it’s okay. I’ll come home.”
Shit.
Clenching my jaw, I work on not letting my disappointment show when I spin to face him.
“I’ll see you on Saturday… Yeah, love you too.” Hanging up with a heavy sigh, he glances across at me and mutters, “Fuck.”
“Uh-oh. What happened?”
“Dad had an accident at work. Shit.”
“Damn, man. Is he okay?”
“Broken collarbone and concussion. He won’t be driving for a while.” His expression crumples. “And now Ma’s all stressed because she’s gonna have to take on extra shifts at work, and Cyrus’s routine will be disrupted. She needs me down there to help work out the logistics and be there for Cy.”
I raise my eyebrows. “You got people who’ll be able to step up?”
“Yeah, we just have to convince Cyrus to go with them. He hates change. If I can be there to talk him around, it’ll make things easier for everyone.” Slipping his hands into his pockets, he stares at the ground, shaking his head. “He needs me.”
“I know.” I nod. “You’re a good brother. A good son.”
“I’m a grumpy-ass son.” He clicks his tongue. “I was really looking forward to going hiking with you and Blake, man. I just need some time off, you know? And now I’ve gotta catch me a flight to Dallas and spend myweek off trying to console my mother and take care of Dad and Cyrus while also making sure my rebellious sister doesn’t do anything crazy.” Gritting his jaw, he lets out another huff. “Makes me think I should have followed them to Texas.”
“We’d miss you, brah. You belong here.”
His lips twitch. “Yeah, I do. Just wish I didn’t feel so guilty about it.”
A heavy disappointment settles over the room, and I don’t know what to say to ease it.
He winces at me. “Really sorry I can’t make it.”
“Me too.”
Licking my bottom lip, I try to figure out my next play. Looks like the trip will be off now. It’s not like I can go with just Blake. Wily would never let that happen anyway.
“You still gonna go?” Tyrell eyes me up before walking to his desk, taking a seat beside me and opening his laptop.
I think about it while he opens a new window and starts searching for cheap flights from Denver to Dallas. “Um…” Scratching my chin, I eventually murmur, “Yeah, I think I’ll still go.”
“Cool, man. Glad you won’t be missing out.”
“Yeah.” I slap his shoulder, forcing out another laugh as I leave the room.
Of course I’m missing out.
I was looking forward to time with my bros. And one by one, they’ve fallen away thanks to girlfriends and family commitments.
Now it’s just me.
And Blake.
