Page 70 of My Ex's Roommates
My voice was choked as I followed the rules of our old game, opening my mouth and letting my answer out whether I’d consciously gotten to my answer or not. “No.”
Dylan let out such a harsh burst of air that was a shock of sound in what had become a painfully quiet space. He bent over with his hands on his knees and then turned away completely.
Danny grinned at me and patted my cheek. “Stop being a brat, Harper. You’ve got these three all twisted up and it’s time to forgive them if you want to stay here and be with them. No more hiding. No more letting them cater to your needs while you hide away. No more missing class and work.”
I narrowed my eyes. “You think you can just come back and boss me around?”
“Yep.” He laughed at the scowl on my face and pulled me in for a tight hug. “You’ve always managed to get in your own way, Harp. Consider this our way of helping you get out of the way so you can be happy again.”
“And don’t try to say that you weren’t the happiest you’ve ever been.” Jay ruffled my hair. “We could hear it in your voice. For the first time, we’d stopped worrying about you every second of every day. You want them. They want you. Work it out.”
Dylan came back and stared at me with his hands on his hips. “You can’t push her into forgiving us before she’s ready.”
Silas reached out and smacked Dylan’s chest. “Shut up.”
I needed a few minutes to gather my thoughts and feelings. I was almost in a state of shock over my brother’s being home and to add anything else on top of that made me feel like I couldn’t catch my breath. There were so many eyes on me, watching me with varying degrees of hope and expectation.
“I think I just need five-”
“Honey! We’re home!” Silas’ mom, Samantha, strutted through the front door with her husband and kids in tow. “We thought we’d- Oh, hello! Who are you three giant men?”
62.
***Harper***
“Mom?” Silas’ voice cracked and he had to clear his throat. “What are y’all doing here?”
Terry looked around and raised his eyebrows. “What are we interrupting?”
I was too caught in my own head to step up and introduce my brothers but Danny didn’t need help. I watched as he smiled at Silas’ family and stepped forward with his hand out.
“We’re Harper’s brothers. I’m Danny, those two less handsome versions of me are Jay and Matt.” He shook Terry’s hand and then Samantha’s. “Nice to meet y’all.”
Terry stepped slightly in front of his wife. “Aren’t you supposed to be in prison for another few years?”
Jay’s charming smirk widened. “I can promise you that had we escaped prison, it wouldn’t be to come to a college campus.”
Samantha slapped Terry’s arm and pushed him aside. “Ignore my husband. He put his foot in his mouth the last time we were here, too. I’m Samantha. I’m Silas’ mom. This is his father, Terry, and his little brothers, Kelson and Aimes. You must be so happy your brothers are home, Harper!”
Silas hugged his mom. “Yeah, I’m still wondering what y’all are doing here.”
“Don’t be rude, Silas! We wanted to come early for the game this weekend. This is perfect, though! We can all have dinner together. I’d love to get to know you three. Harper is such a sweetheart and I understand that you’re partially responsible for that.” Samantha patted Silas on the cheek and then hooked her arm through Matt’s. “You must be the strong, silent one.”
We watched as they walked towards the living room together, leaving the rest of us standing in silence. Terry sighed and then looked up at me and smiled. “I guess we’re having dinner together.”
“Hey, Silas?” Kelson’s grin was maniacal. “Do Harper’s giant brothers know that you sleep naked with her?”
Silas growled and reached for his little brother but Kelson was faster. Both kids ran towards the living room laughing. Taking a deep breath through his nose, Silas looked at Danny and Jay. “How do you think I’d fare in prison?”
Danny threw his arm over Silas’ shoulder and led him away. “I can’t see it working out very well for you. You’d cry without my sister to hold your hand.”
“You’re not wrong.” Silas tossed a heated look at me over his shoulder.
Terry rubbed his temples and nodded at Jay. “There are days I think prison would be easier than being married with three kids.”
Both men moved towards the living room following everyone else. Jay laughed easily at Terry and nodded. “I think you’re right.”
Then it was just me standing alone with Dylan and Carter. Before either of them could say anything the door flew open and Casey stormed in with her parents behind her. Dressed impeccably in designer outfits, they looked like they were headed towards a fancy gala.
