Page 56 of Alex
“Geneleft a message asking me to visit. Can you believe that shit?”
“Areyou going?”
“No.”
“Whynot?”
“Becausehe wants me to. The execution is in a few days. I’m sure he can count that downon his own.”
Ian’sconcerned gaze meets mine. “Are you going to the execution?”
“Iplan on it.” My tone is defensive, but I can’t help it. I know I’m going tohear an earful from my brothers, and I don’t want to hear it from Ian too.
“I’lltake off work the next day. It’s at midnight isn’t it?”
Shocked,I stare at him. “You aren’t going.”
Afrown mars his face. “The hell I’m not. Who else will be there?”
“NobodyI know, but that doesn’t mean…”
Ianhops to his feet, carrying his bowl to the sink. “Shut up, Alex. I’m going. Endof story.”
Myhead falls into my hands. “Can we talk about something else?”
“Sure,but we’d better get moving if we don’t want Ev tearing us a new one. Theircookout starts at four and we still have to pick up Kyle.”
Ian
“Relax,”Alex says, squeezing my hand as we enter Ev and Mason’s backyard. “Everyonealready knows about us.”
“I’mfine.” I am. It’s just a little awkward.
“Lovebirdsare here!” Parker announces, and Macy elbows him in the ribs. “Don’t make me goall caveman on you, woman.”
“OrI could make you rub my swollen feet in front of everyone.” Macy grins up at him.
“Truce,baby.”
Evapproaches, cradling baby Mason, and Cody races up beside her to grab Kyle’shand. “You got to see what I built on Minecraft. It’s a cannon!” Laughing, Kylefollows him inside.
Evshakes her head. “I’ll never understand that game. Last night I heard him yell,‘Give me back my diamond or I’ll hit you with a pork chop!’”
“Giveme that baby,” Alex says, taking little Mason from Everly’s arms. I lean tokiss the baby’s soft cheek before dropping a kiss on Alex’s lips. I want totalk to Mason alone while Kyle is caught up with Cody.
Masonstands over a massive grill, flipping pieces of barbecued chicken. “Hey, Ian.How are you?”
“Doinggood.”
“Didn’tyou have a cancer test this week?”
“Justa blood test. Everything’s good. I’m good to go for the next six months.”
“Gladto hear it.”
“Listen,I want to talk to you about Kyle.” Mason steps back with a look of concern.
“Ishe having trouble at school?”
