Page 4 of Resilient Rhythms
“No immediate plans.”
Jameson sighs. “You can’t avoid your life forever.”
“Just a little while then.”
“I miss you, Mav. We all do.”
“Even Amelia?” I joke. Amelia mostly hates me and, these days, I don’t possess enough redeeming qualities to blame her.
“Even Amelia,” he replies seriously.
I quirk an eyebrow. “Stop lying.”
Jameson swears. Pauses. And then, “We broke up.”
I hold my breath, wondering if he’s serious. Jameson and Amelia have broken up and gotten back together more times than I can count.
“For real this time,” he tacks on quietly. “And as she was packing her things, she said I should try to be more like you. If that’s not a ringing endorsement, I don’t know what is.”
“I’m sorry, man.”
“You’re full of shit.”
I laugh and the sound reverberates like a crack of thunder. I’m low on laughter these days and the fact that I can still manage it surprises me. “You’re right. You and Amelia should have parted ways years ago.”
Jameson doesn’t comment. He never does when it comes to her. She was his first love and they’ve had a roller coaster of ups and downs. More downs than ups if I’m being honest. But my brother has never muttered a disparaging word against the woman who has cheated on him and played him for a goddamn fool. I don’t understand why and I doubt I ever will.
It’s just one of those things.
Like Mckenna and me.
No one gets it but us. But me.
“Please, Mav, don’t do this to me. To us.”
“You deserve more, better, than me.”
“But I want you. I love you.”
“I love you too, baby. That’s why I have to do this. I have to let you go so we can both be whole. Healed.”
My last conversation with my wife before she signed the divorce papers plays through my mind. And understanding, compassion, and fucking empathy for my brother and his situation soars.
“Are you okay?” I ask, my tone gentler.
“Fuck,” Jameson murmurs, agony lacing in his words. “When are you coming home, Mav?”
Fuck.I toss my empty coconut, watching the shell roll across the sand before coming to a complete stop. The sun has nearly disappeared. Dusk turning into night.
The fresh air is heavier now, aligned with my head and heart.
My brother will never come right out and ask me to come home, but this conversation indicates that he needs someone. Needs me.
“Soon,” I mutter.
“She graduates in three weeks,” he reminds me.
My heart twists. Mckenna has worked so hard for her law degree. She’s overcome hurdles higher than Mount fucking Everest.
