Page 144 of Freshmeet
Craig’s eyes watered, and he dropped to his knees, drawing the attention of the people around us. “I know I have no right to ask for your help. And I know there’s no way to keep Carter out of jail, but he could get the death penalty if you don’t help.” When I remained unmoved, he added, “He’s your brother.”
A lifetime of daddy issues reared its ugly head, and I snatched him up by the collar of his expensive button-down, bringing him face to face with my rage. “That sick fuck isn’t my brother. My brother is still in the hospital under observation after being unconscious for three days, thanks to your son.” I shoved him, and he fell ass-first onto the sidewalk. “And don’t even think about talking to Sarah.”
Sarah’s small hand ran down my arm, and she linked our fingers together. “Let’s get out of here.”
I turned toward Mom and found Dr. Reyes already there, glaring daggers at the piece of shit.
“You kids get out of here. I’ve got your mom,” he said, leading her toward her car.
I didn’t spare Craig another look as I walked hand in hand with Sarah to her car.
“You okay?” she murmured, kissing my shoulder.
“I will be.”
“Love you too.” Sarah hung up the phone with a sigh. “I appreciate Mom’s newfound devotion to parenting, but good lord, these daily calls are too much.”
I laughed, handing her a fresh beer. “Get used to it. My mom hunts us down if we go a day without contact.”
“Great,” she groaned, rolling her eyes, but her lips curled into a pleased smile.
“Oh, you love it,” Kat said, tossing a handful of popcorn at her.
Sarah caught a piece in her mouth, letting the rest hit her face and fall to the floor.
Mona slapped Kat’s arm. “Hey, don’t waste the popcorn. We still have half a season to watch.”
Kat lay her head on Mona’s shoulder and sighed. “Sorry, Mom.”
Mona patted her head with a laugh.
Rae came out of her room, frowning at her phone.
“What’s up?” Morgan asked, popping a gummy in her mouth.
“Some asshole is posting about my brother and his girlfriend.”
Britta ran her fingers through Paul’s shaggy hair, glancing up at Rae. “Oh, the trials and tribulations of a professional hockey player.”
Rae flopped down next to Olivia, snatching the bowl of popcorn from Kat. “My parents are in full PR mode, so I have to lie low for the rest of the summer.”
“Shouldn’t be a problem,” Olivia said, tapping away on her laptop. “I’m sure your brother’s latest exploit will blow over by Freshman Week.”
The seven girls shared a knowing smile, and Mona hit play on the show. Sarah cuddled into my side, resting her head on my chest. Her body relaxed, and in less than half an episode, she was fast asleep, wedged against me on the loveseat.
The Frattic girls laughed and talked over the old sitcom, unwinding after the long memorial service. Under Sarah’s warm body, I started to doze off.
“Here,” Kat grunted, shoving a bottle of water in my hand. “You need to take your pain pills.” She dropped the little orange bottle in my lap, then flopped back on the floor next to Mona.
“Thanks,” I said, totally surprised.
She grunted, her eyes glued to the television screen.
I took the pill and then settled back on the couch, allowing the familiar jokes to lull me to sleep. After weeks of stress and fear, it was finally over.
FRESHMAN WEEK
SARAH
