Page 74 of Resurrection
"What now?" I grit out at the vehicle just as its door opens.
Of course it’s fucking Adri.
He steps out of the cruiser in his uniform. Sunglasses hide his eyes but not the tension that’s all over him.
My heart’s drumming a familiar beat. Adri moves like he’s been waiting for this, his boots heavy on the pavement. I brace for it, knowing what’s coming.
"Hey, Brady. What’s this I’m hearing about you sniffing around my sister again?" he asks in a flat voice, his words like bullets.
I take a deep breath and try not to lose my shit. Locals are watching us,their heads turning like they’ve been waiting for this show. I gotta keep my cool. There are too many fools with phones ready to record whatever’s TMZ-worthy.
"What Naomi and I do is none of your business," I reply.
Adri steps closer, his sunglasses hiding the glare I know he’s shooting at me. His hand hovers too close to the service weapon on his belt.
I don’t flinch. This angry hothead is only hurting his own reputation.
"I’m her brother," he hisses out. "Her well-being is very much my concern."
"Oh yeah?" I say, my voice low, intended only for him, not for those passing by. "Where were you seventeen years ago, huh?"
"You broke her heart once. I won't let you do it again."
"That’s rich coming from you." I square my shoulders. "You’re the one who wanted me out of Naomi's life. You’re the reason I left."
Adri’s stance goes rigid. It’s the same anger from all those years ago, the kind that can make a guy leave the only home he’s ever known. He moves closer and his finger jabs at my chest. "You better walk away before it’s too late."
"She’s not a kid anymore, Adri. Maybe you should let her decide instead of deciding for her."
I see the old fury crack through, a flash of what’s underneath all that big-brother armor. People zip by, looking at us like they’re sure the fireworks are about to start.
My voice of reason tells me I should walk away, let it go, let her go too.
But I'm not that guy anymore. Not a fucking coward. I know I promised myself I’d behave for Naomi’s sake. But her brother is a complete tool. And I’m not scared of him anymore.
Adri shakes his head, and his lips press into a thin line. He leans in and speaks low enough that only I can hear. "You think you can just waltz back into town, flash a few smiles, and she’ll forget?"
"She still doesn’t know the truth, does she?"
Adri’s face tightens. It’s all over him now, the strain and the anger, the years he’s carried it.
"She's not a consolation prize, Tyler. Go back to LA."
"I’m not listening to you this time, and I’m not leaving," I spit the words back at him.
He finally steps back and turns partially away, but then takes one last shot. "I’ll be watching you."
I stand there as he gets into the cruiser, and it feels like my chest might explode. A couple of teenagers snicker as they walk by. I don’t know what they’re laughing at, but I can guess. They remind me of me. I stare down the street and at the horizon, where the dust meets the sky, and I’m fuming with it, all of it.
Maybe it’s time she knew.
Maybe I should just tell Naomi the whole damn story.
21TYLER [THE PAST]
My folks eyedme from across the dinner table, waiting to pounce. We were in the middle of another rare family meal at the Brady household. It was rare because I spent most of my time in the garage, practicing my guitar or hanging out with Naomi.
I even helped out at the food truck some when Adri wasn’t in the picture. Jose paid me a little, and I spent it all on dates with his daughter.
