Page 67 of Forbidden Intent

I don’t have time to think about it because as soon as I get out of my car, I notice the figure standing at my front door.

No fucking way.It can’t be, and sure as fuck not today of all days.

“Jesse?”

He spins around and grips the back of his neck, giving me a sheepish grin.“Hey bro.”

He looks more like the kid brother I grew up with.The one I defended from bullies.The one I snuck into R-rated movies without Mom and Dad’s permission.The one I used to save the red gummy bears for because they were his favorite.The one before the drugs.

“What are you doing here?”I ask, guarded.

“You wouldn’t answer my calls.Or Mom or Dad’s.”

“I know there’s more to it than that.”

He takes a noticeable breath, his shoulders rising and falling before he speaks.“I’m in NA—Narcotics Anonymous.I’ve been going for a while.Since I got out of the hospital a few months ago.I did a six-week stint in rehab and then started group therapy while I was in.It was a natural transition to join NA when I got out.Listen, can we talk about this inside?I’d really like to sit down with you.”

I stare at him, not sure if I should believe him or not.He looks clean, but he’s fooled me before.He frowns, and his whole body sags as if someone just let the air out of a balloon.

“I understand your hesitation.I fucked up, man.I know I did.I’m trying, though.I’m trying to make amends with all the people I’ve hurt.”He reaches in his back pocket and pulls out a piece of paper, waving it in the air.“It’s a long fucking list.”He stares at the paper in his hand for a minute before looking back up at me, tears in his eyes.“But you’re at the top and that should count for something.I miss my brother, and I may not deserve a second chance, but I’d really like one.”

I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to trust him again, but I know I’d be a hypocrite not to hear him out given my own second chance I’m desperate for.So, with a quick nod, I open my front door and let my brother inside, all the while hoping that if I give him another chance, maybe it’ll create some Karmic energy for Tamsin to give me one too.

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