Page 9 of Broken Bridges

“You’ll love it, I’m sure.” He gave me another hug. “I’m so glad you’re home. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without you. It’s gonna be fun having you live here with me.”

“Yeah.” I rested my head against his shoulder. “I’m not gonna lie to you, Cole. I’m still struggling to accept I’ll never be the same again. I’ll get there. I’m down but not out.” Somehow, I had to bury the old me and come to grips with the new one. The one who was crippled, scarred and afraid of being hurt. I was always up for a challenge, but a complete lifestyle and personality overhaul had never been on my list.

I had to find something I could do and would excite me every day. I had no idea what that was. I’d better find something quick, or I’d go stir crazy.

Cole kissed my temple. “I’ll do anything I can to help.”

“Thanks.” I summoned a weak smile. “It will be nice to spend some time together before you release another album and tour.”

“Absolutely.” He chinked his vodka against my bourbon. “Tanner trouble together again.”

“Cheers.” I’d lost track of the good times we’d had and the chaos we’d caused when we were younger. Most of it had included drinking, drugs, music and wild parties. I wasn’t sure I fit into my brother’s world anymore.

“I can’t wait for you to hear the new tracks. We’re still finessing them to record and getting our new bassist up to speed.”

Pain stabbed the center of my chest. “You found someone?” Seeing the band play without Phil would be hard. But we all had to move on. Even me.

“Yeah.” Reservation and excitement lurked through Cole’s voice. “Lewis is way more talented than Phil ever was.”

“Shit. That’s a huge call.”

“Yeah, it is.” Cole took a mouthful of his drink and swallowed hard. “We’ve only known the guy for three days. He seems alright. He’s already helped us tweak one of our songs for the better, he’s a bit reserved, and could turn out to be a dick. But if he’s going to be a Flintlock, he’d better know how to party.” Cole slapped my thigh. “So get your dancing shoes on; it’s time to head out. Or is your leg too sore?”

Every cell in my body screamed at me to stay at home. I was afraid of being knocked, falling, or tripping. “It aches like a bitch. I can’t stand for too long. But I won’t let it stop me from living.” Pity my heart didn’t believe the crap that dribbled from my mouth. “I want to see the guys. It’s been too long. I’ll freshen up first.” And take a strong painkiller or two.

“Awesome.” Cole stood and dragged me to my feet. “You get ready. I’ll rack up a round of shots to have before we head out.”

Half an hour later, we entered a trendy nightclub in West Hollywood. As we weaved through the sea of people, I kept my head down to avoid being stopped by fans.

In the VIP section, Slip, Flint, and Sutton—I recognized her from our show’s casting briefs and online pictures—sat around tables drinking and chatting, ignoring the ogles and photos being taken by onlookers. The moment they saw us, they jumped to their feet and hugged me hello.

Flint squeezed me extra tight. “Tee, so good to see you.” Cole’s best friend was the biggest sweetheart. We’d known each other since I was seven. He and Slip were family, through and through.

Flint drew his girlfriend to her feet. “Tia, I’d like you to meet Sutton.”

“Argh!” Sutton screamed and flung her arms around me. “It’s so nice to meet you. I can’t wait to work together. I’m so excited about our new show.”

“Same.” I laughed, lied, and soaked in her contagious energy. I needed a good dose of positive vibes...and my drinks and my painkillers to kick in. I’d just arrived at the club and my ankle already throbbed.

Sutton held my shoulders at arm’s length. “My God, you’re the spitting image of your brother.”

Yep. Same dark brown hair—his short, mine long. Same green eyes. Same nose. But we were two years apart and I was five inches shorter. I eyed her up and down. Her legs were as long as the 101 Interstate highway, and her sweet face was as round as a peach. Her gorgeous dark blue eyes drank me in, and not a hair was out of place in her perfectly styled blonde bob. “And you’re stunning. I see why you captured Flint’s eye.” Oh, yeah. She is so Flint’s type.

“I’m not sure who fell for who first.” She slipped her arm around his waist and kissed his cheek. “But we’re madly in love and happy.”

“That’s awesome.” I play-punched Flint in the arm. “Good for you.”

“Missed you.” He half-hugged me again, then thumbed toward the bottle of vodka. “Hope you still know how to party?”

“It’s like riding a bicycle, isn’t it?” But fuck ...I couldn’t do that anymore.

“Good. Then get this into you.” He poured shots of vodka and handed them to everyone. Raising his glass, he hollered, “To Tia. May she never leave us again.”

“Never.” I downed my shot. As long as LA didn’t fuck with me again, I’d be fine.

I swallowed hard and licked my lips. The cold vodka hit the center of my chest. Mmm, yum! But bourbon was better. So was the buzz coursing through my veins.

My painkillers had kicked in. Finally!

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