Page 44 of Always Mine

“I wish I knew how to fix it,” I concede, plucking a handful of grass and sprinkling it back on the ground. “I don’t think he’s ever going to forgive me.”

“I don’t think hewantsto forgive you. Being mad is easier.”

“What makes you think that?”

“Because if he’s mad then he doesn’t have to deal with you or the cesspool of emotions you’re giving him.” His tone is sharp, and I assess him, wondering what’s happening in his head. His cheeks are red, his jaw clenched, and he has a faraway look in his eyes.

He’s projecting, but I’m not sure about what, who, or why.

“Do you want to talk about it?” I finally ask, the conversation about Wyatt taking a timeout. What he said moments ago was true, family comes first, and I’m here if he needs me.

He blinks before refocusing and dropping his gaze to the grass. “Nah, it’s nothin’.”

“Doesn’t look like nothing,” I toss out, feeling bad for him.

He uses his sleeve to swipe his face and then shrugs. “Well, it’s not a pressing matter.”

“Bryan,” I say seriously, needing him to know that he can talk to me. I feel like shit already, and knowing he’s going through something big alone only adds to my guilt.

“Drop it, please. I can’t go there right now. Maybe tomorrow.” He gives me a wobbly smile, obviously trying to fight his emotions.

It’s like I’m looking at myself but with reddish hair and brown eyes. “Guess we’re going to have a lot to talk about tomorrow, then,” I tell him, knocking my leg into his.

His airy chuckle meets my ears and he agrees, knocking my knee back. “Guess so. Tonight, though, we need to figureyouout.”

“You have any ideas? Because I’ve got zip.”

He purses his lips, thinking it over. “I may have a few, but you’re going to have to work for it. I don’t think Wyatt is going to forgive you easily.”

“When did you become so smart?” I tease. All jokes aside, I really can’t believe how much he’s changed. I’m… proud of him.

Bryan stands to his full height and stretches out his limbs. “I’m not smart, you’re just clueless.”

And the shots just keep on coming.

“You wound me.” I reluctantly stand, too, not wanting to go back to the party. I wish I had magic abilities so I could levitate home. I don’t want to face anyone, and I especially don’t want to watch Cooper and Wyatt be all over each other all night.

I'm jealous, and I have no right to be, but it is what it is.

“Sorry, I’m just being honest.” He dusts himself off before looking me over. “If it was me in your shoes, I’d be pulling out the big guns, doing everything in my power to prove that I love the person whose heart I obliterated.” His voice cracks and he clears his throat, avoiding my probing stare.

I want to pry so badly, make him tell me who the fuck hurt him. I don’t care which girl—or boy—it is, I’ll have Lily kick their ass for me. She’s younger, sure, but she’s spry and scrappy, and I know for damn sure she could take on anyone.

Speaking of Lily... I wonder if she knows the story. Maybe I can bribe some information out of her. I make a mental note to ask about it later.

I give Bryan a little nudge. “What would you know about breaking out the big guns?”

He snorts, rolling his eyes at me. “Who do you think put your picture back together for you?”

I cock a brow, having forgotten about that until now. “That was you? I was wondering.”

“Yeah, well. Don’t mention it… really.”

Okay, the longer we talk, the more he piques my curiosity. Who is this person? When did my brother become so grown-up?

I’m about to interject, needing clarity when the music starts in the distance, cutting me off. Fuck, it reminds me that our time to hide out is dwindling down.

“Well?”

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