Page 135 of Ward Willing
I grab the bottle and take two more shots subsequently, not tasting it this time.
Carolina smirks as she grabs the tequila bottle and stands. “That’s true. But I also think she needs this time away—to discover who she is as a writer, as a young woman, without your influence. Let her go this month, and make sure you’re there for her when she gets back. That’s all you can do.”
I rub my chest as Carolina walks away with our shot glasses and tequila bottle, so I twist around to lie down on the couch and cover my face with my arm, feeling like an asshole.
Instead of comforting her, I pushed her away.
Instead of talking to her, I shut her down.
If I could go back in time, I’d change everything.
My whole life has consisted of fixing things, of being the most responsible person, of thinking through the consequences. But with Zoe, she taught me how to listen to whatIwant.
And what I want is a life with her.
I must fall asleep at some point because I wake up what feels like hours later, but Carolina is reading in the chair across from me.
“Have a nice nap?” she asks, lips quirking to the side.
I sit up, but the room spins. “I don’t normally drink this much liquor.”
Except for that night in Catalina.
“It’s fine. You must’ve needed it.” She flips the page. “I have a man friend coming over soon, so I called your brother to come pick you up.”
I groan. “Which brother?”
“Miles.”
Rubbing my face with my hand, I let out a heavy sigh. Being the two oldest brothers means that we’re quite close, but I don’t exactly need Miles—my serious CEO brother with a new baby—to see me drunk off my ass.
“Should’ve called Kai. He won’t be so judgmental.”
Carolina laughs. “Well, I had some of Zoe’s old baby clothes lying around which should fit Beatrix perfectly, so it’s also my selfish need to declutter.”
I smirk. “Fine. Thank you.”
I’m about to stand up when there’s a knock at the door.
“It’s open!” Carolina shouts.
Miles walks through the front door, eyes scanning the room until they land on me. His mouth twitches in an almost smile, and he closes the door and walks over to the living room, eyes twinkling.
“Well, well, well,” he drawls, crossing his arms.
“Piss off,” I say, though my tone is joking.
“Oh, you’re certainly pissed,” he replies, almost gleefully.
Wonderful.
“Hi, Carolina,” Miles says politely. He bends down and kisses her on both cheeks.
“Don’t forget the baby clothes,” she says, pointing to the bags of stuff by the door. “Also, when you’re done with them, Zoe would like them. You know, just in case.”
My head swings around until my eyes land on Carolina’s brown ones.
“Uhm—”
