Chapter 21 - Everett
Everett
Driving home after a pretty rough shift, I find my thoughts drifting to LB, as they typically tend to do.
It’s been a week since the visit with Mom.
They’ve spoken on the phone every day since, and it warms my heart to see them pick their relationship right back up where they left off.
I knew Mom would love him the exact same way she always has, but I can admit that I was nervous about his reaction to her.
I was scared that what Silas had put him through would have affected his ability to trust a parental figure.
I should have known better. The connection those two share has always been strong.
I swear, growing up, sometimes it felt like LB was the child she gave birth to, and I was just the friend he invited into their world.
Two peas in a pod, Aunt Nikki used to call them.
Seeing him so easily allow her touch was incredible.
It took everything in me not to turn into a complete blubbering mess.
He’s always been a tactile person, and I can only imagine how empty he must feel not being able to stand touch from others.
We’re planning to visit again in a few days when Max gets back from her work trip.
I’m almost terrified to see the three of them together.
I’ve only spent a little time with Max here and there when she’s been in town, but from what I’ve seen, she and LB are basically twins.
Hopefully Max feels the same about my mom as LB does, because once Mom learns that Max was disowned by her family, there will be no going back.
Mom will adopt her so fast Max will find herself buried in food before she even knows what happened. I can’t wait.
Cooper
“I thought you said y’all’s mom lived just outside of Kingston in Marshdale. Why are we heading towards Brookfield?” Max asks from the back seat.
I turn to face her. “You remember me telling you about Lane, the guy I met in the hospital?” At her nod, I continue.
“He gets out of rehab today, and I want him to meet you and Mom. I think he’s gone a long time without a support system, and we could be good for him.
He’s an asshole, but underneath, I suspect he’s a lot like me.
Lost and hurting. So please be nice to him. ”
“I’m always nice,” she says, but I level her with my bitch, please face. She rolls her eyes and crosses her heart with her finger. “Scout’s honor.”
“Maxine Bethany Winters! You know good and well you were never a scout, and even if you were, you’re anything but now.”
“Ughhhh. Fiiiine. I’ll be on my best behavior. You take the fun out of everything!”
“Only you would consider torturing others fun.”
“Some people pay for that kind of fun, you know.”
“Gross. Stop talking. Now.” I turn around in my seat with a huff as Max cackles behind me.
Teddy has a small smile on his face when I look his way.
He holds his hand out to me, and I grab onto it with both hands like a drowning man as the butterflies in my stomach go crazy.
Being able to touch him so easily means everything to me.
I hear a happy sigh from the back seat but choose to ignore it.
Lane is standing on the curb, hands in his pockets with a black trash bag at his feet, when we pull up. I poke my head out the window and yell “Get in, loser!” His head jerks up in surprise, eyes narrowing when he sees who it is.
“Fuck you, too,” he says as he opens the back door. When he’s in, I turn around and stick my tongue out at him. “So glad to see you’ve matured some while I was gone.”
I can’t help but laugh. “So how was your extended vacation?”
“Just peachy. You should have seen the cabana boys.”
“Seriously though,” I ask, once our laughter dies down, “how are you doing?”
Lane sobers, turning to look out the window.
“Some days are better than others. Dr. Krazinski has really been helping. I don’t feel the need to run out and find a quick score.
If this was like my previous stays, I’d be nose-deep in some blow by now.
The fact that I’m not gives me hope. Thank you for picking me up, by the way.
I don’t want to use, but I’m also not sure that I’m strong enough to walk past the dealer that likes to hang out down the street from the center without giving in.
” His head is hanging down by the time he finishes speaking.
“Hey.” I say, waiting for him to make eye contact before I continue. “Nobody here expects you to be magically all better. We aren’t here to judge. This shit is hard, and trying is half the battle. We want to be there for you on your good and bad days. That’s what family is for.”
Lane looks around the car, hesitancy and hope clear to see in his eyes.
“Why don’t I introduce you? You’ve already met Teddy, here.” I say, holding up our joined hands. “The goddess beside you is Maxine, but we call her Max. She’s a bitch, but she’s sworn to be on her best behavior.”
The predatory smile Max gives Lane does absolutely nothing to support my statement.
“Hello, handsome,” Max says as she holds out her hand. Lane hesitates but eventually takes it.
“Hi—” Lane squeaks, clears his throat, and tries again. “Hey, um, nice to meet you.” The way his voice deepens has me rolling my eyes.
“No! Nope. Uh-uh. No way,” I say, pointing at Max.
“You two are not allowed to fuck! I forbid it. I literally just made my first new friend in years, and you can’t have him.
” The smirk she shoots my way lets me know I’ve already lost. Did I mention she’s a bitch?
Well, she is, and also a slut. No shame.
Just facts. She is the biggest, sluttiest bitch ever, and if I didn’t love her so much, I’m pretty sure I’d hate her.
I feel movement along my arm, causing me to look over at Teddy.
He’s shaking with silent laughter. “Et tu Brute? You’re supposed to be on my side,” I pout.
“LB, you know I’m always on your side, but you have to admit this is a little funny.”
“I’ll admit no such thing.” I fold my arms across my chest and sink into my seat.
Max leans forward, putting her face right next to mine. “Don’t worry, Coopy-boo, you know you’ll always be my favorite.” Damn right, I will. “I just want to welcome Laney here to the family…properly.” She licks the side of my face, ducking out of my reach before I can retaliate.
“You. Are. Disgusting,” I say as I wipe my face.
“You love me.”
I grumble in response, refusing to admit she’s right.
Max and Lane continue talking in the back seat, and I leave them to it because I know when I’m fighting a losing battle.
I don’t realize I’ve let go of Teddy’s hand until he places it on my knee and squeezes.
Those butterflies in my stomach jump right back into action.