“What did they want? Have they visited before?”
“Never. That’s not saying they’ve never been to California—or San Francisco for that matter. But they’ve never visited me. This one and only visit wasmydoing. I laid down a challenge and my brother accepted it. He’s never been one to let anything go.”
I raise a brow, impressed. “Call me intrigued.”
“My parents politely declined the vacation I gave them.”
“They what? Why?”
Reed opens his mouth to speak, but he doesn’t have to answer as realisation hits me. “Motherfucker. Your asshole brother.”
“Yep. That’s why I invited him here. To talk to him about it.”
“Rightly so. But how did you get him to come?”
“They were in LA for work, so I wired him some money and told him if he used it to visit me, I’d wire him some more, telling him we needed to talk.”
“Wow. Okay.” My mind processes that and I laugh when a thought hits me. “Wait. Hetookyour money?”
“He did.” Reed smirks.
“After telling your parents they shouldn’t?”
“Yep.”
My lips lift and I can’t hide my beaming smile as I pull him into another hug. “You’re brilliant.”
“You’re only just figuring that out?”
“Maybe.” I wink until I remember the brothers’ tension just now. “I’m guessing it backfired?”
“Nope.” Reed shakes his head. “They both listened and took the extra money, but they were assholes about it and I doubt they’ll change. I’m hoping it doesn’t matter though. It was only ten grand, but it should be enough for me to convince my parents they can do the same without feeling guilty.”
“How very civil of you.” I smile. “Not the way I would have handled it but I understand your approach.”
“If I could ensure they never saw a cent of my money, I would. But on the flip side, if I knew they’d fuck off and never see my parents again, and that my parents would accept that and be better off, I’d give my brother everything I’ve got. Only it’s not that easy.” He huffs in disbelief and turns away from me, running a hand down his face. “Enough of the bullshit.” He spinsback around, his light-filled gaze meeting mine. “You’re here. My Hollywood star is back. I want to hear all about it.”
“And you will.” I grin though it doesn’t reach my eyes, and when he notices, a bit of his light dims. “First,” I continue, my lips now curling into a sympathetic smile, “will you tell me about your family? About your past? I’m here to listen if you want to get it off your chest.”
And I kind of need to know.
A strained breath releases from the back of his throat as both his head and shoulders drop in resignation. “It’s a long story, Hayls.”
Lifting his chin, I stare into his weary eyes and wink. “Good thing there’s nowhere I’d rather be.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
Reed
Hayley smiles and I find myself staring at her in awe. She’s here. As though my internal thoughts conjured her to my door. Exactly when I needed her. I’d been fast approaching a breaking point with my brother. Just having him in my home felt like a betrayal to my parents, even though my mom would do anything for us to get along. She doesn’t realize what she’s asking—that she’s expecting me to be happy about the way he treats her, manipulates her,guiltsher.
I’m ninety percent sure Dad would have beaten the shit out of him if it wasn’t for my mom. Like me, he sees through the bullshit, but he’s not willing to hurt her like that. No one is.
Except Jace.
I close my eyes, breaking the connection with Hayley, and before I’ve had the chance to open them again, I feel her soft touch on my hand, the brush of her skin instantly calming me.
“I’m sorry about all that.” I sigh as I glance at her again, catching her sad expression before it morphs into anger.
