If it weren’t for Ian’s cancer and need of a bone marrow match, I wouldn’t fucking be here either. None of our other brothers was a match to him, and while I was the last person to be asked, I came as soon as he called. I may have left them all behind in the past, choosing self-preservation over abuse, but I’m not going to turn my back on him again. This is a matter of life and death, and I won’t let my brother die because I don’t want to hear the wrath from the others.
“Looked rough in there, sugar,” a voice says from behind me.
I spin around, seeing a woman who was once a pretty girl, but is now a shell of her former self. A woman I once thought I loved, sliding between her legs on the regular when we were in high school. “Shanda?”
“Yeah, baby,” she says, throwing her cigarette on the ground and smashing the burning end with her beat-up high heel. “Never thought I’d lay eyes on you again.”
I don’t move toward her, something I would’ve done in the past. “You’re as surprised as me.”
She has no problem walking toward me, her eyes sliding down and up my body, studying every inch. “You’re looking good, though, Dylan. Better than you did when I last saw you.”
As she gets closer, I step back, not wanting any part of the train wreck she looks like she is. “You look…” I don’t even have it in me to lie. Her face is pockmarked, no doubt from the countless years of drug use.
“You feel like going at it once more for old time’s sake?” she asks without shame.
I shake my head, flipping through all the ways I can turn her down without her causing a scene. “Can’t, babe. Although the offer is tempting, I have a girl.”
Shanda had been sweet, but she was always about the drama, and I’m not in the mood for more bullshit than I have already experienced tonight.
“I won’t tell anyone,” she replies, still having zero shame, smiling at me with her checkerboard grin.
“I have to go,” I tell her, taking a few steps backward.
“Maybe another time,” she calls out as I move away from her.
“Yeah, maybe,” I lie, turning around and making my way toward my bike, leaving the past where it belongs—in the darkness.
When I finally kick off my boots at the door, I collapse into a chair on the front porch, a jumble of emotions running through me. I never thought I’d be back here again. The place where so much bad shit had happened, and any happy memories were few and far between.
I’d taken more than a few beatings in this very spot, my body bent over the railing as my father lashed me with his belt until his arm grew too tired to swing the leather again.
“Hey,” Ian says as he pokes his head out of the rusted screen door. “Y’alright? Need a beer or anything?”
“Nah, kid. I’m fine. Do you need anything?” I ask in return, because he’s the sick one and clearly the nicest of all the Walsh men.
He steps out onto the porch, the screen door slamming behind him as he leans on the railing and turns to face me. “You’re here. That’s all I needed.”
I have no doubt if one of my other brothers had been a match, I wouldn’t have been needed or wanted. I probably never would’ve heard about Ian’s battle with cancer either. All my brothers feel like Finn does, but they aren’t as easy with sharing their feelings, even when they’re filled with hatred.
“You feeling okay?” I ask him, noticing the slight wince on his face when his one hip touches the railing.
“Fine. My body’s just shit after the chemo and radiation. It’s like catching a beating, but instead of the pain being in one area, it’s everywhere and deep in your bones. Never felt a pain like it. Never want anyone else to feel it either.”
The remnants of the little boy I left behind are still there. Glimpses of his childish features still dot his face, but they’re older and weathered.
“I wish I could do more,” I tell him, hating the look of pain and sadness in his eyes.
He raises one arm, brushing his strawberry-blond hair away from his eyes. “You’re doing what I need, Dylan. Once the procedure is done, hopefully my body will start healing so I can get back to livin’ instead of dyin’.”
“No doubt,” I whisper, unsure of what else to say.
He grimaces as he shifts his weight from one leg to the other. “I need to go lie down. You going to be okay out here alone?”
“I’ll be fine, Ian. Go rest,” I reassure him. “Holler if you need anything.”
He gives me a sorrowful smile before moving back toward the door, walking slower than he had when he came out. His hand lands on my shoulder before he steps inside. “I’m glad you’re here. Bone marrow or no bone marrow, I’m happy you’re back. It’s been too long since I’ve laid eyes on you, and I didn’t want to leave this earth without ever seeing you again.”
I place my hand on top of his, regretting so much of the past. “You’re not going anywhere, Ian, and neither am I.”
He smiles down at me, giving me a slight chin dip. “Night.”
“Night, kid.”
As soon as I’m alone again, my phone vibrates in my pocket, and I retrieve it, finding a message from my buddy Gil.
Gil: Deal went through. Money’s in your account.
I restored an old Indian, leaving it at his shop to be sold because I didn’t have time to do it before heading back here. The money from the sale will be enough for me to live on for months, without having to worry about my recovery or finding a job right away.
Me: Thanks, man. ’ppreciate it.
Gil: Let me know when you’re back and need more work.
Me: Will do.
I don’t have the heart to tell Gil I’m not coming back. I had my fun in California, but wherever I land after Ian is squared away, it won’t be on the West Coast.
Before I turn off my phone screen, a message flashes at the top and almost knocks me off the chair.
Luna Gallo liked your post.
Rosie’s twin sister. This means only one thing…the woman has talked about me. And no matter what her mouth says to my face, I’ve left an impression.
If I have to be trapped in this town, I may as well have a little fun. And that will include the hot little Gallo with the mouth of fire.
5
ROSIE
Unknown: Hey…
I stare at the screen, waiting for something, but I don’t know what. I’m scared to move, worried that any movement will cause him to extend the conversation and give him the wrong idea.
Fuckin’ Luna.
She did this shit. I never would’ve gone to his social media and stalked him. I especially would’ve never liked or commented on any of his posts, drawing attention to myself.
But Luna…she always has to stir the pot.
The Queen of Drama strikes again.
Unknown: I need to postpone the tattoo for a while. I just thought you should know so you don’t wait for me or think I stood you up.
I breathe a sigh of relief.
Me: No problem. No big deal at all. Thanks for letting me know.
I curse myself a little as soon as I hit send. I should’ve just replied with Okay. Too many words lead to too many thoughts and opportunities for him to reply.