Tug (Irreparable 3)

“Poor Tug, I’m sure he thought I’d be upset with him. I usually am. Everyone always thinks he’s making trouble.”

I chuckle. “That’s because he usually is.” Liv laughs. “He loves you and was worried about how you would take it.”

“You know, surprisingly, I’m okay.”

“Give yourself a few days for it to sink in, but if you need to talk, I’m here.”

“Thanks. Tori’s been so busy with the wedding and Andrew, I feel like we never get to talk anymore.”

“Life happens, but you two are obviously very close.”

She nods. “We’ve been friends since birth, and I love her to pieces, but there’s room for one more.” I smile at her words. She sits quietly for a few minutes, clutching her stomach, and then shifts in her seat, facing me. “Can you do me a favor?”

“Sure.”

“Don’t say anything to anyone at the house, especially Brady.”

“You’re not going to tell him?”

She slowly shakes her head. “No. He leaves tomorrow, and I’m going to wait until he’s long out of town. Tug has nothing on Brady when it comes to controlling his temper, and I don’t want to ruin his last night at home with my drama.”

I assure her I won’t say anything as we arrive back at the barbeque, and I spot Tug in front of the house, looking miserable.

I’m still on the front steps when they pull into the driveway. I’ve decided to tell Liv everything, and then I’m going to beat the shit out of Harrison. I stand when Liv gets out of the car and notice Harrison isn’t with them. Liv runs toward me and throws her arms around my neck. “Thank you. I love you, Tuggy.”

It’s the closest I’ve felt to anyone in my family in so long, and I feel like if I let go, the feelings will go away. “I’m so sorry, Liv, but I’m glad he told you.”

She pulls back, a sad frown on her lips. “He didn’t.”

“How’d you find out?”

Her eyes move to Maria.

“I was just stopping by my apartment to get Javier a change of clothes.”

Liv kisses my cheek. “She was awesome. I’m going to leave you two, but don’t tell anyone, please. I’m not ready.”

I nod and she goes inside, probably to her room to cry her eyes out. “Where is he?”

“Don’t,” Maria warns, pulling the keys she was about to give me back.

“You don’t understand. He’s been a part of our family, like a brother, and an uncle to Drew.”

“I know, but beating him up, going after him, won’t solve anything.”

I turn, rubbing my forehead with the ball of my palm. “I can’t sit here and do nothing.”

“You can be here for your sister. She doesn’t want you to hurt him. Why do you think she didn’t tell Brady?”

My head falls back and I laugh. “Because Brady would hang him from a tree by his fucking nuts.”

“Exactly. You have to let her figure it out.”

“I won’t leave, but if he shows up here, I can’t promise anything.”

Harrison didn’t show up, which is good for him, because my anger hasn’t subsided any and I would have probably ended up in jail after I put him in the hospital. We drive away from my brother’s house. Javier sleeps soundly in the back.

“Stay at my place,” I say, caressing Maria’s knuckles with my fingertips.