She should at the very least give a shit about him.
Clearing my throat, I raise one hand to eye-level, before I purse my lips. There’s something I want to know but I don’t want to upset my brother by asking.
“What’s up, Kalen?” he prods.
Maybe he wants me to ask it.
“Well, I was just wondering,” I begin slowly as I steal a brief glance in his direction. “Do you think she might be strong enough to come to graduation in a couple of weeks?” He arches an eyebrow curiously, causing my eyes to immediately drop down to my lap again, “Not for me. I could care less if she showed up to cheer me on, but I think it would be nice for Dalton.”
“I can definitely work on it,” Luna says enthusiastically. “If she’s willing to respond to me when I talk to her, she might be willing to let me help her up and around her room.”
I nod, lean back against the sofa cushions, and run a hand back through my hair. “If it wouldn’t be too much trouble.”
“Not at all! I told you already, once you deal with my dad, you can deal with anyone, and he is one grumpy son-of-a-bitch,” she states with a laugh.
“So, your father is still alive?” Dalton asks.
“Yeah, of course he is. I’m good at taking care of anyone who’s entrusted to me,” Luna replies fondly.
“Then why are you here and not with him if you’re so good at taking care of people?” I snap, raising my eyes toward her.
Dalton lets out a heavy sigh and I can feel the sting of his disappointment washing over me.
I hate doing that—I would rather have him be angry at me, yell, scream, throw things, but disappointing him is one of the worst feelings in the world.
“Because sometimes we need a break from family,” she replies simply. “Sometimes, family can be overbearing, unkind, and unappreciative of the things we give up for them. And my dad can definitely be that way.”
I chuckle under my breath.
It’s almost like we’re cut from the same cloth in a way.
Her father got sick of her.
Our mother forgot we existed.
“Then you have abandonment issues too. Welcome to the family,” I joke in an even tone.
“Kalen,” Dalton hisses at me from across the room.
“Sorry,” I mutter.
“Nothing to be sorry about,” Luna intercedes with the wave of her hand. “I’d be happy to be considered part of your family—even if it’s just for the two weeks I’m employed here.”
I cut my eyes toward my brother who’s smiling brightly at her.
I can see it in the way he sits up with his back straight, his hands resting lightly on his knees, his eyes shining so goddamn brightly when she smiles back at him.
He wants her too.
Even though we’ve never been enemies, and I have no reason to become one, I think a little sibling rivalry for Luna’s affections may be a healthy thing between us.
It’ll bring us closer together and hopefully force her out of the door ahead of schedule.