Irreversible Damage (Irreparable 2)

It’s a place where I want to spend forever.

Chapter 2

Tori

Once Brady and I are satisfied, showered, and dressed, we head downstairs for breakfast.

I watch as Brady looks longingly at the coffee pot before reaching into the fridge. While I lean against the counter, I admire his backside. He’s been politely avoiding brewing coffee in the house because the smell makes me nauseous. He produces a jug of orange juice.

I smile and say, “I think it’s safe to drink coffee again.”

He sets the jug on the counter and shakes his head. “No chance.”

He’s sweet. I think it’s harder for him when I get sick than it is for me.

Once he pours a glass of juice, he returns the jug to the fridge. He turns to face me. “Oh, hey, the guys are coming over in a bit. Jesse’s been working on getting us a gig, and we need the practice.”

“Okay.” I didn’t mean to sound hesitant, but I know it came out that way. I’d never want Brady to think I’m not thrilled with him pursuing his dream to be a musician. I am. I’m extremely proud of him.

He cocks his head to one side. It’s obvious he’s noticed the uncertainty in my response. “What?”

I have to be honest with him. “You know how excited I am for you, right?”

“Don’t,” he says, firm. He knows I’m prepping him. “Get to the point.”

“All right…I don’t like Davey.”

There, I’ve put my feelings out there. Davey is their lead singer. He’s an old friend of Brady’s, but he makes me extremely uncomfortable. There’s just something about him that doesn’t sit right. The crease in Brady’s brow locks into position. I’ve hurt his feelings.

“He freaks me out,” I say, trying to defend my reaction.

He shakes his head, the worried crease still intact. “Did he do something to you?”

What? Why would he think that? Davey hasn’t said one word to me, which is part of the problem. He’s been in the house almost every day, and rather than speaking, he just stares at me. It’s weird. “No, he didn’t do anything, exactly. He creeps me out, though.”

He shows his relief with a laugh, but nothing about Davey is funny. His crease disappears, replaced by a playful smile. “Creeps you out, huh?”

I nod.

“I know he’s a quiet guy, but I promise he’s completely harmless.”

“I’m not so sure, Brady,” I argue, shooting him a nervous glance, unsure how he’ll respond. “Tug said he has a drug problem.”

I see his jaw tighten. His body straightens. Bringing up Tug might not have been the best way to prove my point.

“And Tug is always right?” He leans back, gripping the counter with his palms. His chest falls as he lets out a huff of air.

Crap. Why did I have to go and challenge him with gossip from Tug?

“That’s not what I meant.” I want to argue that where Davey’s concerned, Tug is right. I can’t put my finger on it, but there is something wrong with Davey. It’s, like, he’s got a secret, and a dark, scary one at that. Brady is as rebellious as they come. I know if I push, especially based on hearsay from Tug, he’ll defend Davey even more.

After a heavy sigh, Brady pushes

off the counter. He lifts my chin with his finger before planting a quick peck on my lips. “Yes, Davey used to do drugs, but he’s been clean for a long time. He’s a great front man. I wish you wouldn’t listen to Tug. He doesn’t know Davey like I do.”

That might be true, but performing well in front of a microphone doesn’t make you a decent person. I wish Brady could see how immature Davey is. I wonder for a minute if I should tell him about the time I overheard Davey asking Jesse to go in on a hooker for Brady after I give birth since I won’t be able to put out for a while. I cringe at the memory. I mean, who does that? I decide not to mention it, since Jesse handled the situation by telling Davey there was no chance in hell he would participate in anything that could hurt my and Brady’s relationship. I love that Jesse has my back. I know he thinks Davey is a douche, but he won’t say anything. My hope is Brady will figure out soon enough that Davey is bad news.

I shrug off my thoughts. We’ve wasted enough time talking about Davey. I slip my arms around Brady’s waist. He smiles down at me.