The Guy in the Middle (The Underdogs 3)

“I told you I was done asking.”

I sip my water. “Maybe I have my own questions this round.”

“I’m not doing this.” He moves to stand, and Trevor shocks us both, his voice acidic as he scolds his older brother.

“You can’t help him. You can’t fight this, Lance. It’s a horrible disease, but don’t take it out on her, on any of us. You’re fucking up, bro, and you won’t stop it even when we’re telling you how you’re doing it. Do yourself a favor and take a breath.”

“Do yourself a favor and save yours,” Lance retorts dryly before stalking out of the dining room and slamming the back door.

Despite my need to go to him, I finish my dinner. Tony eats two plates while making conversation until Trevor excuses himself, his posture deflated.

“They grew up too early,” Tony says, wiping his mouth when Trevor is out of earshot. He’s an attractive guy, older. I’ve been fond of him since I recruited him for Lance years ago. He’s an ex-athlete with heart and a good sense of family. It’s how I knew he would be the perfect fit for Lance.

Tony throws his napkin on his plate and sighs. “I know what they feel right now. I went through similar shit.”

I swallow. “Should I be here?”

“Do you want to be here?”

“More than anything.”

“Then you should be here.”

“Jack’s gotten so much worse.”

“Actually, he’s been holding steady for a few months. Problem is they couldn’t afford his medicine this month. It’s eight hundred dollars with private insurance. That’s a majority of what this is about.”

I nod. I figured that was the case.

“I love him. But I don’t know what to do.”

“He knows it. But if you’re itching for resolution, it’s not going to come easy.”

“I know.”

“Just be there for him. This breakdown of his has been a long time coming.”

“I can’t believe it’s gotten this bad.”

“It’s been hard, Harper.”

I turn to Tony. “Why do you stay?”

“Because they took me in. My own family has never been so kind. And because I believe in Lance. I know what he’s capable of. I’m just not sure he knows it anymore.”

“He was a completely different man in New York.”

“He was on a hope kick. Sometimes when that’s stripped away, you hit bottom hardest.”

I bat my tears away.

“Don’t blame yourself. This is his life, and he has to work his way through it. You can’t fix this.”

“Okay.”

“I’m glad you’re here. This will be good for him.”

“Thanks.” I stand to go in search of Lance and double back to where he sits. “Tony, can you do me a favor?”