Page 42 of Rayne

"Oh," I still, embarrassed. "I'm sorry. I did water them but then things got hectic. I'm so sorry," I say again.

Mom's gaze softens and she continues with the food preparation. "It's okay. They will survive. What's been happening with work?"

I fill her in on Elijah's start, leaving out any details revolving around Hawk and Jett. I especially don't mention Tuesday, my eyes avoiding the staircase as flashbacks pop into my mind.

I had returned the gun to Dad's office, hoping he doesn't realize it was taken temporarily—or notice the smell of lemon from the cleaning products. Nothing looks out of place to the naked eye—but that's my eye. I don't live here anymore, so it's hard for me to know where every single little thing lives. Mom and Dad would be able to sense change immediately, but hopefully if they do, they just put it down to me watering their plants.

Dad walks into the kitchen, giving me a kiss on the cheek. "Hiya, kiddo. Good to see you."

"You too, Dad," I murmur, looking around for something else to help with. I glance at all the food, puzzled. "Mom, this is a lot of food. You must have worked up quite the appetite in Florida."

"You haven't told her yet," Dad laughs, giving Mom a quick kiss.

My nerves stand on end, like I can sense the calm before the storm. I turn around slowly, making sure my movements are calculated and unsuspecting.

"Tell me what?" I ask carefully.

Mom's eyes light up. "Your brothers are coming to dinner."

I drop the lemon in my hand in a fright. "What?" I squeak, quickly reaching down to collect it from the floor.

"Proper family dinner," Dad says casually, watching me with concern. "They are in town for work-related business. I'm surprised you didn't cross paths with them. They were watching the house for us as well."

I swallow, shaking my head. "Nope, didn't see them at all. So, they are coming? Like… tonight?" I ask wearily.

"Yes," a deep voice answers, making my head snap to the door. Hawk and Jett enter in, dressed casually in jeans and cotton shirts. I didn't even hear the door open, too distracted.

"Oh," I breathe out, eyes wide. I quickly correct my stance, trying to act unfazed. "That's… good."

Mom nods, putting down her stuff to free her hands. "Boys!" she yells happily, running over to embrace them in a hug. "You made it."

Hawk gives Mom a hug, watching me over her shoulder. "We sure did, Mumma Bear. It smells amazing already. But you already know that—you're the best cook we know."

I roll my eyes, folding my eyes but Mom just gushes, slapping his arm playfully. "You humble me."

"It's true," Jett grins, squeezing her and lifting her off the ground for a split second. "Made us big and strong."

I'm flabbergasted, but I can do nothing but watch in silence as Mom and Dad greet them happily. I'm in utter Hell, trapped for my crimes. If this isn't karma, then I don't know what is.

"Sis!" Jett yells to me happily, strolling over to pull me into a hug. I resist at first, not lifting my arms. But when I spot Mom and Dad watching, I begrudgingly hug him back.

"Jett," I respond sternly. "Hawk."

Hawk walks over, smirking at me once his face is out of sight of our parents. "Lovely to see you again, Rayne. You look well." He leans down, giving me a kiss on the cheek, my body tensing up.

"I am well," I answer confidently. "In fact, I am amazing."

I have no idea what the hell has come over me. They know very well I am not coping—because of them. But I still want to make them jealous, or taunt me. Wait… jealous?

"I love that for you," Hawk murmurs. "Work must be going well. You always were just as talented as Dad."

Dad laughs warmly behind us and I swear I can feel my eye twitching. I just nod, forcing a smile. "It's going great. I've recently gotten a raise actually."

"Have you?" Mom gasps. "That's wonderful. Because of the new responsibilities?"

"Yeah…" I answer quietly. "But thankfully I don't mind. Elijah is a really lovely man." I look at Hawk, silently challenging him. He doesn't react, merely turning away to head back to our parents.

"How can we help?" he asks, linking arms with Mom as they head back into the kitchen. "Put us to work. You know we love to get down and dirty."

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