Page 23 of Endgame

Six’s eyes widened. “But that’s right before school starts.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve already ordered your uniform, books, and supplies. They’ll be here later this week. Everything is organized.”

“But, Mom, I really wanted you to be here.”

“Why? It’s not like you’re too young to go to school on your own?”

“Because!” Six bit down on her lip and glared. “Nothing. Forget it. It’s fine.”

“Thank you, baby,” Cass cooed. “Gabe and I really need some alone time.”

“And for how long?”

“I don’t know. Maybe a couple of weeks.”

“Acouple ofweeks?” Six cocked one of those finely shaped brows.

I watched in confusion. Why was this bothering her? It wasn’t like Cass or Dad spent any time at home with us. Why did she care if they left or not?

“Have you thought about your upcoming doctor’s appointments?” Six continued. “Or your morning sickness? You do realize that it could get ten times worse out on the water? Two weeks on a boat isnota good idea, Mom.”

“There’s no need to speak to me like I’m a child,” her mother shot back, turning red. “I’m the parent here, Mercedes.”

“Oh, you are?” Six shot back, feigning surprise. “Wow. Could have fooled me, Mom.”

“Mercedes! Show some respect,” Dad snapped. “Don’t speak to your mother like that.”

“Dad.” Something erupted inside of me then, something fucking strange, because I felt a burning urge to defend Six. I didn’t want to feel it, but it stung like a bitch. “Leave her alone.”

“Stay out of this, Rourke. I don’t need your help,” Six hissed at me before turning her attention to my father. “This has nothing to do with you, Gabe.”

“Your mother haseverythingto do with me and I won’t tolerate you speaking down to her under my roof, or telling her what to do a minute longer.”

“Telling her what to do?” Six threw her head back and laughed harshly. “Oh my god. You have no clue, do you?”

“Mercedes, please,” her mother began to interject, but Six wasn’t having it.

Eyes locked on my father, Six growled, “You might want to advertise for the position of a nanny because when that kid comes, you’re going to need one.” She laughed harshly once more. “Because your darlingwifesure as hell needs some pointers and I’m not sticking around to help. I already raised myself.” Having said that, Six shoved past me and stalked out of the kitchen.

“She’s right, Gabe,” Cassidy sobbed. “I let her down. Mercedes had to grow up faster than any child should have to.” Hiccupping, she added, “No wonder she hates me.”

“She doesn’t hate you, darling,” he soothed, wrapping his arms around his wife.

Shaking my head, I left the room, choosing to go check on the one person in this house that deserved my time and attention. When I reached her door, I knocked twice before slipping inside. “You okay?”

Amelia was sitting cross-legged on her bed, reading some old dog-eared paperback. “I’m fine, Rourke.” Placing the book face down on the bed, she looked up at me and smiled. “Are you?”

Immediately, I was consumed with my guilt, and every time I looked at my sister, that guilt grew. “I’m good, Mills.” I wasn’t. Not even close. But she didn’t need to worry about my bullshit. Walking over to her bed, I sank down on the edge and exhaled heavily. “Dad’s planning a trip with Barbie. Apparently they’re leaving at the end of the month on a last-minutehoneymoon.” Christ, even the word made me sick. “It’s not permanent, Mills.” I dropped my head and studied my hands. “Barbie and Six being here? I’ll fix this. I promise.”

“Her name is Cassidy, Rourke, and I like her.” Amelia corrected, before crawling over to sit beside me. “And I like Mercy, too.”

I stiffened. “Tell me you’re joking.” I turned and looked at my sister. Her small, heart shaped face and blue eyes, surrounded by a halo of golden hair, burned through me, making me feel worse than normal. “You don’t mean that.” How could she? How could she sit here and offer second chances? Goddamn, my baby sister was a better person than me.

“Cass is okay, Rourke. And I really think she loves Dad,” Amelia insisted. “And Mercy? She’s about as happy to be here as you are to have her here.”

“Good,” I snapped, jaw clenched. “Maybe she’ll take the hint and fuck off.”

“Oh, really? And where is she supposed to go, Rourke?”

---