Page 12 of Life After You

This is immediately met with sudden violence as both Trey and Sam tackle him.

“She’s part of this, Logan. Whether she likes it or not.” Chace’s voice is slightly muffled, considering Sam’s rear end is too close to his face.

I exhale, feeling the weight of it all settle over me. The laughter, the brotherhood, the gaping hole Braden left behind. I grab my guitar and swing it over my shoulder. My fingers brush against the ink beneath my shirt—the angel on my back, the words forever etched into my skin: My brother in this life and the next.

Braden’s face flashes in my mind—grinning, alive, full of fire.

I promise him silently… I’ll bring her home.

But instead of heading to the stage, I turn toward the exit.

It’s time.

Chapter Five

Kayla

My first week at Patty’s feels like a blur. The days blend into each other with the constant buzz of plates, orders, and coffee machines. I barely have time to think, and honestly, that’s exactly what I need.

This morning, I’m sitting at the table in the boarding house, poking at a bowl of oatmeal that’s long since gone cold. Dean, the guy who runs the place, walks in, his hair damp from a shower, and his notebook tucked under his arm. He’s got the kind of easy confidence that makes me think nothing ever rattles him, though I’ve seen him get plenty worked up when someone tries to skip out on rent.

“Morning,” he says, settling the notebook on the counter and pouring himself a cup of coffee.

“Morning,” I mumble back, pushing the oatmeal around with my spoon.

“You’re working again today, huh?” He leans across the counter, his mug cradled in one hand.

“Yeah. Every day, it feels like.” I reply, forcing a faint smile.

“You don’t have to work this much, you know? I mean, most people staying here are scraping by, but…” he gestures vaguely toward me. “I get the feeling you’re not exactly hurting for cash.” I stiffen slightly, caught off guard by his bluntness. I glance down at my mug, running my finger along the rim.

“I’m fine. It’s not about the money.”

Dean raises an eyebrow but doesn’t push. “So, what is it about?”

I hesitate, the words sitting heavy in my chest. I don’t owe him an explanation, but part of me wants to say it out loud—just to hear it for myself.

“I just…need something to do. Something to keep my hands busy while I figure things out.” He nods slowly, like he gets it. “Fair enough. Work’s good for that.”

“Yeah,” I say softly staring into my coffee, “I guess it makes me feel useful.”

“Useful is good. Is the bed in your room alright? Not to lumpy or whatever? Because I don’t mind swapping it over for one of our newer beds if it helps you sleep?” Dean’s voice cuts through my thoughts, and I blink up at him.

“Yeah, it’s fine. Just struggling to sleep, new place and all.” I say quickly, forcing the words out.

“Tell you what, I’ll give you a ride to Patty’s this morning. Save you the walk.

“Really?” The offer catches me off guard, but I nod. “Thanks, that’d be great.”

“No problem,” he says, pulling a chair out and sitting across from me. “By the way, you sticking around another week? I need to know if you’re re-booking your room?”

“Oh—yeah, if that’s okay. I’m not ready to move on just yet.” Dean waves a hand like it’s no big deal. “Works for me. Just settle with me before Friday, and we’re good.”

I offer a faint smile, but my thoughts drift to my phone, sitting untouched in my bag.

The ride to Patty’s is quiet, the hum of Dean’s truck filling the space between us. I keep my hands folded in my lap, my phone zipped away in my bag, though the weight of Logan’s unanswered messages feels heavier with every passing mile. I’ll reply soon. I have to. Just…not yet.

As Dean pulls up to the diner, he glances over at me. “Hey, a friend of mine’s throwing a party at one of the club’s tonight. You should come.”

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