Page 55 of The Science of Attraction

I counted to five so I didn’t lose my shit and then reminded him, “It’s only a week earlier than last year.”

“We’ve started early as well.” Zach had my back. “Hopefully the weather’s kind to us.”

Our father doubled down. “Too. Early.”

We ignored him—the very best way to piss him off—and I changed the subject. “Thanks for picking up Mum’s script.”

“No problem.” Zach reached into his carry and slapped the packet in my hand. “The pharmacist said she might feel a bit nauseated for a week or so, but then it should improve.”

“I’ll tell her.”

My father scowled at the bag. “What... p-pills?”

“A new analgesic her doctor wants to try.” I pocketed the bag. “Zach saved me a trip into town.”

My father licked his lips. “She never... she—” He paused, struggling for the right words before giving up. “I should... know.”

It was hard not to feel sorry for him. “Yeah, maybe you should’ve,” I agreed. “The way she’s been holding her cup lately was pretty obvious.” I raised a brow and his lips formed a thin line, but he didn’t argue my point. He’d been lost in his own problems for months. A little wake-up call that there were other people dealing with serious shit in his world, couldn’t hurt.

“I took a look this morning and gave her some new exercises to try,” Liam said and my father looked up at him, surprised. “I’ll also make some enquiries about a better wrist support. I have a few contacts in orthotics. I might be able to get her a custom fitting.”

My father’s eyes softened. “Thh-ank you.”

Liam shrugged. “You’re welcome.” They exchanged a look that was hard to fathom.

Zach leaned on the gate, one foot resting on the bottom rail, and surveyed the mob. “Any losses so far?”

I shifted to stand next to him. “A few. Not too bad. You guys?”

He nodded. “The same. But there’s a chance of snow for the weekend and Holden is anticipating a couple of all-nighters. I might not be available if you call, just so you know.”

We turned at the sound of our father’s unimpressed grunt. “Told you. Too... early.”

I looked to Zach, who was already rolling his eyes, and we both snorted. “Yeah well, I’m sure you’ll find a reason to tell meI told you sosomewhere along the way.”

Paddy huffed and grumbled something about respect.

“And I think that’s our cue to leave.” Liam handed our father his quad cane. “Say goodbye to the nice men, Paddy.”

My father looked startled for a moment, then a hint of a smile appeared on his lips and he poked Liam in the ribs. “Fuck you.”

Liam poked him back. “You’re not my type.”

My father gave a lopsided grin and my mouth fell open.What the actual fuck?

I shot Zach a look to find him equally gobsmacked.

But Liam didn’t even break stride. He took my father’s elbow and steered him away. “I was thinking, since it’s a nice day and all, that maybe we could take a detour or two on our return. You can show me around and tell me some stories of your youth.”

Struggling not to laugh, I was doing way better than Zach who’d had to turn away so he didn’t lose his shit completely. By the time he got a grip, Liam had my father safely in the car and was calling for Chip.

Zach gripped my arm, his stunned expression a study in disbelief as he whispered, “Did Liam just drop a gay joke on our father?”

I huffed, nodding as I answered, “That’s exactly what he did.”

Liam closed the back on Chip and returned for the chair, frowning at whatever he saw on our faces. “What?”

Zach shook his head. “He lets you say stuff like that?”

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