Page 86 of The Best of Us

“Well, I wasn’t with him on that op, but they both sucked it up and got through it. From what I heard, Constantine told Carter to hit him if it’d make him feel better.”

I honestly wasn’t shocked at all. The more time I spent with Constantine, the more I realized he was willing to take hits from anyone, along with the blame and guilt. He was a truly selfless man.

“Did Carter do it?” I figured Constantine would’ve eventually told me about this, but Colin interrupted us.

“No, but let’s just say they’re not exactly going to be friends anytime soon.”

“Well, you’re my brother, not him. And your loyalty to that man better not interfere with you accepting Constantine into the family.”

Family. The word rolled around in my head, not feeling strange. Just perfectly right.

He puffed out his cheeks, letting the breath go as he tore his hands through his dark brown hair. “How’s Colin handling this? Hell, how are you?” Before I could answer, he added, “Makes sense now why you’re drinking.”

“Colin is in shock.” I nodded. “But he’s happy.”

“And you?” he pressed, raising a brow.

“I’m confused.” I held the phone up in front of my face. “But happy. Also nervous since Colin might be in danger, hence why we’re here.”

“I should be there.” He started to stand, but I patted the air, and he reluctantly sat.

“There’s something else.” Chills marred my relaxed state at the memory of what I was about to share.

“Rebecca Dominick’s wake,” he acknowledged before I had to say it.

“Colin remembered seeing him there.” I caught another hiccup with my hand and left my palm over my mouth, worried I might cry again.

“You’re serious?”

“Dead,” I said through my hand, then winced at my poor choice of words considering the topic of discussion. I spilled the story as fast as possible, ending with, “So, you can see why we’re all shocked and confused. You know, all the things.”

“Now I’m just shocked you’re not totally drunk,” he said. “I would be.”

Yeah, well, Constantine had a few after the “Rebecca’s wake” revelation.I kept that to myself.

“Where’d I go wrong with Colin?” This wasn’t the time to address that, but the words came out anyway. “He has a girlfriend I didn’t know about. He was hanging out with criminals. Stealing.” I shook my head. “He promises he’ll change now that his dad is in his life, but I feel like such a failure.”

“Don’t start with that. You’ve done the best you could. Donotfeel bad, you hear me? He’s a teenage boy. It’s normal for him to act up.”

“Not like this.”

“And if anyone should feel bad, it’s me.” He shook his head. “I’m the one who accidentally taught Colin to steal.”

“You played hide-and-seek with objects and taught him magic tricks as a kid. How would you know he’d turn those skills into a life of crime?” I shivered. “Of course, had he not stolen Constantine’s wallet, his father wouldn’t be in his life.”

He groaned.

I did as well.

“I need another drink,” I mumbled.

“Maybe that’s not a good idea when you’re shacked up with Colin’s dad.” Of course, Easton would worry about that.

“Constantine would never take advantage of me.” I couldn’t help but defend the man.

“He better not,” he shot out. “Is he single? He has to be, right? Or he wouldn’t just move y’all in.”

“Single, yes.”

---