Page 14 of The Lilac River

“What about a mortgage?” Wilder asked.

“I’ll check the accounts,” I said.

“I’ll do it,” Wilder offered. “I understand the software.”

I nodded. “Thanks.”

He leaned back in his chair. “We should sell the furniture too. Someone will pay stupid money for this stuff.”

“And the couch,” Gunner chimed in. “It’s butt fuck ugly and uncomfortable as hell.”

“Yes. Sell it all,” I agreed. “Every overpriced piece.”

We sat in silence until Gunner asked, “Your trip to town didn’t go well?”

I stared at the table. “What makes you say that?”

“You didn’t bring back bread. Or Bertie’s cereal. And you slammed the front door.”

I groaned.

“I saw Lily,” I muttered. “And Sloane Evers. But Lily… she said sorry. Just… sorry.”

“And how did she look?” Gunner asked.

I blinked. “What?”

“Still hot?”

“Are you serious?”

“Curvier? Prettier?” Wilder asked.

My fingers curled into my palms as I stared at my youngest brother, my jaw ticking.

Gunner grinned. “I knew it. Wilder owes me ten bucks.”

“You bet on her?”

“Only ten bucks!” Wild protested.

“Don’t disrespect her like that,” I growled.

Gunner gave a mock salute. “So she apologized. She still looks amazing. And you’re wrecked. Sounds like unresolved feelings to me.”

“Shut up,” I said. “Don’t mention her name again.” I stood. “I’m picking up Bertie. Steaks are in the fridge. Handle the potatoes.”

As I walked out, Gunner chuckled.

And I nearly walked back in to punch him.

Chapter 6

Somebody That I Used to Know - Goyte

Lily

The steering wheel vibrated beneath my palms as I pulled away from the grocery store, my fingers clenched too tightly around the leather. The late afternoon sun glared off the windshield, making my eyes water.

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