Page 6 of Bull's Boy

“Yes, Evan. You want to do a destination wedding.”Whywas the question. Malcolm had always thought the idea of making all your friends and family travel somewhere expensive just for the privilege of seeing you get married was a bit selfish—though that was completely on brand for Evan.

“Yes, but Cathy won’t agree because she doesn’t think you can afford it.”

The heat from his neck raced up to his cheeks, his teeth clenching so tightly he worried he’d crack a molar. He didn’t say anything though. That wasn’t a question—it was Evan fishingfor him to confirm how broke he was so he could launch into how Malcolm was ruining his wedding already.

The fact thatCathy—a woman Malcolm had met less than a half dozen times—was the one to consider it might not be feasible for Evan’s own brother to travel wherever he ended up wanting to get married wasn’t lost on Malcolm. As sad as it was, he’d bet Evan didn’t really care if he came, but didn’t want Cathy to know how shitty of a brother he was.

His phone vibrated on his thigh a couple of times as they stared at each other before Evan finally turned away and said, “If you had a real job, our family wouldn’t have to bend over backwards to accommodate you and your finances.”

Direct shot.

Sucking in a breath, Malcolm pushed to his feet and did his best to stand as tall as he could. He didn’t want to give his brother the satisfaction of knowing he’d made him feel about two inches tall with that jab, but being eight inches shorter than Evan sort of negated the effect.

“Being a server is a real job. I make real money and everything. If it’s easier for you, then just don’t invite me.”

Malcolm caught his eye roll in the mirror before Evan whipped around and crossed his arms over his narrow chest. “God, don’t be so fucking dramatic. I’m sure Mom and Dad would loan you the money to come if you asked nicely.”

Pushing his tongue between his bottom lip and teeth, he tried to rein in his temper before he went off on Evan in public and ended up as a viral video. He was probably right. If Malcolm asked their parents to help him pay to attend the wedding, they’d grumble about it for a few days or maybe a week, makea few shitty comments about him needing to grow up, and then agree to front him.

He wasn’t about to do that. Not for something inane like a wedding in Mexico or wherever. He’d have to be on the verge of homelessness to swallow his pride and put himself through months of passive-aggressive comments and disappointed looks.

His brother wasn’t worth that on his best day.

“Whatever, Evan. I’m going to go get some food, then head home. This was… yeah.” He opened his phone as he turned away, ignoring the texts from Dahlia for the moment and pulling up a rideshare app. He’d have to put it on his emergency credit card—that he’d beensogood about not using—but it would be worth it to not have to be in the same space as Evan for another minute.

“Jesus, always such a drama queen.”

He heard the muttered words but ignored them until a tight grip on his upper arm jerked him to a stop. “Ouch! What the fuck?”

Evan bent down so their faces were only a few inches apart, looking more pissed than he had just a minute ago. “Stop being a goddamn baby. Cathy will lose her shit if you don’t come, so maybe think of someone else for a change and figure out how you’re going to pay for?—”

Evan’s eyes widened as a shadow fell on them, his head tipping up and jaw slackening.

Confused, Malcolm looked behind him and felt his stomach flip at the welcome sight of Sally and Bo’s son, Bull. He wasn’t sure why he was there, but his pissed-off face had Evan dropping hisharsh grip and stumbling backward, so Malcolm was just going to be grateful.

“Hey, Bull.”

“Hey.” The big guy didn’t look away from Evan until he huffed and stomped back over to the area they’d been occupying by the changing rooms. Once he was gone, he looked down at Malcolm, and his face shifted to the polite smile he was used to from the restaurant. “You ready to go?”

Malcolm scrunched his face in confusion. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Lia said you needed a ride…” Bull swallowed and took a step back, smile dropping away.

“Oh!” Malcolm swiped out of the rideshare app, pulled up the unread texts from Dahlia, and started to grin. “I can’t believe she sent you to save me.”

LBF

Bull is in Ridgewood picking up an order for Bo’s. Hang on a sec and I’ll ask if he’s still in town.

And then a couple of minutes later…

LBF

Success! He said he’ll be there in like five minutes. You’re welcome

He quickly typed out a message for her, thanking her and letting her know he owed her big-time, then tucked his phone in his pocket and grinned at Bull’s cautious face. “Sorry, I’d missed those texts. I really appreciate this though.”

Bull nodded slowly, eyes flicking back to where Evan was probably still preening in front of the mirror. “It’s no problem.”

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