Page 53 of Giddy-Up
Benny filled the newcomers in.In more detail than necessary.And much to Matt’s dismay if the palm in his face was anything to go by.
“You done?”Matt snarked.“Like my brother said, we’ve got shit to do.So, unless you want to dish out any more unwarranted advice, I’ll be getting back to work.”
No one uttered a word as Matt stormed off, but there were plenty of looks exchanged.It wasn’t like his brother to get angry.He was normally the one winding everyone up, not being wound himself.
Shit.Somethings going on.
Wade clearly needed to talk to him.Now wasn’t the time though.Not when he had access to power tools.His brotherly advice would have to wait.
***
Wade’s gut churnedas he reread the message Riley had just sent him.
Riley: Can we talk?
He still didn’t know how three simple words could feel like such a punch to the stomach, yet they did.
Trying his best to think back over the past few days, he wondered if he’d missed something.They’d spent the whole weekend together after their visit to her parents.She’d been in his bed two nights in a row.Then on Monday she’d had plans with Bella, so they didn’t see each other.And now it was Tuesday.He was coming up blank.Nothing had drastically changed since he kissed her goodbye yesterday morning.
“Everything okay?”Matt asked as he eyed the phone that was still in Wade’s hand.
“Yeah.”He waved him off before slipping the device back into his pocket.
Not forgetting what had happened at the barn last night, Wade had invited Matt to lunch.They were currently sat in Molly’s red booths, digging into delicious food.
“So.”Wade’s elbows hit the metal table as he leaned forward.But he didn’t get any more words out as Matt was quick to cut him off.
“So?”Matt eyed him suspiciously.“So...what?”
He wasn’t going to make this easy it would seem.
“What was that the other night?”
“What was what the other night?”Was Matt’s smartass reply.
Wade sighed, not hiding his frustration.“You gonna answer every question I ask with a question?”
“Maybe,” his brother scoffed.“That all depends on what fucking inane questions you plan on asking me.”
Perfect.He’d be having a side of stubborn asshole with his burger.
“How about we start with what the hell is going on with you and Melody?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Another sigh, this one louder.“Itmeans—I’m getting the distinct feeling things aren’t exactlyfine and dandy.”
Matt didn’t reply.Instead, his gaze traveled around the bright red and whitewashed walls of the diner.Then on to the people scattered in pleather booths along the window opposite them.After a painfully slow perusal, his eyes finally swung back to him.And when they did, Wade could see the pain.
“Talk to me,” Wade said again.“What’s going on?”
“I just,” Matt paused, his gaze dropping to his soda glass, “I can’t give her what she wants.”
“And what’s that?”This would be so much easier if his brother just spat it out.Both their food was getting cold.
“Same thing most chicks want,” he tsked, “a ring, a house, kids and shit.”
“Kids and shit?”Wade repeated, resisting the urge to shake his head.“So, you don’t want that with her or you don’t want that with anyone?”
