Page 28 of One Little Lie
“Jesus,” she grumbles. “That’s a story for another day.”
Holding up my glass, I clink with hers. “I’ll hold you to it.”
Ashton
Chapter 9
My head hurts as I close another one of Dad’s journals. I’d called Mom and asked her to bring them today. She was curious but didn’t push when I told her I couldn’t explain why I needed them yet.
I know there has to be something in here that will resonate with Halton. He and Preston picked up the journaling habit from our father, but he’s more alike to all of us than he realizes. I just have to find the proof to get him out of the darkness.
I was with my father when he collapsed shortly after his fight with Halt. I was fifteen, but remember the pain in Halton’s voice like it was yesterday.
When Halt stormed off, I told my father he was wrong. Colt loved Rylan, yes, but he was never in love with her the way Halton was. I saw it in my father’s eyes when we had it out that day. He already knew he’d made a mistake, but he was clutching his chest, trying to write a note, and couldn’t hold the pen steady.
“Halt … best man … love her forev—” He fell to the floor and handed me a key that changed my life forever. “We fight for those that can’t, Ash. You and Loki now …” His voice faded, and I knew he was gone. Everything happened under a dark cloud after that. I remember trying to talk to Halton, but he shut down every attempt.
Then SIA happened, the Secret Intelligence Agency, and my father’s secret I almost lost my life protecting. But I should have pushed Halt to talk.
I should have known he’s been hurting, pining over Rylan all this time. I’ve been so wrapped up in other people’s shit, I didn’t notice my brother, my best friend, was slowly dying inside.
I failed him once. I won’t do it again.
So, when my brothers burst through my door a few hours later, I know we only have one option. It’s time for the Westbrook brothers to do what they do best. Meddle.
* * *
“Where is he?” I ask after Preston fills me in on the Summerfest debacle.
I eye Colton closely as he paces my tiny space like a pent-up tiger. He’s ready to pounce, to destroy, to hunt, and I can’t say I blame him. He’s been hurt in this fucked-up mess, too.
“Ash? Why the hell are you living in a double-wide so far away from us at the lodge?” Preston glances around and grimaces.
I bought a double-wide trailer a couple of days ago and temporarily put it on the lot where my house is being built. It’s not the kind of living any of us have experienced before, but I relish the simplicity, the isolation it offers.
“I need my space.” I give him no other explanation, and sadness takes over his expression, so I drop my gaze.
“Jesus, Ash.”
“Explain it to me again,” Colton demands, giving me a reprieve from Preston’s interrogation. “You think he fucking broke her on purpose, in a misguided attempt at keeping the brotherly code? Without ever asking me? Talking to me? Having a goddamn conversation that could have saved us all so much pain?”
He spins to glare at me. “And you’ve known all of this? This entire time you’ve let us hurt over a lie?”
I shake my head sadly because I know that’s the way it appears. “No, Colt. I heard his argument with Dad. I saw Dad’s stricken face when he realized he messed up, and there was nothing I could do. I was fifteen and had just lost my dad, too. As time went on, we all changed. I-I admit, I messed up. I failed you all …” My voice breaks, and Preston hands me a throat lozenge. I eye him curiously.When the hell did he start carrying these around? I pop it into my mouth, though, because otherwise, anything I try to say now will come out barely above a whisper.
“Jesus Christ, Ash. You’re not our keeper. You’re not the glue. We’re a family. This is supposed to be a joint effort,” Preston curses, pointing at a chair and silently ordering me to sit.
“Did you know?” Colton asks point-blank, and I narrow my eyes because I’m not sure what he’s asking. “Did you know he loved her? That she loved him?”
“Shit, I think we all did,” Loki chimes in.
We all turn to him. The room is full of brothers by blood and brothers by choice, all connected by a common thread. A family born of trust and love, and I keep breaking their confidence at every turn.
“What?” Colton’s voice is shaky as he backs himself into the corner. It’s like he needs the wall to hold him up.
My chest constricts. I’ve caused so much pain, and for once, I don’t know how to fix any of it.
“Where do you think she went when you were playing video games? Or when you were outside playing basketball?”
