Not good for you

43;

The house was empty by the time we got home. Earlier, I received a text message from Leigh saying she'd gone partying with Emilia. I felt relieved because I wasn't ready to face any of them at that moment. My head felt heavy, and I didn't have the strength to stay on my feet, so I immediately headed to my room and collapsed onto the bed. Last night felt like a fever dream, and I wasn't sure if it was one of the worst nights of my life or because so much had happened. Whenever I thought about Seeley, my chest tightened, but his words echoed in my mind after he admitted that he'd been in love with me for years, which made me genuinely smile.

I heard my phone buzzing, so I groaned and turned to the bedside table, my body feeling like it weighed a ton. My stomach turned when I saw Perkyn's name appear on the screen. I didn't want to answer because I felt guilty for thinking I might have played him, too.

I shook my head, still staring at his name. I liked him and was aware of his feelings, but something else drew me to Seeley. Was it love? Or was it the regret and guilt I felt toward him?

I pressed the green button and tried to shake off my nerves.

"Hi, Perkyn."

"Hey, I just wanted to check on you," he said kindly, but I could sense the shadow of hesitation in his words.

"We got home safe and sound," I said as I sat up, massaging my ankles.

"I'm glad to hear that. I wasn't sure if it was a good idea to let you get into his car while Seeley was..." He couldn't describe the hurricane and storm Seeley had turned into last night, and I couldn't blame him. Even I had to think carefully about how to talk with Seeley.

"He told me everything about his childhood and the things Oswald has done, so I understand why he reacted that way," I said softly. I almost asked if his father was all right, remembering the heavy hits he took from Seeley. He sighed, and I heard him moving around.

"It's still crazy to think that we are brothers." He let out a big breath, and I nodded before realizing he couldn't see me.

"It was one hell of a night."

"Yeah, BBQ parties are off the list for a while now, you can imagine."

I smiled. "I guess so."

He hummed in response. Knowing he was also a Drewitt made me feel as if I was talking to a whole new person; it was still unbelievable.

"Can I ask you something?" His voice was gentle and humble.

"Of course."

He waited a few seconds to ensure I didn't change my mind before speaking up. "Did you recognize my father, and that's why you called Seeley?"

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I stood up and walked to the window, staring at the empty garden. The lights were still there, just as Seeley had put them up to surprise me on my birthday. That day felt like a lifetime ago; so much has happened since then.

"Or was it just an unfortunate coincidence?" he pressed on. I closed my eyes, knowing I was the reason his family was on the brink of falling apart. But I had to take action. Oswald Drewitt couldn't continue to get away with everything.

"I recognized him immediately," I admitted, ashamed and fearful of his reaction.

I'd never seen him lose his head, but this reveal and colossal lie had been thrust upon them out of the blue, so it wouldn't surprise me if he lashed out at me.

"Why didn't you say anything?" he asked, his voice more desperate and confused than angry, which surprised me.

"Perkyn, I..."