𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 |𝟏𝟖+|

29. Betrayal

Brooks' POV

"We need to talk." Four words that I plan to pretend I never heard. Four words, spoken by my father. Four words I wish didn't matter.

The first thing my dad said to me when he pulled me in for a hug was that we needed to talk. Quite obviously it wasn't gonna happen when we were sat in a waiting room for my grandma in hospital, but those four words have been rattling around my mind since he spoke them.

It was well past midnight when we each got a turn to see grandma. Thankfully, the docs say she's gonna make a full recovery, I just feel terrible for her that it happened in the first place.

Lennon and her parents stayed with us until mom and dad told them to head home. They'd down enough just being here. Her family really was my second home.

Mom persisted I too head home, rubbing my head in fascination over the new cut and also telling me that I wasn't off the hook for not informing her of my flight to the city.

I understand though, she's my mom I should've told her. Just like I should've told her a lot of things.

"Strid wants you sleeping over at ours tonight babe." Margot mused, walking hand in hand with Seb whilst I sheepishly walked besides their daughter.

"It's okay. I'll just-"

"You'll just listen and sleepover at our house. Agreed?" I forgot how scary moms can be when they want to.

"Yes Mrs Beaumont." Seb and Lennon snickered at me as we neared our cars.

Lennon made me park right next to everyone, claiming that it would be easier to find our car when we came back. I didn't have the heart to tell her that my raised truck was a beautiful eyesore that would be hard to lose in a crowd.

"Okay, well we'll see both at home kiddos. Drive safely."

"Will do."

Lennon hopped in the passenger seat of my truck whilst Seb turned into coach mode and grabbed my arm. "You will drive safely Denver."

My eyes widened and I almost shit myself. "I always do coach. Especially when the passenger is my-errr, Lennon."

He narrowed his gaze, sussing me out before scaring the hell outta me when he clapped my arm and smiled. "That's what I like to hear, son."

And just like that, he left.

Weird, weird man.

Rounding the hood, I climbed in beside Lennon, watching as her parents drove out of the car park.

"How you holding up B?" My gaze fell to the woman of my dreams as she held the back of my neck, rubbing her thumb across skin.

It wasn't pity I saw in her eyes. It was pure, genuine adoration and I hope she could see the same mirroring through mine.

"I'm okay Lenny. Thank you." I started the engine up at the same time she squeezed my neck and made me turn my head to her again.

The cocked tip of her head told me I said something wrong. "Try again Brooks. How you holding up?" God this girl. I swear she was a literal angel in a past life.

I left the truck running and angled my body as far as it would turn to her. Taking a deep breath, I reached for her hand. "Honestly Lenny? I'm fucking exhausted. Mentally, fucking exhausted. Like I really feel like I've been punched in the gut. But with saying all that, I know I'd feel so much worse if I didn't have you with me so thank you sprite."

I half stood with my back nearing the roof and grabbed Lennon's face in my hands. The sudden movement made her jump, but when she saw what I wanted to do she smiled and tilted her head so I had better access.