Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 78016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
“People are talking shit, saying the band’s going to split up because two of us are in relationships.”
“Like what your dad was afraid of.”
I pull her around so she’s draped across my lap. “My dad was wrong.”
“Have you spoken to him?”
“No, I’ve been avoiding him, and before you try to shoulder the blame, it’s not because I found out he guilted you into pushing me away. He lied about my mom, and I’m not sure how I feel about that.”
Kaylee nods. “I get that. But maybe you two should talk. Throw it all out on the table. He’s still your dad.”
“Yeah.” I scrub my hand over the side of my face. “I also got an email from Adam.”
“Your half brother?”
“Yeah, he’s going to college in New York and would like to meet up to get to know me.”
“And how do you feel about that?”
“I’m not sure.” I stare down at the email. “Just yesterday, we were talking about wishing we weren’t only kids so we would have siblings to connect with. Now I have one who wants to get to know me. On the one hand, it’s not his fault, but on the other...”
“He’s part of the person who hurt you.”
“Yeah.”
“Well, you don’t have to do anything now. If he’s here for college, he’ll be around for a good four years.”
“True. If I wanted to meet him, would you go with me?”
“Of course.” She frames my face and kisses me. “We’re in this together, Brax.”
“Stop fidgeting.”
“I’m not fidgeting. Chicks fidget.”
“Then I guess you’re a chick because you’re totally fidgeting.” Kaylee grabs my hand and entwines our fingers, bringing them to her lips. She softly kisses my knuckles, and I instantly calm. I shouldn’t be this nervous to meet a stranger. I mean, I meet fans every day. I take pictures with them, sign shit during the meet and greets while on tour, and converse with them. But this is different. Because this stranger is my flesh and blood.
“Hey, sorry I’m late,” Adam says, stepping up to the table. “My class got out, and I had to ask the professor a quick question, which turned into a twenty-minute conversation, and then I took the wrong train and.... Fuck, transportation is nothing like in LA. I mean—”
“Breathe,” Kaylee says, smiling at Adam. “It’s all good. We only just got here. Please, sit.”
Adam does as she says and takes a deep breath. “Sorry, when I’m nervous, I ramble.”
“That’s okay. Braxton fidgets like a chick.”
She winks at me, reminding me why I love her so damn much.
“I’m Adam,” he says, extending his hand toward her.
“I’m Kaylee. It’s nice to meet you.”
He smiles warmly at her, then has a seat and glances at me, his features turning nervous. I take a moment to look at him, to see if we look alike, but aside from both of us having hazel eyes, nothing would prove we’re siblings without a DNA test.
“So Adam,” Kaylee begins, breaking the awkward silence. “What are you majoring in?”
“Umm...” He clears his throat, his eyes darting over to me. “Well... music. But please know me reaching out has nothing to do with that. I’m not like trying to start a band or anything. I’m double majoring in music therapy and education, so it really has nothing to do with what you do.
“I wanted to meet you because, up until recently, I didn’t know who you were. I knew I had a brother out there, but Mom wouldn’t say who you were. I mean, I knew your name, heard the whispers, even though she thinks she hid it from us, but not your last name. And shit, I’m totally rambling again.” He sighs, sounding utterly defeated. “If you don’t want to get to know me, I’ll completely understand. I just thought since I was here and you’re here... I have two sisters, but they’re a pain in my ass. Well, I guess technically, they’re your sisters too. They’re cool, but I’ve always wanted a brother...”
“Breathe,” Kaylee says again with a soft laugh.
“Sorry.” He winces.
The server walks over and takes our drink orders, and then disappears. We’re in a semi-private room at a bistro Kaylee loves. If I decide to pursue a relationship with Adam, I’ll choose who knows and when. I’m not leaving that shit up to the damn media.
“You have nothing to be sorry about,” I say, finally speaking. “Music therapy sounds awesome. When I was in school, music was cut out due to lack of funding, and it sucked. We actually donate to quite a few charities that work with schools who use music as therapy.
“As for Denise, I’m not ready to discuss her. I’m not sure I’ll ever be ready. I know she’s your mom, so if that’s an issue for you, I get it. I’m here because, like you mentioned, we’re brothers, and until I saw you guys in Miami, I had no idea you existed, but now that I know, since you’re eighteen and living near me, if you want to pursue a relationship, I’m open to it.”