Page 84 of Bad For Me (Rock Canyon, Idaho 5)

“Thank God for that.” Everett looked in the rearview mirror at his sister-in-law, who’d fallen asleep. Her head was tilted to the side, and her mouth hung open as she snored softly. They’d barely been on the road forty-five minutes, but she’d been out within twenty. “Is Valerie okay? I’ve never seen anyone fall asleep that fast.”

“Yeah, the fried chicken or something gave her heartburn, so she was up half the night. Had to drive to Twin Falls to get her some antacid, so sorry if I’m being a dick.”

“No, you were right. I should have been on time.” Everett signaled and merged into the left-hand lane to pass a semi. “It’s just that things with Callie and me are complicated, and I just had to see her.”

“Well, she seems nice, from what little time I’ve spent with her. And Dad seems to like her. I saw them talking a couple times last night.”

Everett debated telling Justin about Callie and Fred’s association and decided it was better he hear it from him than find out later. “Callie and Dad are in AA together, actually. Callie is the mystery sponsor Dad is always sneaking off to have coffee with.”

Everett saw Justin turn to look at him out of the corner of his eye and waited for the disbelief, the anger . . .

The laughter?

Justin was bent over laughing. “Oh my God, I thought you were serious for a minute. Dating Dad’s sponsor. Very funny.”

“I’m serious.”

“No, you’re not, because if you were seriously dating an alcoholic after what we’ve been through with Dad, I’d have you committed.”

Everett took in his brother’s attempt at humor, knowing that just below the surface he was simmering. His brother was even-tempered, just like Everett, but when he was stressed or worried about someone he loved, he could blow a gasket quick.

Several minutes ticked by before Everett tried again. “She went through a bad time, but she’s been sober five years—”

“What? Did she start drinking in infancy?”

Everett took a deep breath, remembering his own reaction to Callie’s addiction. Listening to Justin’s sarcasm gave him a better perspective on what a judgmental, self-righteous asshole he’d been. “Don’t be a douche.”

“No, I’m serious. I want to know what it takes to be a sponsor. I mean, I figure you’ve had to get into some shit to be able to counsel others—”

“Just drop it. I shouldn’t have told you.”

“You shouldn’t have told me?” Justin’s voice rose. “I’m your fucking brother, for Christ’s sake! I’m the guy who was there for you when that bitch of an ex-wife left you high and dry. I’m your family. I just don’t want you putting your faith in someone who’s only going to let you down.”

“What’s going on?” Valerie mumbled from the backseat.

“Nothing, honey. Rhett’s just being a dumb-ass.”

“Hmm.”

Everett gripped the wheel so hard his knuckles practically glowed white in the darkness.

“Look, all I’m saying is that with everything you’ve been through, don’t you want someone more . . . stable?”

“Callie is stable. She’s got her addiction under control, and she makes me happy. You don’t have to like it, but if you really want to be on my side, you’ll give her the benefit of the doubt.”

Justin sat up against the door, his face set in a hard, unreadable mask. “I think you’re settling because you don’t feel like you deserve any better, but—”

“If I were you, I’d shut my fucking mouth—unless you want to walk to Boise.”

Justin did what Everett suggested, and neither said a word for the last hour of the car ride. When Everett pulled up to the departure drop-off, Valerie woke up with a yawn.

“So, what did you guys talk about?”

Chapter Twenty

“I JUST THINK you should call your brother,” Fred said to Everett on Halloween morning, five days after Everett dropped Val and Justin at the airport. Everett was gathering hay bales for the Rock Canyon High School Carnival and had someone coming by at noon to pick them up. He’d had to defer all of his Stateside calls until then, which meant he’d be working later than usual. Callie had been okay with it, though, since they were just planning to hang out at her place and watch movies anyway.

Everett still hadn’t reached out to Justin, even though they’d called home several times to tell Fred how much fun they were having. They’d even sent Everett a couple of beach shots.