Page 124 of Here With Me

“Well, we don't accept,” Tripp snaps.

Dad snarls, grabbing his attention with a warning glare.

“I think we oughta take him to Twisted Bull and see how long he can last before pukin',” Tripp suggests. “Thenmaybewe'll accept.”

“I like that idea. We'll even buy you a few kegs first.” Wilder laughs.

“He'll be sick for days.” I scowl, shocked at myself for defending Jase after what he did, but my brothers are brutal. “Plus, he works with clients. He can't show up hungover and walkin' in circles.”

“Sounds like a fair punishment to me,” Waylon says.

“He apologized and gave us his word. That's enough to earn our forgiveness,” Momma says.

My idiot brothers roll their eyes and groan, but they'd never take it easy on Jase since they've never liked him.

“Y'all don't need to worry. I met my therapist for the first time last week, and I'll be seein' her weekly for a while. Realized I had some past issues I need to work through,” Jase explains.

“Really? I'm so proud of you!” I wrap an arm around him and gently squeeze. It takes a lot for someone to admit they need help.

“She, huh? She hot?” Wilder blurts out.

“If you're into older women with gray hair.” Jase shrugs.

“That'll be good for Wilder's mommy issues.” Landen laughs.

“Out...” Dad points at Landen and Wilder. “Take your plates and go.”

“Whaddido?” Wilder asks with a mouthful. “I was just makin' conversation.”

Landen's chair scrapes across the floor, and Wilder's soon follows. The room goes quiet as they walk out the door.

“Your therapist have room for another client?” I lean over and whisper so only Jase can hear me.

He chuckles. “I'll put in a referral for ya.”

Smiling, I dive back into my food. It feels nice to be on good terms with him again, even if I'm at odds with his dad. The room goes back to quiet conversation as my parents talk with my brothers and Gramma. Fisher stays quiet, only speaking when he's spoken to.

“My dad went with me to a grief support group Friday night,” Jase tells me a bit later.

My heart swells, knowing how badly they both need that. “That's wonderful. I mean, not that you have to go, but that—”

“I know what ya mean, Noah. It wasn't as bad as I anticipated. Free snacks.” Grinning, he shrugs.

I cackle. “You could lure me to a lot of places with free snacks.”

“You still trainin' with Donut this week?” Tripp asks me.

“Yep, startin' tomorrow. Gonna try to get an hour in each day so I can give Delilah an answer. Figure if he ain't killed me by Friday, I'll accept her offer.”

“Dude, that's so messed up,” Waylon complains. “You can't work with my ex.”

“Why not?Ididn't cheat on her.”

He points his fork at me as if he's tempted to stab me in the eye. “I didn't cheat! We were on a break.”

I roll my eyes at his pathetic excuse. “Doesn't every man in the history of the world say that?We were on a break...” I mimic in a mocking tone.

“And with Marcia Grayson, no less.” Tripp's whole body shudders. “Girl talks with a lisp.”