Page 70 of Mended Fences

A server saved me from any additional interrogation, dropping off a cider flight at our table.

“Oooh, yummy.”One won’t kill me. Just a taste. I’ve earned this day.

I picked up a glass and read the label written in chalk on the board the flight had been delivered on. “Triple Berry.”

I took a sip and hummed my appreciation. “Damn, that’s good. Here,” I said, handing the glass to Nat. Her reaction was much the same as mine, and she passed the glass to Jasper.

“Fuck, Dad makes a mean cider.”

“Right?” I croaked out as I picked up another glass. “Shit is so good.”

I swirled the amber liquid in the next glass, watching it catch the light. The first few samples had already loosened my muscles, making me feel relaxed and chatty.

“Look who I found,” Charlie announced, walking up to our table with Kai.

The bartender nodded at us, his usual stoic expression in place.

“Hello,Kai,” Natalie said, her tone dripping with disdain.

“Hey, bud,” I said, grinning. My good mood couldn’t be dampened, not even by Kai’s grumpy-ass presence.

“Chase. Staying out of trouble?”

My smile fell. Of course, he’d ask that. Kai had seen me at my worst more times than I could count.

“Doin’ my best.” I took a sip of cider, trying not to let his comment get to me.

Charlie was watching us both carefully, but before she could say anything, Jasper opened his big mouth.

“And we all know how much yourbestis worth.”

The happy bubble I’d been floating in all day popped.

“Fuck off, Jas.”

“What? Just sayin’ what everyone else was thinkin’.”

Natalie kicked him under the table, but my brother just crossed his arms, jaw clenched like the self-righteous prick he was.

“That’s not what I was thinking,” Charlie said, glaring at Jasper.

“Whatever.” I shoved my stool back and drained my drink. “I’m out.”

I stormed toward the door, my shoulders tight with tension. Just as I reached it, Elena walked in, her face lighting up whenshe saw me. But her smile dropped as she took in my expression. “Chase, what’s wrong?”

Her fingers caught my arm, gentle but grounding. For a moment, I wanted to fall into her, let her anchor me like she always did. But Jasper’s words echoed:And we all know how much yourbestis worth.

“Not now.” I yanked away from her touch, hating myself even as I did it. I couldn’t let her see me like this. Couldn’t drag her down with me.

I stormed out to my truck, hands shaking as I fumbled with the keys. I sat down and dug into the center console. If I couldn’t work out my frustration by punching my little brother in the jaw, I’d workmyjaw on a piece of gum.

My fingers brushed plastic. Not foil. Not gum. Just one tiny bag. My stomach dropped. There, tucked in the back corner where I’d forgotten about it months ago, was a small baggie of white powder.

Fuck.

The Edison bulbs from the cidery reflected in my rearview mirror, warm and inviting. Inside, my family celebrated their success. Elena was probably worried, wondering where I’d gone.

But all I could focus on was that little bag in my trembling hand, promising to make everything fade away.