Page 123 of Ruptured

He still hated to see tears in her eyes and misery on her face, but he didn’t trust her, his biggest issue with her. “No–”

“Maybe, we can all go?” Rory inserted. “As support for her.”

CJ glared at him and Ryan rolled his eyes.

“M-Mattie is talking to her again,” Rory said defensively. “Harley’s still our cousin.”

Nodding, Harley leaned over, grabbed her knapsack and opened it. She pulled out two envelopes and held out one to Rory and the other to Devon. Rory accepted without hesitation; Devon eyed it with suspicion.

Harley swallowed. “H-happy belated birthday, Devon.”

Huffing, he snatched it from her, which CJ didn’t like, though he understood. He opened the envelope and pulled out folded notebook paper and a photo.

“Apology accepted, Harley,” Rory told her and held up the photo of the two of them together on the night of Dad’s 49th birthday. “We had so much fun that night, huh?”

“We did,” she agreed.

“Is that what you gave me, Harley?” Devon demanded. “A request to forgiveyouformyfucking birthday with a lame fucking photo after all the motherfucking chaos you’ve caused?”

Anger surged into CJ and he stiffened, before remembering he no longer fought her battles. Unable to bear the hurt on her face, he turned away.

“It says happy birthday, too, Devon,” Harley told him.

He tossed the letter, photo, and envelope on the floor. “I don’t care, especially if it comes from you. The minute my brother or CJ pisses you off, you’ll turn into a whiny bitch again.”

“Appreciate the support, Dev, but don’t hurt her feelings on my account,” CJ said testily, unable to bear it any longer.

“Fuck, the fucking sky is falling,” Ryan grumbled, “because I agree with CJ. Harley never did shit to you, Devon.”

Uncle Val walked in, carrying a stack of pizzas, which he set on the coffee table and snatched a beer. After drinking deeply, he belched and eyed Harley. “Puff know you here?”

She bowed her head. “No, Uncle Val.”

He looked at Ryan and lifted his brow.

“I didn’t do her anything, Pops,” Ryan said. “She’s been in that mood since she walked in.”

“I’m just tired.” Lifting her head, Harley forced a smile, making no move to stand. “It’s been a long day.”

Uncle Val studied her, glanced from CJ to Ryan, and tasted his beer. “Puff bought a bunch of nail shit, Harley. A pedicure for your fingernails and a manicure for your feet. At least that’s what she wants to do tonight if you’re up to it.”

“It’s…it’s the opposite,” she said. “Manis are for fingers and pedis are for feet.”

“I knew that,” Uncle Val said, grinning. “Just wanted to see if you were paying attention.”

She smiled sadly. “Okay.”

“If you’re tired we can go to another room, so you can sleep.”

Uncle Val’s announcement shocked CJ. He thought she still slept in Ryan’s room.

“Are you hungry?” Rory pointed to the pizzas and smiled at her. “Mom and Mattie always like to take their slices before Dad, JJ, and me get to them.”

Harley shook her head.

“Mattie said she’s going to call you,” Rory went on. “She’s just been at the hospital with Aunt Meggie and Reb.”

“H-how are they?” Harley asked.