Page 311 of Second Sets Omnibus

“Call for help, bro. You got shot. You’re in a cast. I can carry you on my back everywhere I go. Don’t make me do it,” he quips, giving me his best dad look that might work on Lyric.

“I’m fine, seriously. I can do some stuff on my own. I’m a big boy.” I roll my eyes when he points to the dining room table, demanding I sit across from Kieran and Cal.

“Bossy, asshole,” I grumble, leaning on my crutches as I make my way to the long table.

“Morning, sunshine,” Callum quips, leaning his elbow on the table.

I snort, situate myself in a chair, and lean my crutches behind me. “Morning.”

Kieran nods in my direction, dropping his eyes to his steamy plate of food. He shifts uncomfortably, drawing my attention to his stiff posture. I’ve known the guy for a long time now. So, I can always tell when something is on his mind.

From the kitchen, Rad whistles a little tune, clinking plates and silverware together before emerging again with a plate full of every breakfast food imaginable. Eggs, bacon, hash browns, and even a massive side of biscuits and gravy.

My stomach rumbles when the smell hits my senses, and I swear, I drool a little.

“Breakfast is served,” Rad singsongs, waltzing into the dining room with two plates and setting one in front of me. He hums more, wiggling his body as he finds his seat and grins. “God, I love cooking. There’s even enough for my Little Pretty Girl before she has to go to school.”

“Thanks,” I say with appreciation, rubbing my hands together. I raise my brow when I look up from my plate, greeted by two concerned looks from Kieran and Cal.

“I’m fine,” I reassure them again, shaking my head when they scoff in unison.

“You say that, but I don’t fucking believe it,” Kieran grumbles, digging into his food and shoving it into his mouth with a huff.

Rad snorts. “That’s because this asshole is never okay. And now, he’s been shot, by Donavan fucking Drake. That super bunghole,” he grunts, roughly cutting into his biscuits.

“New rule. Never say his name again,” Kieran says, shaking his head with disgust. “I’m just…I can’t believe that happened,” he whispers, keeping his voice low so we don’t wake our two guests, still snuggled in bed upstairs.

That’s another new development I need to discuss with our girl. River hasn’t left our house since this happened. Half of me thinks she’s terrified to go home. Totally understandable, too. I wouldn’t want to return to the place where my privacy was invaded.

The other half of me thinks she feels guilty for me getting shot. She shouldn’t. It’s not her fault. I did it to protect Lyric.

We were both at the same place. It could have been her or Ly. So, I’m glad it was me. I took it so they didn’t have to.

So, the next time I see River, I’m suggesting the therapist and a good session with her and Lyric. It’ll all help us fight through this in the end without losing our minds over it.

The four of us converse softly as we eat our breakfast, trying to stay as quiet as possible. Not only has River basically moved in here, but she hasn’t been sleeping. More often than not, she plays bed roulette throughout the night. By morning, she’s slept with all four of us and Ly, who also has her own bed here.

The conversation goes on around us as my thoughts bubble to the surface, nagging me to bring it up. Say it already. Tell them how you feel. Express yourself. They’re your brothers, they’ll understand.

Finally, I set my knife and fork down, staring between the other three stuffing their faces and blowing out a breath.

For the moment, they’re happy, conversing about mundane things. The weather. The beach. Simple things. Until I complicate everything.

“I want to quit,” I blurt, unable to hold it in any longer.

Shit. I curl my fingers into fists, silently wishing I could run away. But a soothing voice reminds me I’m expressing something important, and I’m allowed to say it.

My heart beats like a drum against my ribs when everything ceases around me. The noise halts. Their bodies stiffen when they exchange curious glances.

“Quit what exactly?” Kieran asks, furrowing his brows.

“Oh boy, I think I know where this is going,” Rad murmurs, rubbing at his chin with worry.

“This,” I say, gesturing to the house. “This entire thing… I… I want to quit the band. I want to stay here in East Point and be with River.” I roll my lips together when Kieran sighs, digging his phone out of his pocket.

“Funny you should say that. I wasn’t going to bring this up until later. But you know how Constance was looking into other deals for us when we first saw River? Something that might pay a little more. Well, EJ records sent her an offer this morning for a five-year contract with us. It’s worth a hundred mil.”

Rad whistles under his breath. “A hundred fucking million? That’s like millions more than this contract.” His eyes widen in disbelief.