Page 255 of The Baby Bargain

I stick my tongue out. Earl Grey is fine. It fits a certain mood. But chai is life.

He puts the kettle on. "Tell me what happened." His voice softens. "If you want."

"You'll lay off the judgment?"

He nodsyeah.

"And you'll… you are Chase's best friend."

"I am."

"So if you have any insights…"

"They're yours."

I wait until he fixes two massive decaf chai lattes. With extra cinnamon. And cardamom.

Then I tell him every detail.

Well, most details. I'm not about to share…ahem.

When I'm finished, Forest nods with understanding. His expression stays kind. Concerned. Loving.

Free of unique insights.

"He left. And he asked for a few days. And I… He doesn't want something complicated." Or maybe he does. My cell is still off. I'm still refusing contact. I just can't handle anI'm sorry, but you were right. I should stay Uncle Chase. Not even that. I should disappear from your life forever. Enjoy the genetic material!

"Chase lives and breathes complicated."

"Maybe. He… he's pretty much cut everyone out of his life."

Forest's gaze goes to the table. He stares at his half-empty mug for a long moment. Then his gaze shifts to me. "He's very—"

"Stupid?"

"Yeah." My brother chuckles. "He always took responsibility, but something changed when Grace left him. It was like he stopped interacting with the world."

"With you?"

"We still play every week—"

"This week?"

He shakes his head. "First one we've missed in a long time."

"Oh."

"Which is my fault."

"That's true."

Forest's laugh gets louder. "He's a miserable fucker, right now. He's not doing well without you."

"But does he realize that?" I try to take another sip, but my mug is empty. "He can't get over this idea he has that he's toxic. It's ridiculous. He's done so much for me. But he can't see it. And I can't make him see it." I set my mug down. "I told him you can't save someone. I meant it. But I still want to save him."

Forest's eyes flash with epiphany.

"You think I need a therapist?"