Page 81 of This Blood That Binds Us

“Now you’ve done it.” Aaron sighed as he finished up the dishes and returned to the table.

“You knew she had a stalker, and you just didn’t say anything?” Luke said.

“Hmm. Wonder why that is? Maybe because I knew terminator one and two would overreact,” Aaron said.

The group turned to face him.

“He’s been like that all day...” I said softly.

Guilt crept up into my chest. I couldn’t tell them anything without betraying Aaron’s trust. But something was seriously wrong with him. He was acting like another person entirely. My stomach turned with worry.

“Oh, no.” Aaron groaned and buried his head in his arms on the table. “I don’t want to hear it.”

“Uh oh. Aaron’s in trouble.” Presley snickered.

“I’m fine! How many times do I have to say it?” Aaron lifted his head, his eyes foggy. But his voice was full of aggression.

Luke got up from his chair, walked over to Aaron, and put his hand on his shoulder. “Why don’t we go talk about it in the other room?”

“Let go of me,” Aaron warned.

“Nope, family talk...come on.” Luke grabbed Aaron by the shirt, forcing him up.

Aaron eyed me as he made his way to the other room. I gave him a half smile and watched him walk away.

“Don’t worry. She is safe and sound,” Presley called into the other room. “Now onto the good stuff. Tell us about you. What do you like to do? Aaron tells us you’re a bit of a loner.”

I was actually relieved with his question. I expected Presley to blow the secret any second. But he leaned back in his chair and put his hands behind his head.

“You’re not supposed to tell her that,” Zach said.

“Who cares if Kimberly is a loner? Lots of people are . . . like . . . uh that lady who writes poetry . . . or wrote poetry,” Presley said.

It occurred to me they have probably never had to deal with loneliness. From Aaron’s stories, it was safe to say they always had each other. From morning until night, they were stuck together.

“Shut up. Don’t try to act like you know things.” Zach placed an elbow on the table and rested his chin.

“Aw, don’t be jealous. Some of us actually paid attention in high school,” Presley mocked.

Zach opened his mouth like he was going to argue more, but I cut him off. “It’s okay. It’s the truth. I kinda stick to myself.”

They directed their attention back on me.

“All right, all right. I’m asking the questions here. So, what is your favorite thing about Aaron?” Presley’s eyes narrowed.

That’s when I knew things were getting serious. I expected it sooner or later, seeing how close they all were. They were definitely grilling me.

“What kind of question is that?” Zach groaned.

“Hey, I wanna know! We have to weed out the gold diggers and self-centered broads.” Presley smiled. He leaned in closer, waiting for my answer.

“How could she be a gold digger if we aren’t rich?” Zach rolled his eyes.

“My favorite thing? Aaron’s a good person. He’s got a kind heart. I can tell. I’m sure you all had something to do with that,” I said, still nervous.

My voice hung in the air. The house was oddly quiet for a Saturday.

Zach smiled at my answer but laughed under his breath. “Actually, despite us, I’d say. But yeah, he really is.”