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“How pissed was he?”

The concern in Gus’s voice surprised Jon. He shrugged.

“I think he sounded more worried than pissed, but he’s been drinking. Before I told him what was going on, he seemed happy that I’d called. I was expecting him to still be pissed off at me. But he promised he would play it cool and not start anything with James, mostly because Leo was being all ‘ philosophical and shit like Gus ’. I think he understood I meant James won’t be off the hook, but it’s my fight. Not his.”

“Oh shit. I’ll have to have some time alone with him to correct whatever bullshit that crazy old fucker is telling him. Damnit. James really screwed the pooch on this one.”

“Maybe. Honestly, I think I might’ve done the same in his position. She is my sister. She may be a horrible bitch, but I think it’s clear to everyone that I do still love her. I just can’t be around her unless she changes.”

“Has she?”

Jon laughed. “No. She’s up to something. I figure it’ll be easier to figure out what it is if I let her think I’m playing her game. Did you call your buddy?”

“I did. He’s expecting us. I’ll come in so I can keep an eye on you and shoot the shit with him.”

“Good. Hopefully, there won’t be a scene, but Alicia isn’t exactly stable when it comes to me being gay.”

Gus pulled up to the door of the diner. He shifted the car to park. “I get it. Probably better than Levi ever can. He’ll get it because he loves you. I’m living it. Russ and I are just now talking after DECADES of this kind of shit.”

Jon smiled. “One day, you’ll have to tell me exactly what happened between you two.” His phone buzzed. Alicia had texted to say she was seated. He quickly responded with he was about to walk in. “Let’s get this shit over with. Park and come in when you’re ready.” He opened the door and climbed out. He had forgone his crutches, but was still shaky on his feet and slowly made his way inside.

“How many?” The hostess smiled at him.

“I’m supposed to meet my sister here. Alicia Doyle? She said she’s already seated.”

The hostess glanced down at her podium. Her smile faded for a moment, and then returned, but felt less sincere.

“I’ve got her in a booth. I couldn’t help but notice that you’re having a little trouble getting around. Would you rather be at a tabletop? It’s not too busy tonight. It won’t be a problem.”

He shook his head. “Nah, I’ll be ok.”

“Alright. Follow me.”

Jon saw his sister the moment they turned the corner. She was looking out the window, but turned as they approached. She smiled at him. It wasn’t warm. He suspected it was fake, but returned with a warm smile. He settled into the booth. Pain shot through his leg as he slid across the cold vinyl.

“Oh my God! Jon! Are you sure you’re ok? You look awful.”

He chuckled. “I’m fine. You don’t look so hot yourself.”

Her eyes narrowed into a glare. He met her gaze and smiled. After a moment, her eyes went wide. She smiled. It was genuine this time. “Shithead. You know I didn’t mean it like that.”

Jon chuckled. “I know. I’m just fucking with ya.”

“Do they have you on any medication to where you can’t drink? I already ordered you a beer. Should we send it back?”

“Nah. One should be fine. Probably shouldn’t push past that though just to be safe.”

She nodded. “So, what happened?”

He sighed. “Where is the server with the drinks?” He turned his head and looked towards the bar area. Gus was there talking to someone behind the bar. He hoped that his search had gone unnoticed for what it was. “Honestly, I don’t remember. I had a serious concussion, and the doctors aren’t sure if that caused my amnesia or if I’m just blocking it out. But from what I was told, the lady that hit me had a heart attack while she was driving and was dead before she hit me.”

Alicia’s face went white. “That’s awful. I’m glad you’re ok.”

Jon felt his defenses dropping. She sounded sincere, but he knew he needed to stay on his guard. Thankfully, the waitress arrived with their drinks. After some discussion, they ordered a large plate of nachos.

He sipped his beer, afraid of where the conversation would go next. Alicia was never one to let the silence grow awkward, though. “You know, I was surprised when James called and left a message saying you had nearly died and I ought to know.”

Jon smirked. “I was probably just as surprised that he had called you. I didn’t expect him to do that.”

“Why didn’t you call?”

He gulped down half his beer. He looked at her face, wanting to see even the tiniest reaction when he spoke.

“After everything that’s happened? I figured you wouldn’t care.” He tried to keep his voice as even as possible. He feared it would come out with fire, but it came out soft and cracked. Betraying no anger and showing only pain. Not what he was hoping, but it worked.

Her eyes narrowed. She closed them, composing herself.

“Of course I care, Jon. You’re my brother.” Her tone belied the words, confirming his suspicions.

“How are Mom and Dad? Did you tell them?”

“Not yet. Had to see for myself how you were. James can be… prone to exaggeration.”

“I see.”

“But the last time I talked to them, they asked if you were still with him .” There was something in the way she referred to Levi. It wasn’t the same disgust as before, but he was sure it wasn’t approval. He continued to talk about Levi. About how he was there for him, and how he’d helped him through the trauma of losing everything. She remained stoic through the conversation. He told her how he had dropped every other responsibility to care for him after the accident. Her stoicism broke, but he couldn’t read her expression. He felt his guard going back up. He could always tell what she was thinking before, but she was covering well. The nachos were almost gone. He knew if she had an ulterior motive, it would come out soon enough. She wasn’t one to just sit and shoot the shit.

“Have you talked to Grampa Doyle recently?”

He hesitated. Why would she ask that? “No. Why?”

“Oh, no reason. I know you two were always so close.” Something in her tone… “Anyways, mom and dad wanted me to talk to you, and I figured now was as good a time as any. They wanted me to let you know that if you drop this nonsense, come home, and find a nice girlfriend, they’ll buy you a house, and I suspect, given the current circumstances, a new car. I mean, you’d be so much better off without him.”

Jon wouldn’t make eye contact with her. “A house… and a car.” He tried to keep his voice measured and even. They hadn’t said anything to his grandfather yet and wondered why. He laughed when he realized they were worried about his reaction to what they did.

“What’s so fucking funny?” The anger and fire he’d been expecting from Alicia bled through. All pretense was done. He shook his head. Thankfully, the waitress chose that exact moment to check on them.

“Can I get you all anything else?”

Before Alicia could say a word, he turned to the waitress. “Yes. You see that older gentleman over at the bar?” He motioned towards Gus. “Could you tell him I’m ready to leave and ask him to step over here?”

“Certainly, sir.”

He glared at Alicia. “The check’s been handled. I suggest you take your sorry ass home. Nothing will change the fact that y’all are my blood and I still love every one of you, even if you don’t love me. Call mom and dad and tell them I love Levi, and nothing they offer me will make me leave him. I pray one day you’ll find someone that makes you feel the way he makes me feel. Then you’ll understand that I would lose more by giving him up than I would by turning this down.”

“Are you fucking serious? We’re your family. What is he ? A piece of ass? How long before you’re done with him and you come crawling back to us? This was your last chance.” She shook her head, sighed, and hurried out the door. Gus sat in her place.

“So you’re ready? ”

“Yeah. We need to get to the bar. Can you call James and tell him Alicia may come by and not to let her in no matter what she says? I have to make another call.” He dialed the number and prayed that Alicia and her parents were still on the phone.