“Ronan, you’re out of line,” Uncle Ant said in a low, warning tone.
“No, he’s allowed to voice his opinion no matter how off-base he is. The restaurant needs to be held accountable along with the perpetrators. Nori will no doubt have physical therapy, doctor, and psychiatric appointments. She may also have to step away from her career for a time. And let’s not get started on the amount of care Daisy will require. Should all of these expenses come out of their pocket? The doors of the restaurant won’t shut. You’ve been in this family long enough to know how insurance works,” Dad said through gritted teeth.
The silence returned until Kieran cleared his throat and began handing out coffees.
“Here you go, Big Bro.”
“Thank you,” I said, accepting a cup from him with my name on it.
“I made it just how you like it.”
I smirked. “You always made a better barista than a lawyer.”
“Fuck you. I hope you burn your taste buds off,” he joked.
“I notice Casey isn’t here.”
Kieran rolled his eyes. “Allegedly, he’s on his way.”
I grunted before nodding for him to follow me away from the tense atmosphere to speak privately.
“How are you holding up?” I asked.
He snatched his glasses off and rubbed at his moist eyes. “Not so good, if I’m being honest,” he answered, replacing his glasses on his pointed nose. “You?”
“A fucking wreck.”
“Hm,” he hummed. “Um… I don’t know what the plans are for your rehab, but I don’t mind being your accountability partner. I’ve been doing research and attending AA meetings.”
My heart startled in my chest as my younger brother rattled on about all the research he conducted on alcoholism and how he was willing to also stay sober for my sake so that he could practice what he preached.
“Sometimes, I think you’re too good for this world,” I whispered. His crooked grin prepared me for his bullshit response.
“Remember that when you revamp your will.”
I take back everything I said.
“You’re a dickhead, you know that?”
He chuckled and wiped away another tear from under his glasses. “I prefer strategic planner, thank you.”
“Go to Hell.”
“Eventually, but have you heard from Kiyah?”
“I spoke to her about thirty minutes ago, and she said she’s jumping on the next flight out of Chicago.”
“You two will be cool, right? You’re not gonna be on any of that weird shit, are you?”
I shook my head. “I’m fine. You don’t have to worry about me.”
I confessed to Kieran the extent of my fight with Kiyah, including everything I said. He was appalled, and I could physically see the high regard he held for me slip away a little. I couldn’t blame him; I felt the same way about myself once the anger subsided, and all that was left was regret and an implausible wish for a time machine.
“Good. I’d hate to have to kick your ass about my sister.”
“I’m here. I’m here. I’m here,” Casey said repeatedly, jogging in our direction. “How are they?” he asked, taking a moment to catch his breath.
“Where have you been?” Kieran asked accusingly.