All In (Keep Breathing Book 2), стр. 80

Landon narrows his eyes at me, and I know he’s fighting not to say something.

"Oh my gosh, is this Matty?" Maria coos as she slides onto the deck, unaware of what is taking place and stands beside her husband. "He's so cute, and he looks just like you Liam." She wiggles her finger at Matty.

Landon roughly clears his throat. "Only like Liam?"

Maria glances at her husband with her eyebrows pinched together. "Well, you know what I mean." She whacks him.

"Right. The whole Daddy thing.”

“Yeah.” Maria smiles. “It suits you, Liam.”

“I’m going to go sit down,” Landon says gruffly and storms back into the house like a child throwing a tantrum.

“You’ll have to excuse him. It’s been a rough couple of weeks.” Maria gives a tiny smile to Holly and grabs Matty’s foot. He doesn’t seem to mind her attention.

“It’s alright.” Holly waves off. “I’m Holly by the way.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Where are my manners? I’m Maria.” Maria laughs and the two shake hands. “I feel like I already know you. Sylvia has talked my ear off about you and Matty.”

“She has?” Holly glances at my mother.

“Of course, I have. Your family now.” My mom squeezes her shoulder making Holly blush.

“Can I hold him?” Maria asks, holding her hands out for Matty. Matty happily jumps into her arms and Holly and I are both shocked by how easily he goes with her. I guess my boy can smell the rat in my brother.

“Holly, do you want to come with me, have some girl talk before dinner to get to know one another better? I have a feeling we will be a part of each other’s lives for a while.” Maria winks at me. “You don’t mind if I steal your girlfriend and son for a little bit, do you, Liam?”

“No. Just bring them back.” I lean in and give Holly a kiss on the cheek. I can tell Holly is wary of going, considering everything that played out only moments ago.

“Is she anything like your brother?” Holly whispers in my ear.

“No, I like her,” I whisper. “You will too.” It’s true. Maria has always been a sweetheart. I enjoy her company, and if things were different with my brother, I’m sure we’d be a lot closer. “Go, I’ll rescue you in a bit.”

Holly grabs my tie and pushes up on her tippy toes to plant a kiss on my lips. “I love you,” she says softly. Her gentle reminder is just what I needed.

“Mama,” Matty calls, wiggling his arms out for her.

“Go,” I swat her bottom. “I’ll catch up with you in a few.”

She runs her hand down my cheek, giving me one more look over before she turns around, following Maria back into the house.

My mom puts her hand on my arm and sighs heavily. “I really do wish you two could work out whatever is going on between you.”

“It’s never going to happen,” I retort. I’m not sure there will ever be a way Landon and I can repair what has happened between us. There will forever be a divide that breaks us apart. “You lied to me about him being here.”

“I was hoping this would give us a chance to bury everything under the rug and come together. Finally talk. Matty should have a positive family role model. A dinner without any tension and fighting. One surrounded by love.”

“Should I expect Dad to jump out any moment then?”

She bows her head and frowns, hurt radiating through her olive eyes. “No. Your father is starting to see his mistakes now, much like I am. He won’t force himself on you till you’re ready to talk to him.”

“Unlike how Landon did.”

“He actually told me he wasn’t coming because of his appointment. Then this morning he changed his mind. I didn’t tell you because I hoped you two could work things out. You used to be able to get along, even when things were tense between you. You’re brothers.”

“I’m not the one who broke the brother code,” I bite out bitterly.

Mom puts her hand on my cheek. “Oh, my sweet boy. I only wish happiness for both of you. You two used to be inseparable when you were little.”

“We’re not little anymore.”

“I know. Go find your girl and your son. I’m sure Maria is chatting her ear off. I love the girl, but boy can she talk. I’m going to go check on your brother.”

I turn around and don’t bother to watch her leave. I stare out into the garden and let my mind drift. I find it wandering back to the last time I was here. The tension and animosity wasn’t any less. I was still at odds with my brother and my dad. It was also the day, I met her.

Rain starts to fall from the clouds, and I head back inside. My mother’s voice comes through the crack of the door of the parlor room and I push open the door. I freeze when I see my brother, standing in front of my father’s liquor cart, holding his scotch decanter and a half filled glass.

“Don’t drink that.” My mother scolds slapping his hand.

“Why not? Last I checked I was twenty-one,” he grunts.

“You know why. Come on. We’re keeping it sober tonight. You know how Liam feels.”

“You didn’t care before when he was here.”

“And we’re changing that. Tonight is about family. And you also don’t need this.” She takes the drink out of his hand. “I won’t make the same mistake twice.’

“I'm not going to turn into an alcoholic after one drink, Mom.”

She places her hands on her hips. “It wouldn't be only one. I know what's been going on with you Landon. You’re hurting…”

I scoff. Jealousy swarms