Page 150 of Downforce

I peer over my shoulder when I don’t get a response.

Tristan stands in the doorway of the bathroom, holding Lucky at his side. They’re both just staring at me.

Slowly, I rise to my full height and walk over to my brother. I examine Lucky with squinted eyes.

“Why is he smiling?” He doesn’t even look like he’s cried in the last few hours.

“Him?” Tristan points. “Oh, he just ate. Happy as a clam.”

“What’s going⁠—”

“Oh, she’s here,” Alyssia comes up behind Tristan, grinning.

“Told you it would work.”

I follow Tristan and Alyssia up the hall.

“What would work? What are you two up to? I rushed over here thinking my nephew was sick.”

“Yeah,” Alyssia draws out. “I’m so, so sorry about that. But in my defense, that wasn’t my idea.” She points both of her pointer fingers at Tristan.

He gives me a rare smile. “Don’t expect an apology out of me.”

“Why would you do that?” I punch him in the arm that’s not holding Lucky.

“Ouch.”

“You scared the hell out of me.”

He swivels his body out of the way when I go to punch him again.

“Okay, no violence in front of the baby.” Alyssia takes Lucky from Tristan. “I am really sorry, but Tristan thought this would be the only way to get you over here without any questions.”

“Why—”

I pause when the main door swings open and in walks Travis. When he sees the three of us with Lucky at the center, he comes to a stop.

“What’s going on?”

“Did you know about this?” I ask, but more so accuse by my tone.

He narrows his eyes on me.

“He’s innocent,” Alyssia defends. “As far as this little plan goes. This was all Tristan and me. But he’s far from innocent.”

“Alyssia, baby, what⁠—”

“You know what’s going on. It’s time you two talk.”

“We’re all tired of you two not speaking,” Tristan adds.

“What do you care?” I ask tersely. “You like silence.”

“Not when it’s between the two of you,” he replies. “I like silence of my own making. Besides, your silence,” he waves a hand between me and Travis, “is fucking loud. I’m leaving for home tonight and not about to get on that plane with you two still at odds.

“So, you’re both going to sit your asses on this couch and hash out whatever you need to hash out.”

“Well said,” Alyssia concurs. “We’re going to lunch.”