Page 114 of Big Dill

“You want a pillow under your knee?”

“Yeah, thanks, sis.”

I fluff a pillow and slide it gently beneath his leg. A thought hits me. “Did you call Mom and Dad to tell them what happened?”

He snorts a humorless laugh. “Why? So they could tell me what a mistake it was coming here?”

I drop onto the bed beside him, taking his hand. “I really wish they could see what you’ve built here, Jaxon. They should be so proud.”

“They should be proud of you too,” he says. “At least they’d be happy to see me putting my business degree to use…and your childhood education degree. You’re doing great things for the social.”

“I love it there,” I admit before I can stop myself, and he cocks his head, a knowing grin on his face.

“Did I just hear what I think I heard? Or are these meds really that good?”

I laugh. “I think it’s the meds.”

“Admit it, Jami. This place is growing on you.”

“Yeah,” I mutter. “Like a bad wart.” He cocks a brow and wanting to make him laugh I continue. “You know, one of those stubborn little plantar warts. They hang around like they own the place. No treatment helps. Freezing. Salicylic acid, not even duct tape. The kind of wart that sends passive-aggressive emails like—Thanks for the foot soak, but I’m staying.”

He chuckles. “You know too much about warts.” He adjusts his pillow. “Tell me about your new line.”

Excitement bubbles up inside me. “Oh, my patch logos came in and I can’t wait to show you everything.”

“I can’t wait.” He covers his mouth as he yawns. “But can it wait until tomorrow? I’m exhausted.”

“Of course.” I lean down to kiss his forehead, then turn just as Brody appears in the doorway.

He looks hesitant as his worried gaze goes back and forth between the two of us. “Am I interrupting⁠—”

“If you have bologna sandwiches, you’re not interrupting anything,” Jaxon says, his stomach growling.

Brody laughs and sets a plate with four sandwiches and a glass of water on the nightstand.

Jaxon drools. “Marry me,” he jokes.

Brody laughs. “Sorry, dude. Not my type.”

Jaxon chuckles. “Yeah, not mine either. But sis, if you ever get married, get a good guy like Brody. I don’t know why he’s still single.” He gives a garbled laugh. “I’m sure his mom will fix that soon now that Elise is back in town.” He frowns and looks down, like he’s pulling something from the back of his mind. His glossy gaze shoots to Brody. “Oh…shit. Sorry, Brody. I don’t know why I’m saying that.”

I gulp and push to my feet, needing air. Just then, Brody’s phone pings. He doesn’t pull it out. Probably doesn’t want us to see it’s Elise. Again.

I start toward the door, struggling to get the whirlwind of emotions I wish I didn’t feel in check. “I’ll let you eat and get some sleep.”

“Before you crash, I need to grab a few things,” Brody calls, pointing to his room.

I nod and head downstairs, the need for a minute alone pressing hard against my ribs. In the kitchen, I fill the kettle and set it on the stove. It might have been a long day but I think I’m going to need some Sleepytime tea to settle my brain.

As the water heats, I drift into the living room and place my phone on the coffee table. I sit and stare at it as if that will make it ring. When it doesn’t, I snatch it up and dial my best friend.

I need someone. Someone who knows the whole messy story of my life. Someone who understands how sideways things have gone and can tell me what to do—or at least tell me I’m not completely screwing everything up.

It rings. And rings. And rings.

Just when I’m about to hang up, her voice bursts through the speaker.

“Jami!” she yells over thumping music and loud laughter.