Joshua Healy (The Mitchell/Healy Family #10)(40)

Dad is quiet. He’s shaking his head with his arms folded across his chest.

Mom looks upset, as if she’s responsible for Liv being a part of every summer. I feel the need to reassure her she’s not at fault. “Don’t look at me like that, Mom. I’m fine.”

“I let her in your room. I was nice to her, because I thought it was a friendly visit.”

“I took care of it, just like I did last night when she tried to get to me.”

“Does Wes know?” Dad asks.

“No. To be honest, I’ve kept the truth from everyone. She asked me to.”

“Son, he’s your best friend.”

“And she’s his little sister.”

My dad nods. He gets it. “Your mother and I like Tamsyn. She’s a good girl. I hope you continue to make the right choice. It would be a shame to see her go.”

This is his way of warning me not to screw things up. He’s giving me that look, the one that says he doubts I can withstand temptation. It’s no secret my mom was married to another man when they got together. Regardless of the circumstances, I’m more inclined to go elsewhere for advice. “I care about Tamsyn. She’s my best friend. No, that’s not all she is.” I correct myself. “I love her.”



My mom smiles at me, and it’s like everything stops hurting for a few seconds. “We’ll make sure Olivia doesn’t come for a visit anymore.”

“Thanks.”

My father scoots out his chair and stands. “I think I need a beer. You interested?”

I nod. “Yeah, sure.”

He kisses my mom on the cheek. “We’re going to the barn. You should join us. We’ll shoot pool and play some cards. I think our son could use the company tonight.”

“I’ll grab a jacket,” my mom replies.

When she’s gone my dad pulls me to the side. “Drink the pain away until it doesn’t hurt anymore. By the time Tamsyn gets back you’ll be glad you did.”

“Coming from someone with a history of drug dependency.”

“I was younger than you when that happened. I partied too hard, but once I met your mom it all changed. I don’t want that to happen to you. I’d rather you get drunk and pass out in the barn where I know you’re safe, then go out and get behind the wheel, or make bad choices because you’re head is screwed to shit.”

“I get it.”

“Good. First drink is on me.”

We both laugh.

The barn; where the beer is cold and the hard liquor stays stocked. Dad pours us his favorite mix of whiskey and coke, then sits a beer in front of me to chase it down, while my mom takes a fruity can of something out of the beverage cooler. I'm used to having dinners with the three of us since my sisters have all moved out. I think I get along with my parents more now than ever before. They adore Tamsyn. She’s invited to everything. I'm half surprised they haven't asked her to move in. I'm getting used to coming in after a hard days work and finding her helping out in the kitchen. She fits. It’s probably a good part of the reason I'm so crazy about her.

I don't waste time sipping the strong drink, but gulp it down and request another. I'm with my parents. They'll make sure I'm tucked in somewhere with a warm blanket to keep me toasty throughout the night.

I just hope my dad’s advice works, because if not, I’m afraid of what I might be capable of doing to my near perfect relationship with my girlfriend.





Chapter 18


Joshua


We finish off two bottles of bourbon and seven beers, and that’s not counting the ones my mom drank. I’m stumbling on my words, making it as far as the couch in the barn before crashing down upon it. The room is spinning, and I’m rambling on but no one is listening. My mom had to help my dad up to the house, and I assured her I would be fine staying the night on the couch. She’s left the television on. I can hear it playing, but I know if I open my eyes I might vomit. It’s best to just pass out and start over in the morning.

My last thoughts are of Tamsyn, and the way it feels to have her in my arms. She’s turned me into a * whipped bitch, and I don’t even care. I’m happy. I deserve this.

Things get foggy. I’m out one minute, but then hear someone saying my name the next. I attempt to open my eyes, but the light is too bright. I feel pressure. There’s a body on top of me. “Tamsyn,” I mumble.

“I’m not Tamsyn,” the voice responds clearly.

My eyes open and I’m pinned down by Liv. I’m trying to sit up, but laugh at myself when I’m unable to. “Let me go. It’s not funny. How did you get here? Mom said you’re not allowed near me.”

“Your mom isn’t here. It’s just us now, Josh. No more lies. I need you.”

“No,” I argue. “You have to go. Tamsyn loves me. I made a promise.” I realize I’m drunk, but doing my best to get my point across. “Get off me,” I slur.

“Make love to me, Josh. Please.” She takes my hand and forces it to touch her body. I look away, like if I’m not watching, it isn’t happening.

“I can’t.”

“Look at me.”

I’m fighting so hard. My heart knows what I want. It won’t fail me. It can’t.