Filthy Foreign Exchange(54)

“Where the heck is Kingston?” he gripes.

Good question. I glance around the yard, coming up empty on spotting his truck. And now that I actually have time to think about it, Kingston has been conveniently absent for today’s entire shit storm. Too bad we’re merely acquaintances these days, or I could’ve been spending time with him and avoided the whole thing myself.

“I don’t know, Sammy.” I slide down beside him. “Why? You waiting on him?”

“Yes! I’ve been waitin’ forever. He promised to work on secret stuff with me this morning, but he didn’t come.” He peers up at me with tears brimming in his big, chestnut eyes, and everything deep within me that I’d just managed to somewhat calm snaps.

I’ve officially hit my breaking point. Both my brothers wronged? People may think I have no wrath to unleash, and just I—Echo—usually don’t. But Sebastian and Sammy’s sister can bring a fury that’d send Satan running.

I inhale a big, soothing breath, then paint on a smile for Sammy.

“What kind of secret stuff we talkin’ about? Maybe I can help.”

He looks around twice, then leans in to whisper, “My magic show. Kingston’s been helping me. It’s almost ready, and Dad will think it’s so good I know he’ll let me do it at the Christmas show!”

My smile widens at the excitement in his voice. Such a sweet boy. How dare Kingston stand him up! Only a horse’s ass would leave a little boy, whose entire face brightens when he talks about his goal, sitting and waiting on the porch all day.

“I’ll help you.” I rustle his hair. “I’d love to see how it’s coming along.”

“Thanks Echo, but…” He squirms around, no longer looking at me.

“But what?”

“You don’t know all the tricks and stuff. I need my assistant.” He hurries to hug me, tucking his head against my shoulder. “Sorry. Maybe next show.”

Did I just get turned down by my nine-year-old brother? I’d laugh, except he’s completely serious—and way too precious to possibly offend. Plus, I can’t seem to laugh about anything when there’s still a bed of hot embers broiling under my skin.

And I won’t break his spirit, so I speak at the same level of importance he does.

“That makes sense. You should stick with the same assistant. I’m glad it wasn’t just some silly no-girls-allowed thing.” I conjure up what passes for a weak snicker. “I’m sure Kingston will be here soon—but if not, or if you change your mind, just come get me.”

“Okay! I’m gonna go set everything up so it’ll be ready when he gets home.”

And off he sprints, with a carefree optimism I don’t ever remember having, even when I was nine.

He’s halfway to the shed before I quietly head up to my room and find my phone. First, I type out a text to Kingston, bruising both thumbs with my ferocity.

Me: Did you forget you promised to work with Sammy today? He’s been sitting on the porch waiting for you! Hope you have a good reason for hurting a little boy’s feelings!

Next, I call Sebastian, but he doesn’t answer. I try again with the same result: voicemail.

I decide to leave one, airing some of the turmoil brewing inside me.

“Hey, brother, it’s Echo…listen, I really need you to call me. Don’t panic—nothing’s wrong with any of us here. We just…need to talk. Call me back as soon as you can, Seb, no matter what time it is. Love you.”

I hang up and decide to try unwinding by taking a long, hot bath. There’s still no call back from Sebastian, or arrival of Kingston, by the time I’m done. The latter hasn’t even read my text, let alone replied.

Needing to further distract my restless thoughts, I finish some homework, then start a book I’ve been dying to find the time to read. I’m soon lost in a beautiful story of star-crossed lovers—too perfect for my mood today—when someone knocks on my door.

“Hey, honey,” my mom says, poking her head in. “You’ve been up here a while. You okay?”

“Yeah.” I command my mouth to smile, for her benefit. “Just taking a lazy day.”

“Well, you’ve certainly earned some of those.” She laughs, but her brow remains dipped in worry. “Your father’s taking us out for dinner tonight. Feel like getting out to join us?”

“Um…is it okay if I pass this time? I just…I’m all snuggled up in here, and at the best part in this book.”

She nods with an understanding smile. “Of course, sweetie. I’ll bring you something home.”

“Thanks, Mom.” I roll back over, hiding my face and discontent from her.

“Echo?”

“Yes?” I don’t change positions. I’m not sure what she’s about to say, but I know I can’t be looking at her when she says it.

“Honey, you’re so much your father’s daughter it scares me sometimes. He worries over everything, too—worried himself to the bottom of the bottle for a while. You remember that?”

She probably thinks I don’t, since I was so young. But either way, this is the first time she’s ever mentioned it. So now, shocked, I do roll over to look at her.

“Didn’t change the outcome of a single thing, except our trust in him and how bad his head hurt the next morning,” she continues as she stands in the doorway, her inner strength shining more brightly than I’ve ever seen it before. “You—my amazing, empathetic daughter—are wasting your time with all the worrying you do. No matter how miserable you make yourself, it’s not going to change anything. So stop. Just be happy, Echo. Take care of you—because everything else is gonna take care of itself, with or without your fretting.”