Page 32 of Unbalanced

He glares at Emily, but I step between them. My hand instinctively reaches out for her as I stare down at my brother.

“You don’t deserve me, you fucking cunt,” Rob snarls.

Having had enough of this bullshit, I reach down and grab him by the arm to haul him to his feet.

“What the fuck is your problem? She kneed me. I might not be able to have kids.”

I jerk him close so we are nose to nose and lock eyes with my younger brother.

“That would do the world a favor.” I shake him, and a low snarl leaves my chest. “You are my fucking problem. I would think after watching the way Father treated Mom for years, you’d want to be a different man. When you became an officer and then worked your way up to detective, I thought you were choosing to make a difference in the world. But you’re no different than he was when you’re drinking. An animal that should be put down.”

“Fuck you, Alden. You know nothing about me, my life, or the pressures I’m under.”

“Excuses. That’s all it is.” I push him away, and he stumbles toward the railing. Gripping it, he glares at me. “Go sleep it off or you will regret far more than what you’ve already done tonight.”

He pauses, and I know he wants to fight me, to lunge at me, and I prepare myself.

“Go, Rob. I don’t want to see you again,” Emily says, stepping out from behind me and holding her arm. “We’re over.”

Rob looks at her, and I can see the regret already flickering in the deep recesses of his alcohol riddled brain.

“Whatever. I was going to break up with you anyway. You are such a fucking bore.”

He shuffles to the exit of the gazebo but then hits me with a glare.

“The great Alden Mitchell can do no wrong,” he mocks with a snort of disgust and then weaves as he walks away.

I keep my eyes on him until he disappears around a bend, then I turn to face Emily.

“Are you okay? Do you need some ice?”

I gently touch the cheek he’s smacked. There is a bright red mark.

“I will be. I’ve had worse. Thanks for coming along when you did. I’ve never seen him that angry before, and over nothing. He just wouldn’t see reason.”

She shakes her head as she chews on her bottom lip.

“My father was the same way. He was a vile man, but when he drank, he was a monster.”

Emily suddenly opens her purse and pulls out an envelope.

“This is the proposal. I’m going to call a car and go home. I’m sorry about all the drama on your birthday,” she says, and looks away as a tear rolls down her cheek.

“You don’t need to go.”

“Yes, I do. I can’t stay in the same room as him tonight.”

“You can have the room beside mine. It’s got a lock on the door, and in the morning, I’ll give you a ride back to the city. It’s a three-hour drive and almost eleven at night. You’re not going to find anyone willing to do that journey,” I say, selfishly wanting her to stay even though I can make it worth anyone’s while to make the drive.

I take the proposal from her hand.

“Consider it my birthday gift. I’ll make sure Rob doesn’t go anywhere near you.”

“I don’t think you’re the one that’s supposed to hand out gifts on your birthday.” She glances at the house. “Besides, I’m not sure I want to go back in there.”

Her voice is so dejected that it hurts in ways I don’t expect. My chest constricts at how lost she sounds.

“Then take my arm, and we’ll go in a way that no one will see you. Do you have a bag in Rob’s car?” She nods. “Alright, let’s get your things.”