The Brothers

Chapter 14

Harry's pulls his phone out of his pocket when it starts to ring. He glances at the screen, then he hits the end call icon before he tosses the device on the console.

He cusses under his breath when the ringtone goes off again, and he's quick to end the call. When it rings yet again, he hits the steering wheel with the heels of his hands, his jaw ticking with sheer exasperation.

When it rings the fourth time, I turn to look at his impassive face.

"The caller is not going to relent. The sooner you answer the call, the less annoying it'll be for all of us. And by the way, you could use a better ringtone."

"Bridget, this is the part where you just stay quiet and enjoy the ride."

The annoying ringtone blasts yet again. I don't think twice.

I answer the call.

He bares his teeth angrily but he proceeds to punch the button on the steering wheel anyway.

"Harry?" The deep voice fills the car.

"What." He snaps.

"How are you?"

"I was great until you called."

"Harry, you're my son. Surely we can have a more cordial conversation?"

It's his father then.

"Your son? Isn't that supposed to be step-son."

"That's in the past. I've apologized like a million times."

"I'm going to hang up now."

"Wait Harry, it's been a long time..."

"Bye, father."

He ends the call. I'm watching him in disbelief as a muscle twitches on his jaw. He runs a hand through his short rugged hair then he exhales loudly.

He's one angry human, and I'm not sure I understand why.

When the phone rings again, I grab it before he tosses it out of the window.

"Don't you dare answer that." He hisses between his teeth.

"I wasn't going to. Are you okay?"

"I'm perfect. Just silence that damned ringtone."

"You chose the damned ringtone, remember?"

"Would you just do what you are told?"

I look him over before I end the call. I'm trying to mind my business but I'm clearly not trying enough because I feel so bad for him. I want to know what's going on so bad.

We stay quiet as he leaves the freeway. He drives for a mile or so before he pulls up outside a gated community.

His mood is still foul and I don't wish to ignite it further by asking questions, so I stay quiet. I'm blindly putting my trust in him by letting him drive in here with me.

A few minutes later, we come to a stop outside a very nice house.

"Are you okay?"

His soft tone makes me turn to look at him. His gaze is somehow troubled as he gazes at me, and I quickly avert my gaze when our eyes hold for a second.

"Yeah, why?"

"I'm sorry I yelled at you."

"It's fine."

"Really?"

"Just don't do it again. The yelling and snapping is getting old. I wonder why you were screaming at your dad though?"

"He's a jerk."

"He is?"

"Yeah, and I don't wish to discuss that." He chews on his bottom lip, his eyes hard on my face. "Don't move. I'll open your door."

I stay quiet as he walks around and opens the door, and I don't resist when he holds my hand to help me step out of the car. He doesn't release my hand even as we walk into the building, and I find that oddly comforting.

The house is a one storey building which is surrounded by a well kept lawn and a flower garden. The windows are open and I instantly know that someone is home.

"Who lives here?"

Harry takes his time to press the doorbell and comb his hair with his free hand before he answers.

"My real family."

"What do you mean your real family? Like your mother?"

He tenses when I mention his mother, and it instantly hits me that I just made a stupid mistake. I remember Lisa telling me that none of the brothers knew their real parents.

"I'm sorry." I whisper.

"It's okay, Bridget." He whispers back, his fingers slightly tightening around mine.

I look up at him and I gulp when I find him gazing intently at me. He moves swiftly to stand right in front of me, then he reaches to tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear, his long fingers accidentally grazing against my cheek.

He raises his second hand to cup my other cheek and I feel my mouth going dry when his fingers stray into my hair. With his hands on both sides of my face, he looks at me, his eyes so intense that I feel like I'm swimming in their depths.

His face is inching closer to mine and I can feel his breath on my face. It smells like mint and gum and I want to lick my lower lip in anticipation. I let my eyes flutter closed just as the door knob turns and we both snap back to reality.

I give Harry a sideways glance but he's gazing at the little girl at the door. I look from him to her then back to him, but he offers no explanations.

The look on his face is just priceless.

When she flings herself into his arms, he hugs her fiercely, lifting her right off the ground and holding her in his arms.

He kisses her chubby cheeks, his hand cupping her little angel-face.

"Daddy." She whispers as her little arms go around his neck.

At the moment, I don't exist. All his attention is on her.