I got back to the house around six-thirty. Lee’s car was parked at the curb. I ran up the steps and let myself into the house.
“I’m home,” I announced.
“We’re in the living room,” Rhys called out.
“Be right there.” I took the steps two at a time to get to my room. After throwing my stuff on the bed, I went to the bathroom to quickly wash my face and hands. In the mirror, I still looked a little blotchy and hot from being out in the sun and heat, but it would have to do. I’d changed into an old gray T-shirt and jeans shorts for the trip home.
I went downstairs to the living room. Lee and Rhys were watching some action show on cable. I sat beside my brother. Lee was on the other side of him, slumped against the couch. When he saw me, though, he muted the TV and got up to pull me into his
