Rusty Knob by Erica Chilson

Author:Erica Chilson [Chilson, Erica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wicked Reads
Published: 2015-08-24T16:00:00+00:00

Tying Flies

Most of my family, all of my new family, and two of our friends, surround a rickety table right in the front yard. I’m in between Bren and Kade, with Jack sitting on Bren’s other side. Hayley keeps sitting on my lap, and then sitting on Bren’s, and then switching back and forth, as if she’s trying to reassure us both that we’re still her favorite.

Sitting across from us is Warren with Penny fused to his lap, her arm thrown over his shoulders. Warren keeps whispering in Penny’s ear, and her resulting giggle is so sweet it’s giving me cavities.

Royce is sitting directly across from me, eyes flicking around like he’s ready to pass out ass whoopings.

Hayden is the calmest of us all, instinctively knowing what his momma needs. He’s talking low and slow, updating her on everything she missed.

Willa’s better than I expected, but still not up to par with being a functioning human being. She’s spooked, looking like everything is overloading her senses.

“Boss?” Warren nudges Royce in the side with his elbow. “What hellish job are you forcing me to perform? Do I get a few days off first, or do I start the minute I’m done chewing my food.” He sounds disrespectful, belligerent, and slightly antagonistic. But that’s Warren’s way. The fact that he’ll actually work is a huge step in the right direction.

Royce’s voice is firm yet understanding. “You’ve had a twenty-three-year vacation, War, with a three month escape from reality. I’d say you’re gonna work when I tell ya to work.”

“I get it.” Warren puts his hands up in surrender. “I’m just being a dick. I don’t want to end up like Daddy, and I don’t want my kids ending up like Willa, Wynn, and me.”

“What’s wrong with me?” I act all offended, and then I crack a smile. “Joking.”

“Dr. Kline said you were to stop being evasive,” Willa cuts in, shocking us all. Her voice is confident for once. “No more acting like an asshole.”

“Sorry, sister,” Warren mumbles, looking properly cowed.

Royce eyes Willa the entire time he speaks to everyone at the table. “Warren, you’ll be working on the landscaping crew until the snow flies. You and Penny will get home at the same time, so I’m leaving you be every evening. But you’ve got to find a hobby– doctor’s orders.”

Penny leans back a bit, giving my brother the stink-eye. “Why would the doctor be giving you orders, Warren?”

Warren ignores Penny, and that twists my guts into knots. “Hey, Kade do y–”

Hand clasped over Warren’s mouth and chin, “No, motherfucker,” Penny warns. “You answer me. Now.”

“Iwasinrehabtoo,” Warren grumbles so quickly we can’t decipher his words. “I have to become a productive member of society. I have to get a job and keep it. I have to treat everyone with respect, especially myself. Willa and I both have to find sponsors and go to NA. Lastly, I’m to find a hobby to occupy my downtime so I won’t look to drugs and alcohol.”

“Why wasn’t

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