Chapter 47

Addie

February

"Can you please cover for me with Mom?" Caelin is begging me as he stands outside of CRISIS. "Just tell her I didn't feel well."

"No." I cross my arms over my chest and shake my head vigorously at him. "You've got to learn to take your punishment, bro. You can't be doing the shit you're doing and then expect everyone to bail you out time and time again. It's not fair."

He huffs. "You weren't all roses and unicorns two years ago, either. I hope you realize that."

I give him a pointed glare. "Oh I do, but I didn't let my freak flag fly until I was out from under their roof. You've got to play the game, Cae. They'll loosen up, but you've got to prove to them you're ready for it."

He swallows hard. "I just want them to look at me like I'm a man."

"Who?"

"The guys in the club. If I'm gonna follow in Dad's footsteps, they've got to stop looking at me like I'm a screwup."

I'm freezing out here, talking to him, but this is the most he's been willing to share wi