Page 7 of Torn

“He’s not gone, Angel. He’s just on a journey. But ya know what? There’s another bunny out there that needs you. Do you think we should go find him?”

She nods solemnly and sniffles. “Yes. Right now.”

Ash and Ember just shake their heads when Kenzi and I come back hours later with a new stuffed bunny… and a real live bunny equipped with a deluxe cage I set up by the window in her bedroom. Kenzi is over the moon with the little rabbit we named Snuggles, and I feel like a hero for saving the day and bringing her smile back.

“She’s got you wrapped around her little finger, man,” Asher says.

“And you’re gonna take care of that rabbit, Tor,” Ember warns. “I’m not cleaning that cage every week.”

I shrug. “I don’t mind. Pets are good for kids. It teaches them responsibility.”

“She’s five, Tor.”

“So? Age doesn’t mean shit.”

I wink at Kenzi, who’s cradling her new bunny across the room, an adorable smile on her face, tears long forgotten. It’s the best high I’ve ever felt.

TOR

Asher hands me a cup of black coffee and falls into the chair across from me at his kitchen table, zeroing in on me with his dark eyes.

“Sydni thinks you’re avoiding her.”

My head hurts too much from drinking last night to deal with Asher’s probing into my life today. He’s always trying to play shrink, and sometimes he has great advice, but other times his philosophical ramblings grate on my nerves. Now is one of those times.

“That’s because I am.” I vaguely remember her following me to the couch last night and me telling her to go fuck herself.

“You think she deserves that? She just wants you to talk to her.”

“I have nothing to say to a chick who tells me she wants to get married one second and then admits she’s in love with you the next.”

He shifts in his chair. “She’s not in love with me, Tor.”

Something comes out of me that is half laugh and half snort. “Oh, trust me, she is. And ya know what? I don’t give a fuck. I’m done. You can have her.”

“I don’t want her. I’m married.” He fingers his platinum wedding band, turning it in circles. It’s a habit he does often, and I’m not sure he even realizes he’s doing it.

As I sip my bitter coffee, I decide to let him stay in his delusion. Trying to make him see that Ember is never coming back is a feat I can’t tackle. And if Sydni’s attempts to do so haven’t worked, then nothing will. Not many men can say no to Syd with her legs for days, flaming red hair, double Ds, endless talent, and overactive sex drive. We’d all be better off if he would just hook up with her and move on with his life. Then they’d both be happy and I can lock the revolving door that she keeps trying to creep through every time she realizes she can’t have him.

I’m not going to be anyone’s second choice.

But somehow, I always am. I should just get the number 2 tattooed onto my forehead.

“What are you two doing up so early?”

Kenzi interrupts our silent stare-off as she comes into the kitchen—still wearing my sweatshirt from last night, no pants, and fuzzy purple socks. As she reaches up into the cabinet, she goes up on her toes to grab one of her favorite mugs that once was mine and the sweatshirt rides up, uncovering half her ass and exposing her white panties with red hearts. I quickly look away and bring my coffee cup to my lips.I didn’t just see that. I didn’t just see that…

“I have a meeting and Uncle Tor had too much to drink, so he slept here. And where are your clothes? I know we can afford pants. You shouldn’t be walking around half naked when we have company.”

She runs her hand through her rumpled hair. “How was I supposed to know anyone was here? I just woke up. And it’s only Tor. Since when is he company? He used to live with us.” She opens the refrigerator and pulls out milk, eggs, cheese, and a container of diced veggies, then bends over to take a frying pan out from one of the lower cabinets.

I divert my eyes again as Asher downs the last of his coffee and stands. “I’m outta here.” He nods to me. “See ya later, man. You up for a ride tomorrow? It’s supposed to be warm.”

I’m always up for a ride. “Hell yeah.”

“Dad, I’m making omelets. Don’t you want one before you go?”

“I don’t have time today. I’m sure Tor will eat one, though.” He kisses her forehead. “I’ll be home around four. We’ll have dinner together.”