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“Are you guys-” I began

“No,” Brennan quickly interjected and a mask of indifference fell over his face “It just ether”

I wanted to ask Brennan if that was the best idea considering how deep his feelings appeared to run, but he caught uard when he quietly asked, “So how are your parents?”

My stoood She’s trying to keep busy with the charity work she does for veterans and their families”

“And your dad? How is he holding up?”

“He’s good,” I et out and I steeled myself for the inevitable next question

“And Caleb?”

“He’s hanging in there,” I murmured non-committedly

Brennan sat back against the couch cushions and shook his head “Fuck, poor guy Finding his own brother like that…”

I could feel bile rising in my throat and I quickly stood and went to the kitchen and snatched the other bag of vegetables off the table, putting both back in the freezer

“Sorry,” I heard Brennana few feet away “I shouldn’t have brought it up,” he said

“No, it’s okay,” I responded with a sigh “It’s just been a rough feeeks”

Brennan nodded in understanding “I’ll an hold off on the party”

“Thanks,” I said and when Brennan leaned in to carefully hug me, I actually felt a moment of relief