My brother. Well, half-brother. This shit is weird. Like those damn soap operas that my mother used to get hooked to. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it when Piper strolls into the living room.

“Preston is coming for dinner,” she informs me, settling her pert little ass on my lap. “He’s still trying to come to terms with the news as well.”

“For years I believed that my father was an asshole, and this just proves he was. But, it doesn’t make sense. Why your mother? I mean, our folks never saw eye to eye.” Shaking my head, I reach for Piper, pulling her closer to my chest. “I’ve always wanted a brother, and Preston was pretty much it for so long that finding out we are related is great. I think I’m just disappointed in my father. You know?”

“I do. My mother always used to harp on about me being perfect, making sure I had all the right clothes, said all the right things, but she was the one who’d messed up.”

“Are you ready for the showcase tomorrow?” I ask her, changing the subject before the past takes away from the fact she’s got her first showcase as a teacher tomorrow.

She nods. “The kids are. I don’t know if I am.”

“What do you mean? You’ve done an amazing job with them.” And she has. I haven’t been there for all the classes, but I know Piper would’ve made sure they were all ready for their big debut.

“I just wanted to be there on stage with them, just once, you know?”

“Then do it.” I urge her. “I love you, baby girl, and you should be up there.”

She looks at me with affection and happiness in those big blue eyes. My lips find hers, and I can’t stop tugging her even closer. Each time we’re together feels like it’s new, exciting, and I know I love her with all my heart. I want her to go up there and dance, to enjoy the freedom that music offers us.

“I wish you were up there with me,” she mumbles against my mouth.

I should be beside her, but I can’t. There’s no way I can bring myself to step onto a stage, not with my leg. It’s taken years for me to build the courage to teach dance, to even get up and dance for myself. Having people watch me is not something I want to do.

The doorbell sounds down the hallway and Piper is up and heading that way. I follow behind, knowing I’m about to see Preston again. Since the confession, he’s been scarce and now I get to meet my half-brother, officially.

“Hey, Pip,” I hear him greet his sister. I enter the living room and meet his gaze as he turns my way. “Bro.” He smirks. “Didn’t think it would be as official as it is now, but since we’re related, sort of.”

“I think we’ve always been brothers, just not by blood,” I tell him, pulling him into a hug. “Piper made dinner.” I gesture to the table in the dining room. It’s set for three, and I know my girl went all out. This apartment will soon be history when Piper and I move to LA, and I’ll miss this space.

“Thanks, Pip.” He pulls her into his arms and presses a kiss to the top of her head. “I always knew you’d be good for my best friend.” I overhear him whisper to her and I smile. He did, it’s true. Even before the accident, when he found a photo of her on my phone and I finally admitted my feelings for his sister, he punched me then told me not to hurt her.

It took time for me to come to terms with people knowing about my love for the blond beauty. All the time I’d known her she was off-limits, she was too young and I wasn’t going to do anything to jeopardize my life and hers, so we remained friends for two long years.

“Let’s eat,” Piper announces excitedly, her bare feet pattering on the tiled floor as she heads to the kitchen. When she returns carrying two large bowls filled with different salads, we follow her to the table and settle ourselves. “Drinks?”

“I’ll have that lemonade you made last night,” I respond.

“The same for me.” Preston looks over at me with a smirk. “I’m done, man. It’s time we all took a healthier route.”

“Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?”

He chuckles. “He’s your brother now too, so you’d better get used to that shit.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” I tell him.

* * *

With Piper at the school getting ready for the showcase, I’ve decided to hang back at the apartment to pack my things. I wanted to stay here longer, but there’s a building that’s just been put up for sale and if I don’t head out to put an offer in, I may miss it.

Tomorrow morning, we’ll head back to LA for a week before Piper will come home to finish up her studies. Two months and she’ll be living with me in the City of Angels. The one place I lost my youth, but it’s also the place I plan to build a forever in.

Checking the time, I realize I have to leave soon and head down to the school to watch Piper’s class. I’m excited and nervous. I want to be up there, with her, but I know I won’t be able to get through it.

Grabbing my keys, I head out the door and I’m on my way moments later. As the school comes into view, I notice all the cars parked along the sidewalk. One that’s missing is her father’s. I can’t believe he’s still holding a grudge.

When I step into the hall, I realize how many people are actually here.

“Ryder.” I’m surprised to I hear my father’s voice call out to me. “Sit with me.”

And I do. Settling beside him, I notice he’s not in his suit, but a pair of faded blue jeans and a white shirt.

“I didn’t know you’d be here,” I tell him as they set up the stage.

“Your girl is something else, Ryder.” His voice is filled with pride. “She sent me an invite and told me you might need someone to sit with. She also told me about what happened with her folks. They confessed. I know you may be angry with me,” he says, turning to me. “But after your mother left, I was lost, stupidly so. And I made a mistake.” The regret in his eyes is palpable, and I realize we all make mistakes. I’ve made my share of them, but forgiveness is better to live with than anger.

“Thanks for being here.”

It’s all I can offer him for now. But he nods, and we settle in for the show.