Silver Linings

CHAPTER 1

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Erin’s mind wandered as she watched the door to the lecture hall. Class was about to start, and Spencer still hadn’t come into the hall. Where was he? What was going on with him?

Erin, are you okay? Her friend, Mark, asked as he leaned over her shoulder.

Yes. Why? She flipped her long caramel hair over her shoulder before glancing back at him.

Eyebrows raised, Mark’s blue eyes moved to her finger that was anxiously tapping the desk. She quickly pulled her hand into her lap and sent him an apologetic smile.

Are you sure you’re okay? he asked again.

Fighting the urge to roll her eyes, she dipped her head and whispered, I said I’m okay.

Only she wasn’t. It was annoying that Mark could still read her so well, but then she supposed that having dated someone for two years would do that.

Her chocolate eyes darted to the clock above the door. In two minutes, the door would close, and no one would be allowed to enter. Today was their midterm final in Statistics. Spencer should be here by now. Where was he? It wasn’t like him to be late. It also wasn’t like him to ignore her texts like he had this morning either.

Her friend Carolyn rushed into the room seconds before Professor Sampson. She quickly made her way to the empty seat beside Erin and plopped down, puffing out a breath.

I am so ready for this test to be over, Carolyn muttered. Her hair fell across her face in a glossy blonde curtain as she leaned forward to retrieve four pencils from her bag. How about you, Erin?

Mmm, Erin hummed in response as she watched Professor Sampson pull the heavy door closed.

Okay, class. I hope you’re ready for this. The professor’s eyes scanned the room. When a knock sounded behind him, he turned and opened the door to let Spencer breeze into the room. You’re late, Mr. Sexton. You’re lucky I’m feeling generous this morning.

Spencer mumbled an apology, quickly followed by a thank you, before he rushed to the closest empty seat. He turned in his seat and made eye contact with Erin. His lips tilted in half-smile.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Erin sat back in her seat. Although she was pretty sure that Spencer could miss the midterm and still ace the class, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was going on with him.

She knew the warning signs well. During her senior year in high school, her parents were killed in a car accident. The sudden shock and upheaval of her life threw Erin into a terrible state of depression. She stopped hanging out with her friends, dumped her boyfriend, and basically withdrew into herself.

Then Spencer had moved into town their freshman year of college and made it his mission to pull Erin out of her pit of despair. Having lost his parents years ago as well, he understood what she was going through in ways her friends never could.

With his help, she rejoined the world of the living and stopped avoiding her friends. Her younger brother Jared, also with the help of Spencer, followed Erin’s lead, and they both were able to move past their parent’s death.

During their sophomore year, Erin and Spencer took their relationship to the next level. Things had been going great since.

Until two days ago when Spencer started acting strangely.

Erin was pretty sure he was avoiding her phone calls and texts. He claimed he was busy studying, but she knew he could pass all of his midterms without even trying. Everything seemed to come so naturally to him.

Even now, as she watched him carefully as he examined his test booklet, she could see that he was tense. His jaw was set in a hard line, and his normally perfectly gelled hair was askew.

A jab from Carolyn’s sharp elbow pulled Erin from her thoughts. She took the stack of booklets, kept one for herself, and passed the others on to the guy sitting next to her before opening the booklet. Forcing all thoughts of Spencer from her mind, she focused on the test in front of her.

Ten minutes into the test, there was a knock at the door. Fifty heads lifted to watch Professor Sampson, his face scrunched into a dark scowl, walk towards the door. His rule was strict. Once testing had begun, no one was allowed to enter the room.

A unified gasp sounded when he opened the door. Erin jerked upright in her seat when Spencer’s older brother, Dylan, sauntered through the door. He said something quietly to Professor Sampson, who nodded before pulling the door to once again.

Erin’s mouth fell open as she watched Dylan walk across the room and lean a hip against the desk. Professor Sampson’s eyes scanned the room, briefly pausing on Spencer before he resumed his seat at the desk.

Okay, class. Focus on your test, Professor Sampson said.

Spencer cleared his throat and raised his eyes to meet Erin’s across the room. His right shoulder rose and fell in a small shrug, then his golden-brown head bent back down to the blue booklet in front of him. She tried to ignore the low hum of the conversation going on between Dylan and Professor Sampson and concentrate on her test, but her mind refused to cooperate.

When Spencer and Dylan lost their parents years ago, Dylan took over guardianship of his younger brother, which basically meant that he made sure Spencer had a place to live and money to buy food. Dylan spent more time on the road than not, so Spencer learned to take care of himself. To say their relationship was strained was an understatement.

Whenever Dylan was in town, he spent most of his time hanging out at the bar at the local restaurant, Upton’s. When he was in the apartment, he and Spencer went out of their way to stay away from one another. Either Spencer would insist he and Erin hang out in Spencer’s bedroom, or Dylan would disappear into his.

So, what was Dylan doing here now?

Thirty-eight minutes later, Erin closed her booklet and made her way to the professor’s desk. Careful to avert her gaze from Dylan, she swallowed hard. His presence made her ridiculously nervous for some reason.

Thank you, Rick, Dylan said, straightening as Erin approached. He calmly folded a piece of paper and tucked it into the back pocket of his black jeans.

Professor Sampson nodded at Erin as she set her test on the corner of the desk. You’re welcome, Dylan.

Dylan turned and his ice-blue eyes locked on hers, making her heart race. Erin. Let me walk you out. His hand cradled her elbow, and he guided her to the door.

She pulled away from him as soon as they were outside. W-what are you doing here?

One corner of his mouth tilted upwards in his trademark cocky smirk. Not that it’s any of your business, but I had a favor to ask of my dear friend, Rick Sampson.

Dear friend? she gaped. She remembered Rick mentioning Dylan before, but she had no idea they were close friends. From what she knew about Dylan, he didn’t seem like the type of person that Rick would willingly hang out with. She always assumed they weren’t much more than casual bar buddies.

Dylan tucked his finger under her chin and gently pushed her mouth closed. Is it so hard to believe I might actually have friends?

The door opened then, and Spencer rushed outside. His eyes narrowed when he saw touching her. Dylan, what are you doing here?

Dylan’s hand fell to his side as he turned to his brother. Hello, little brother. Nice to see you, too. Especially since you didn’t even bother to come home last night.

What? Erin turned to Spencer. Where were you? And why didn’t you answer any of my calls or texts?

You mean he wasn’t with you? Dylan’s eyes widened. Oops.

Spencer rolled his green eyes and glared at his brother before looked at Erin again. I stayed at a friend’s last night. My phone died. He held his phone up to show a blank screen as evidence. I’m sorry.

Now it was Dylan’s turn to roll his eyes as he made a sound that resembled a whiplashing.

"Whose house did you stay at last night, Spencer?" Erin demanded. It wasn’t like him to spend the night out since he basically had his own apartment with Dylan away all of the time.

Dylan made another lashing sound. She ignored him and looked at Spencer expectantly.

Dammit, Dylan! Cut it out! Spencer glowered.

An old friend came into town. We hung out. It was no big deal. He raked his fingers through his hair and turned away. I don’t have to put up with this crap.

Oh, but you do. Dylan grabbed his arm. "At least you have to put up with my crap. His eyes slanted to her. Ignore her crap if you want, but you will put up with mine. We need to talk."

She scoffed, but the look in his eyes told her he meant business, so she stepped away to give them some privacy. She watched from a distance as the two brothers had a quiet, yet heated, conversation before Spencer finally turned and stalked away. He ignored Erin when she called out to him.

Let him go, Dylan commanded when she started to go after Spencer.

What is going on? She asked as she watched Spencer disappear around the corner of the library. He’s been acting weird for a couple of days now. She turned back to Dylan. Do you have any idea?

Erin, be careful.

The look of concern in his eyes scared her. From what Spencer told her, Dylan didn’t usually care about anyone but himself. What is that supposed to mean?

He shook his head. I have to go.

But … Her protest died on the tip of her tongue as she watched him walk away.

Hey! Carolyn bounced up beside Erin. I think I did well on that test. How about you? Her eyes followed Erin’s gaze. Oh. What was Spencer’s brother doing here? That was weird, wasn’t it? You know, the way he interrupted class and everything. I’m surprised Professor Sampson allowed it. He’s usually such a stickler with his rules.

Shaking her head, Erin sighed. I have no idea. Let’s go back to our room. I’m getting a headache. She linked her arm through Carolyn’s as they walked back to their dorm.

Oh, no you don’t Erin Grayson! Carolyn scolded. You are not allowed to have a headache. This was our last midterm! We’re officially on winter break! And you know what that means! Bonfire Night at the lake!

Erin cringed. She loved Carolyn like a sister, but sometimes her perkiness was annoying.

~ ~ ~

Dylan watched from his car as Erin and her friend headed towards their dorm. Once they disappeared from view, he turned the key in the ignition. It was time to pay an old enemy a visit. He was not going to sit by and watch his brother get sucked in again. Not this time.

The parking lot of Mitchell Investments was surprisingly empty for a Wednesday afternoon, and the only car that mattered to him was parked front and center. A sleek, black Porsche belonging to the one and only Nicholas Mitchell.

Dylan parked and calmly made his way into the seemingly deserted building.

May I help you? A tall, slim brunette stood up behind the reception counter when she spotted him.

I’m looking for Nick Mitchell.

Do you have an appointment, sir?

Arching a brow, he smiled. Sir? Now that’s not very nice. He leaned forward to rest his elbows on the counter. Do I really look that old?

N-n-no, sir. I-I mean no. You don’t look old at all. She smiled. But you do need an appointment to see Mr. Mitchell.

Dylan Sexton.

His spine stiffened. Although it had been four years since he last saw Rebecca Mitchell, he recognized that silky voice anywhere. He slowly turned around and let his eyes wander from the perfectly sculpted hair on her head, down her slender neck, along the gorgeous curves of her body, down her long legs, and back up to her bright red lips that matched the dress that was molded to her body.

Rebecca. Dylan forced a smile. What are you doing in town? I thought you were in Paris.

She smiled sweetly. Oh, you know I can’t stay away from my brother for too long.

Or mine? He waggled his eyebrows at her. "I’m assuming you were the friend who kept him from coming home last night?"

Whatever gave you that idea? Her siren lips curled into a devilish smile. Spencer has a girlfriend now.

He rolled his eyes. Like that would ever stop you. I’m here to see your brother.

Nick is indisposed at the moment. She stepped closer to him and traced a finger along his bottom lip. But I’m sure I can keep you occupied while you wait.

Rebecca, that’s enough, Nick growled as he pulled her away from Dylan. Sexton, to what do I owe this displeasure?

Dylan’s eyes narrowed on Nick. We need to talk, Mitchell.

Nick’s head dipped, and he turned to lead Dylan down the hall. Rebecca, love, head on home. I’ll be there shortly.

Being this close to Nick made Dylan’s skin crawl. The urge to punch him in the face was almost overwhelming. The memory of his brother hitting rock bottom three years ago still made Dylan’s heart ache. The sight of his baby brother, beaten nearly to death, lying in a hospital bed and clinging to life, still haunted him every night.

Nick nodded to the chair in front of his desk. Sit. I’m assuming you’re here because of our younger siblings.

"So, Spencer was with her last night? Dylan spat. You need to keep her on a tighter leash."

You and I both know that my sister listens to no one, especially when it comes to your brother.

You have more power over her than anyone. Make her stay away from him. I don’t want him getting sucked back into your world, Nick. I mean it.

Laughing, Nick formed a pyramid with his hands and rested his chin on his thumbs. Blue-green eyes sparkling, he said, Now who needs to put a tighter leash on their sibling?

Dylan leaned over and flattened his hands on the desk and stared into the other man’s eyes. You saw what happened last time. If you ever were his friend, you won’t let it happen again.

Anger flashed in Nick’s eyes, and he shot to his feet to meet Dylan’s gaze. Their noses were inches apart. Who paid off his debts? Who kept those goons from coming back to finish the job? It sure as hell wasn’t you, Dylan.

The door swung open and Nick’s brother, Evan walked into the room. He placed a calming hand on Dylan’s shoulder. That’s quite enough. May I remind you that this is a place of business?

Dylan cringed and straightened. You’re right. Evan, please, keep Rebecca away from Spencer. He’s doing so much better now.

Seems like you should be having this conversation with Spencer, not us. Nick straightened and brushed the wrinkles from his suit jacket. Get out of my office, Dylan. I have work to do.

One question. Why open an office here? I brought my brother here to get away from you and your family.

That’s none of your business. Get out before I call security to escort you out.

I’ll see you out, Evan said. As they walked out of the building, he said, I agree with you Dylan. My sister and your brother do not need to get mixed up together again. However, they are now adults and free to live their own lives.

You know she’ll listen to Nick. Please, get him to talk to her.

Evan sighed. I can’t make any promises.

Once he was back in his car, Dylan let out a shaky breath and rested his forehead on the steering wheel. This was going to get worse before it got better. He noticed the familiar struggle in Spencer’s eyes earlier, as well as the fiery lipstick smudge on his collar.

Erin’s big doe eyes flashed before his eyes. The thought of his brother shattering that poor girl’s heart made him want to break something. She was a sweet girl, who’d given Spencer’s life purpose again.

Dammit! He sat back and banged his palms on the steering wheel. He pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed his brother’s number. Voicemail. He tossed the phone into the passenger seat and stabbed his key into the ignition.

The apartment was empty when he got home. Maybe Spencer was with Erin. To help settle his frayed nerves, he poured a glass of bourbon and sat on the couch.

What was he going to do? What could he do? Evan was right. Spencer was an adult. Dylan couldn’t tell him what to do. Not that he ever really could.

He jumped when his phone rang, and his heart lurched in his throat when he saw an unfamiliar number flash across the screen. Telling himself it wasn’t that night again, he answered, Hello?

Dylan?

He almost dropped his drink when he heard Erin’s voice. She had never called him before. Shit, she didn’t even usually speak to him at all. Erin?

Is Spencer home, by any chance?

Frowning, he sipped his drink. He’s not with you?

No. And I take it he’s not with you, either.

I haven’t seen or spoken to him since he stormed off at school.

She sighed heavily, and unsure of what to say next, he waited for her to continue. He could feel her anxiety through the phone as clearly as if she were sitting beside him.

I’m worried, she said quietly. I have a bad feeling. His phone is going straight to voicemail. No one knows where he is.

Rebecca probably knows, Dylan thought. Shaking his head in disgust, he said, I’m sure he’s fine. He’ll probably show up at the bonfire tonight.

Yeah. Well, I guess I’ll let you go.

Goodbye.

Bye.

After the call ended, Dylan stared at the phone in his palm. With the click of a few buttons, he saved Erin’s number in his contacts. He had a feeling he might need it again.

CHAPTER 2

Smoke swirled around Erin as she gazed into the crackling fire. The dancing flames sent shadows flickering through the neighboring trees. The ground beneath her feet pulsed to the beat of the music pumping through a nearby set of giant speakers.

She glanced around at all of the laughing, happy faces and felt utterly alone. Shivering against the winter air, she shoved her gloved hands into the pocket of her coat. Carolyn and Bethany appeared next to her. Carolyn held out a red solo cup.

No, thanks. Erin shook her head.

Oh, come on! Carolyn pouted. It’s a party.

Erin gave in and took the cup. She even sipped the sugary drink, much to Carolyn’s delight.

I’ll be back! Carolyn disappeared.

Hey, what’s going on? Bethany asked. You don’t look like you’re having much fun.

Something is going on with Spencer. Erin frowned.

Um, he looks fine to me. Bethany gestured to the kegs, where Spencer was leaning beside the truck.

When did he get here?

Hey, guys! Mark said as he and his friend, Tommy walked up.

Holy shit! Who is that? Tommy sputtered.

A beautiful blonde girl walked up and whispered in Spencer’s ear. Erin froze as she watched his eyes widen in surprise. When he looked around, she ducked behind Tommy and Mark and peeked through the gap between their shoulders. Holding her breath, she watched Spencer take the strange girl by the arm and lead her off into the trees.

Erin? Mark turned to look at her. Do you know who that is? What’s going on?

Spencer’s words echoed in her mind. An old friend came into town. We hung out. Surely, Spencer hadn’t spent the night with another girl. She turned away from her friends and pulled her phone from her pocket. She quickly typed out a text.

Erin: Is Spencer’s old friend blonde by any chance?

Dylan: Rebecca’s there?

Her hand began to shake as she stared at the screen. After a minute or two, she shoved the phone back into her pocket and drained her cup. Mark asked her again if she was okay. She nodded and forced her lips to curve into her classic ‘I’m fine’ smile.

Bethany’s lips thinned and she moved closer to Erin. Who were you texting? Spencer?

Erin shook her head. Dylan.

Bethany’s brown eyes widened. Spencer’s brother? Why? Her forehead scrunched into a frown. What is going on?

I honestly don’t know. Spencer has just been acting so weird lately. You should have seen the way he exploded at Dylan and me earlier. And he didn’t go home last night.

Bethany’s plump lips parted in surprise. Do you think he’s cheating on you? Do you think he’s capable of doing something like that? He really doesn’t seem like the type.

If you had asked me that two days ago, I would have said no, but now … She bit her lip to keep it from trembling. She was not going to cry. Not here. And definitely not before she knew for sure whether or not there was a reason to cry.

Bethany gently squeezed her arm. Drawing on the strength and courage from that tiny supportive gesture, Erin took a steadying breath and plucked Bethany’s drink from her hand. Then she marched past her friends in the same direction Spencer and Rebecca had gone. Needing a little liquid courage, she downed the horrible sugary drink and tossed the cup to the ground.

Hushed, urgent whispering told Erin that she was close. She stopped and strained to hear, but the words evaded her. If she wanted to know what they were talking about then she was going to have to make her presence known.

Even though her head was spinning and her heart felt like it was going to burst, she stepped out of the shadows and smiled. Rebecca? You must be Spencer’s friend he was telling me about earlier. Hi, I’m Erin.

The color drained from Spencer’s face, and he teetered slightly as Rebecca whirled around and looked at Erin with narrow eyes. "Erin? As in Spencer’s current girlfriend?"

Erin’s lip twitched as she fought to keep it from curling into a snarl at the girl’s patronizing tone. Yes.

Rebecca’s eyes grazed over Erin, then she cast a disbelieving glance at Spencer, who shifted uncomfortably. Seriously, Spencer? She jeered. She’s so … plain.

Becca, don’t, he said harshly.

This is going to be a lot easier than I expected, Rebecca laughed.

Erin stiffened. Excuse me?

Spencer stepped in between the two girls. Don’t listen to her, Erin. She’s just an old friend.

"Just an old friend?" Rebecca sneered.

Rebecca! Dylan rushed past Erin and draped his arm around Rebecca’s shoulders. "I told you I wasn’t coming to the bonfire. Good thing Erin texted me that you were here."

What? Rebecca scowled at him. I don’t—

Dylan cut her off by kissing her. She emitted a small squeal before she wrapped her arms around him and clung to him.

Erin carefully watched Spencer’s face as he watched the kiss. A mixture of relief and horror flickered across his face.

The kiss ended and Dylan pushed Rebecca in the direction of the bonfire, leaving Erin and Spencer alone. He looked at her. You texted my brother?

I wanted to know if Rebecca was the one you spent the night with last night. Spencer, what’s going on?

Nothing. I just … He rubbed his face with his hands. Rebecca and her family coming to town stirred up a bunch of stuff from my past. I have a history with them. I guess I’m not handling it well.

Them? A glimmer of hope fluttered through her chest. Maybe Spencer hadn’t been with Rebecca last night after all.

Rebecca and her three brothers. Only two, Nick and Evan, are in town. His left foot scuffed the dirt and his fingers threaded through his brown waves. So, how did you get Dylan’s number? His green eyes rose and bore into hers. What are you friends now or something?

Taken aback at the hostility in his voice, she gnawed on her bottom lip. I was looking for you. You weren’t answering your phone. She shrugged. I didn’t know who else to call.

Seeing her shiver, he said, Let’s go back to the fire. You’re cold.

When he took her hand, Erin couldn’t stop herself from asking, Spence, are we okay?

We’re fine. He pulled her back to their group of friends.

Hearing Spencer refer to their relationship as ‘fine’ sent her heart plummeting to her feet. She knew all about ‘fine’. After her parents died, she mastered the art of being ‘fine’ herself. So she knew that ‘fine’ meant the exact opposite of what everyone intended it to mean.

For the next hour, she tried to join in on the fun that was going on around her, but she couldn’t stop watching Spencer, who was watching Dylan and Rebecca. Although he tried to hide it, his annoyance was clear by the stubborn set of his jaw and his stormy eyes.

Puzzled by his reaction, she couldn’t help form casting frequent, furtive glances at Rebecca and Dylan herself. Rebecca looked right at home, hanging on Dylan’s arm and whispering in his ear. Dylan, however, seemed uncomfortable. He kept glancing at Spencer, too, as if he were checking on him and keeping track of Spencer’s whereabouts.

Erin was used to tension between the two brothers, but there was something different tonight. If she wasn’t mistaken, Dylan actually looked worried about Spencer. Instead of keeping away like he usually did, Dylan had planted himself right in the middle of Spencer’s business.

Watching as Rebecca leaned over and whispered to him again, Erin noticed the subtle way he shifted away from her and the way his smile on his face didn’t reach his eyes as he spoke to her. What was that about? It didn’t fit the Dylan Sexton reputation that Erin knew.

Suddenly, his head jerked up, and his steel-blue eyes met hers across the way. She inhaled sharply and looked away. She quickly mumbled something about a drink to Spencer and moved to the back of a neighboring truck, whose tailgate had been turned into a makeshift bar for the evening.

You don’t want that stuff. Dylan’s quiet voice at her ear made her jump and spill the drink she was pouring. Cursing under her breath, she grabbed a paper towel and began mopping it up.

Sorry. Didn’t mean to spook you. Dylan smirked.

Well, you did.

A silver flask appeared in front of Erin’s face. When she turned and looked at him, he said, This will help keep you warm.

All of Spencer’s warnings about Dylan bounced around her head, making her nervous at his sudden closeness. She’d managed to stay away from him for almost three years, and now here he was next to her, offering her a drink. While her head screamed at her to get away from him, her ingrained politeness held her in place.

Thanks. She took the flask from him and tilted it back. Smooth as liquid silk, the bourbon slid down her throat easily and warmed her insides almost immediately. Her eyes fell shut as she savored its rich flavor on her tongue.

When she opened her eyes, Dylan’s dark indigo eyes were focused on her lips. She shifted uncomfortably and cleared her throat. Th-thank you. That’s really good.

His eyes rose to meet hers, and a slow smile spread across his face. It should be. It’s quite expensive.

Why are you here? This isn’t your type of thing.

He frowned. "Oh yeah? What do you think my type of thing is?"

She took another sip from his flask. Sitting at a bar, drinking your expensive bourbon, picking up a pretty girl, and heading back to her place or a hotel for a little fun.

That’s … pretty accurate actually. His teeth flashed as he grinned widely. Tonight, I chose a bonfire instead of a bar. I’ve still got the pretty girl.

You mean Rebecca? The girl who seems to make you want to run in the other direction, not take her to bed? His jaw dropped, and she rolled her eyes. Come on, Dylan. What’s with the charade? She’s here for Spencer, isn’t she? That’s why you’re trying desperately to distract her. Why are you running interference all of a sudden?

Because you’re better for him. He turned and walked away.

Erin looked down at the flask she still held because he forgot to take it back. Shrugging a shoulder, she tipped it back again. It was a really good bourbon. A pleasant haze settled over her, making her mind fuzzy and her blood warm. She giggled and went to find Spencer.

~ ~ ~

Dylan scanned the bodies around the fire as he searched for Rebecca. Where the hell had she gone? And where was his brother? His gut churned. This was not good. He pushed his way through the crowd of people. When he saw Spencer, alone, leaning against a tree, he sighed in relief.

What the hell are you doing here? Spencer scowled at him.

"A simple thank you