A week that I’ve been covering for my pain-in-the-ass brother.

His absence has created a major disruption at the bar. I’m the only one who knows where he is, and I’ve refused to share that information, crowning me as the most hated coworker.

Out of guilt, I’m covering his shifts. It’s not like I have shit else to do anyway. Working helps me pass the time, clears my mind from the bullshit, and it’s better than sitting at home alone since Archer and I live together.

“Your brother pull his head out of his ass yet?”

I stop counting inventory at the sound of Cassidy’s voice and sweep my gaze over the bar. Cassidy’s marching in my direction, her hips swaying from side to side with each step. With me covering for Archer and her filling in for Georgia while she recovers from a concussion, we’ve been working together all week. Like with working, being around her keeps my mind off my problems.

“Hello. Good afternoon to you too,” I say instead of answering her question—the same one she asks daily.

She wrinkles her nose. “I’m up for kidnapping his ass … wherever he is …” She leaves the rest of her sentence hanging.

“Hmm …”

On the outside, I’m acting cool.

Inside, agitation speeds through me.

Archer’s actions have been putting me through hell. I’m trying to be understanding, but it’s hard when everyone around is pointing out what an idiot he is.

“If only someone—say, you—knew where we could find him.” Her oval-shaped eyes sharpen as she glares at me.

I ignore her comment, not even bothering to hmm this time.

Too bad Cassidy isn’t one to steer clear of sensitive subjects.

“What’s his deal?” She ties back her glossy blond hair in a high ponytail. “Can’t you force him to do the right thing or tell Georgia where he is, so the girl can rip him a new one? She at least deserves that.”

“Archer is … complicated.” Defending him makes my jaw twitch. He doesn’t deserve it.

“How about you uncomplicate the situation, force him to pull up his big-boy panties, and face Georgia?”

I scrub a hand over my face. “You have siblings?”

“A sister. Two brothers.” She pauses and holds up a finger. “Shit, three brothers. I recently found out about a secret half brother that my dad hid for fifteen years. And now, my brother is marrying his sister.”

I cock my head to the side, replaying her words. “Jesus. That sounds messy.”

“Yep.” Her red nails make a tap, tap against the bar, and her voice turns stern, almost parent-like. “I know complicated, and if one of those siblings was acting as if they were still in Pampers, I’d make them face the consequences of their actions.”