Of course I do.

That’s what I should say. It’s the truth. And those words might defuse this situation, especially if Gabe could hear how much I mean them.

But ever since I was the little kid in Gabe’s shadow, part of me can’t stand to let him win and have all the spoils and pats. So I do dumbass shit like this:

I shrug.

You can practically see the rage meter top out. His face turns even redder; his brows lower. He looks like a bull that’s about to charge. And even though part of me feels like crap, another part of me scores a perverse thrill from getting to him.

Brothers, man. It’s a fucked-up relationship.

“That’s it, Brody. I’m done cutting you slack. If you don’t get your act together and make this work, I’m cutting you out of the business when we allocate mom’s shares.”

My heart kicks up to a gallop. “You can’t do that.”

He crosses his arms. “I sure as fuck can. And I will. If you don’t start bringing in tourist money and good reviews, I will. You have till the end of this summer, or I’m done with you.”

He shoves the papers into my chest, turns, and strides away. The papers fall to the ground, where they’re picked up by the wind and whipped into the trees. A moment later, he swings himself into his Jeep, revs the engine, and roars out of the driveway.

I stand there, a little stunned. More than a little stunned.

I didn’t think he’d get that mad.

“Well, shit.” Connor steps out from behind the boat.

I’d forgotten he was there. Always good to have someone witness your lowest moment.

Or your second lowest, anyway.

“He’s pissed.” Connor raises both eyebrows.

“Thanks, dude,” I growl.

“You should have told him why you did it. Why you sped the boat up.”

I’d told Connor the whole story, how they were talking smack about me and Zoë and baby Justin, and I lost my shit. Connor had hmmmed sympathetically. Connor has always been like that, a good friend no matter what kind of asshole moves I pull. I can’t tell you how many times in my life he’s been there for me after I blew up something that mattered to me—an exam, a class, a job, a relationship, my engagement. He always takes my side.

“You should tell Gabe the truth about Zoë and Justin.”

I shake my head.

“Why are you protecting her? She’s not worth it. After what she did.”

“But Justin is,” I say.

Connor gets quiet. He knows there’s no arguing with me about Justin.