Cyrus scooted up to the bar next to his brother at the party. Wraith’s wife was off mingling with Davis Preston’s daughter having a great time. Wraith just looked ahead, not acknowledging his brother, while Cyrus just sat looking at him.
“You’re still mad too, huh? I talked to Holly and Colt. They forgave me.”
Wraith took a big gulp of his beer, not even attempting to look at his brother.
“Just lecture me. Say something. It’s been a week and you won’t even look at me.”
Wraith turned his head, staring down his nose. “Do you even deserve a lecture? You’re lucky I haven’t beat your ass for the shit you pulled.”
Cyrus looked down, fiddling with his tie. “I’m sorry. I know it’s not much but I am.”
“Do you even know why I’m really mad?”
“Because I changed the match, throwing Colt in the mix. I hurt Holly and she’s afraid it will destroy her relationship.”
“Wrong. The match is a good booking. Even she knows that. Holly is tough and would never put a stupid wrestling match before people she loves. In the ring, it’s just a job.”
“Then why are you mad at me?”
Wraith stood up ready to walk away pointing his beer at him. “Because my brother threw away the best tag team in the business for his damn ego. You broke up Doom without even a second thought of how it would affect us as a family. It was as if you threw away ten years of a brother’s bond just to make your point. It’s cool, though. I guess it’s time we finally have our singles run without each other to lean on. I guess blood doesn’t mean shit when the money’s good. Enjoy your payday.”
Wraith walked away, and Cyrus jumped up to stop him. “Please. Wait. God, Wraith, I didn’t even think about Doom. I was just caught up in playing head games with Colt. Did I screw up so bad that you can’t forgive me? We’re brothers.”
Wraith stopped with his head hung down and fist clenched at his hips. “Why can’t you just let her be happy? Is Colt so damn bad you can’t give him a chance?”
“No. He’s great. I just like messing with him. It’s funny. I mean nothing by it. I sure as hell didn’t want to hurt my family over this shit.”
“I’m right, aren’t I? This drama is all about the divorce. You’re still hurting and just doing all this crazy shit because you can’t get your shit together.”
Wraith turned back to him, seeing the sadness in Cyrus’ eyes.
“I’m lonely, Wraith. I’m supposed to be the one who is always the calm and collected one. The Evans brother that keeps it all together and thinks things through. Truth is, I’m probably more screwed up than any of us. I’m trying to make my way and I just don’t know how.” Cyrus dropped his head. “Why did she have to leave me?”
Wraith went to his brother and threw his arm over his shoulder to console him. “Fuck, Cy. Why didn’t you tell me you were hurting? Holding on to this shit isn’t healthy. Look, the bitch left. It’s not your fault. She wasn’t happy. Hell, she was never a happy person and always thought about herself. You can’t force someone to want to be a wife and mother. She’s just not wired that way.”
“I know. I just worry I’ll never find what you and Lilly have.”
“You will. And when you do, you may get that big family you always wanted.” Wraith rustled Cyrus’s hair. “We will always be brothers. Do your own thing for a while. I probably need this too. But so help me, if you come at my title too, I’ll beat your ass.” Wraith chuckled.
“Deal. I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you first. It’s not about money. You, Holly, and Isis mean more to me than this job. I just wasn’t thinking.”
“Damn right you weren’t. Now buy me a beer. Tonight’s on you for being a dick.”
“I can deal with that.”
***
Holly and Colt followed their friends into the banquet hall. The theme for this year’s party was a cross between burlesque and Gatsby. Black, gold, and silvers made the room look like a vintage Hollywood movie set. Hostesses and servers walked around in roaring 20s style costumes acting as if they were part of the Jazz era. Bartenders were acting as if they were in a speakeasy serving illegal liquor during the prohibition, and everyone was having a blast chatting it up with them. Ballroom and burlesque dancers entertained the guests as the wine flowed and laughter filled the room. Davis and his daughter had outdone themselves for this year’s theme.
Holly felt in her element amongst the performers. Remembering her years in the sideshows burlesque was something she always thought to be sexy and beautiful. She was so giddy she was shaking with excitement seeing all that was going on. She saw her brothers across the room at the casino-style game tables with her sister-in-law, Lilly.
“This is amazing. Colt look! It’s a burlesque show. Let’s go watch. I think I know that girl on stage from the sideshows.”
“This party is over the top. Davis always goes all out. Hey? Where is Isis going?”
They made their way into the ballroom, and Isis rushed to the stage to talk to Davis. A few minutes later, Gage was standing next to the dance floor smiling ear to ear. Holly walked up to him, questioning what her cousin was up to.
“What’s she doing with that guy?”
Gage smiled from his eyes, watching his girl. “Dancing. Isis wanted to surprise everyone with a performance. She’s been practicing a routine with that guy for weeks. I love to watch her dance.”
Colt nudged him. “Why aren’t you out there?”
“Are you kidding me? I have two left feet. I much rather watch her. She loves to dance, and it makes her happy. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings but telling her I hate watching her dance with another guy. I can put my pride aside to see her smile.”
Holly gave him a playful look. “Awe. Gagey, you’re jealous. That’s so sweet.”
“I’ll get my chance to dance with her later. Let her have her fun. He may have her on the dance floor, but I have her heart.”
Colt nodded. “Where it counts, buddy.”