Cole says the minute I open the door to let him in. “You sound just like my mom.” I wave him inside and close the door behind him. It’s late in the morning so Mom and Dad have already left for work, and Reece is still sleeping. I’ve surmised that noon is his preferred wake up time. “Was it Michael?” I nod, scratching the back of my neck. “No way. What does he look like?” Cole takes a seat at my kitchen table, picks up an apple from the fruit basket in the center and takes a bite. It makes a loud snap, and juice sprays on his face. As he wipes it off I marvel at how things haven’t really changed over the years. Cole has always treated my house like it was his. “He’s fine. I didn’t really fight back.” I take the seat across from him. “What? The Asher I know never backs down from a fight.” Bits of apple spew out of his mouth as he speaks.
