𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐢𝐧

“Mhmm. Just Emmett? No love from you, Benji, or Ollie?” Ryder asks teasingly, laughing when Riley gives his arm a playful smack at his comment. “I’m kiddin’, I’m kiddin’! I’m excited to see everyone. This day has been a long day comin’ and I’m grateful that I’m here for it.” Ryder knew he was one of the lucky ones, to make it home and to come home to such a loving, caring, supportive bunch. “I’m excited to see everyone. Emmett included. I’m glad to hear he’s doin’ so well. That everyone is, really. I feel like I’ve missed so much.” 

“Maybe, but still, mostly just Emmett.” Brooke shrugged playfully right back at the soldier, laughing quietly at Riley’s reaction. She did love watching mother and son interact. Brooke had the utmost admiration for both Riri and Parker. She looked up to them not only as strong, professional leaders but as women. It made her happy to see them both enjoy this moment, welcoming Ryder back home safe and sound. It was all they had been looking forward to, herself included, even if she wasn’t just about to give Ry the pleasure of admitting it too easily. As excited as she was, though, there were so many other friends and family equally so waiting for him back home and Brooke made a point not to hog him too much once they made their arrival. Ry’s uncle and cousin had traveled far to welcome him, their neighbors and family friends, her own brothers and parents, uncles and grandparents. There was plenty of people hoping to catch up with Ry, welcome him home, let him know how much they had all missed him, yet she couldn’t help but notice the moment he went missing. Debating if she should come after him, knowing already he was probably looking to escape the crowd for a moment, Brooke allowed him a few minutes to himself before she followed. 

“Here you are. I thought I had lost you.” Brooke announced herself quietly, carefully, knowing better than to sneak up behind him. She raised her empty glass as if a white flag, also an excuse. He had gone for ice but never came back, and she was, in fact, looking for ice and not necessarily him, except they both knew the truth. “I apologize for half of my family taking so much space. You invite one of us and we multiply like... gremlins. Especially if food is involved.” The Goldstein were a big crowd and her apologies were accompanied with a smile because she absolutely adored her family despite the jest. “How are you holding up?” Her voice softened, standing a little closer. 

“Even if i wasn’t, I know better than to refuse my grandma’s cookin’!” Ryder chuckles, shaking his head. He was happy to be home and he knew how excited everyone was to see him too. He was mostly excited - and maybe the teensiest bit nervous - about being home for good, but Ry knew that he’d adjust. He just needed some time. Luckily, the soldier had an amazing support system on his side. “Y’know, I might’ve heard about that. But good to know!” He had messaged Emmett a few times after he had gotten out of the hospital just to check up on him. Though he had only met Gio very briefly in passing, he seemed like a good guy. “I take it y’all like him” I know Emmett’s been through a lot lately. How’s he doin’?” The blonde asks as they approach his mother’s car. tossing his bag into the trunk. “Hey mama, can I drive? I’m pretty sure I remember the way.” Ryder teases with a grin, catching the key his mom tosses in his direction. “Shall we?”

Brooke couldn’t stop smiling from the backseat of the car, locking eyes with Ry through the rearview mirror as he drove them, his mom riding shotgun despite offering her the spot. Brooke knew better than to take that spot. She loved and respected Riley too much and, besides, her parents did raise her right. “We do.” Both her and Riley said at the same time in regards to Gio, laughing when they did. “I mean, if Emmett didn’t go for it, I would’ve.” The brunette shrugged. “Not that it would’ve mattered because clearly I’m not Gio’s type but, you know.” He was kidding, obviously, and smirking back at the soldier. It was so exciting, knowing Ry wasn’t going anywhere, but also a little weird. Brooke was so used to having him in town for days counted, used to missing him, worrying about him overseas. She leaned in a little closer, resting her arms between the driver and passenger’s seat. “Emmett’s doing okay. He’s really excited you’re coming home. I apologize on his behalf ahead of time. It must be that huge teddy bear you got him.” 

Ryder had made the trip back to Nashville many times, but this was his last. It marked the end of his deployment. It was bittersweet in a way, though he was looking forward to starting a new chapter back home. He was nervous and excited to be starting with the bomb squad once he settled back in at home. Ryder had a couple of weeks off before starting training for the job, though that was the furthest thing from his mind right now. 

With his duffel slung over his shoulder, the blonde makes his way out to the waiting area, easily spotting his mom and Brooke in the crowd despite both of their small statures. After picking Riley up and spinning her around, he moves to do the same to Brooke, grinning cheekily back at her. “Hey yourself. It’s good to be back.” He murmurs, nodding his head. “I mean it. Y’all know that I’m grateful to be here.” 

Brooke giggles watching Ry and his mom reunited, the sound turning louder when the soldier moves to spin her while she playfully begs him to put her down. She was sure they had it easy, with social media and the Internet keeping them connected even when Ry was deployed, but she was still worried. They all were. They were also proud. “You better be.” The brunette slaps his chest lightly, grinning. “Your grandma has cooked up a storm so I also hope you’re hungry.” Everyone was waiting for Ry back at the Olsen’s. His uncle and cousin had flown over, too. She was glad Riley had asked her to come with her. It was going to be hard to get Ryder like this for a while, so many people hovering over him, wanting to catch up. “We need to catch you up on a few things, too, like... Emmett and Gio totally being a thing. Not that it’s a surprise to anyone but, you know, in case you missed it!”

Brooke’s hand was resting on her chest as he approached them, standing one step behind Riri. She wasn’t really sure what to do or say, mostly because she felt a lump in her throat preventing her from speaking. “Hey you.” She managed after a moment, smiling, debating her next step but quickly stopping herself from overthinking it too much because all she really wanted to do was hug him—so she did. “Welcome back, for real this time.” 

The worry and the pain that’s apparent in Brooke’s quiet question makes Milo’s heart hurt. He knew how close Brooke and Emmett were and he couldn’t imagine how awful it was for both her and Matty to be there in the moment. “We will.” The brunette finally says quietly, nodding. “Together, as a family. We have each other to lean on. Always.” Milo’s words are both a reassurance and a promise, his lips pressing to the top of his daughter’s head lightly to comfort her. “I love you, Brooke.”

At that moment, Brooke only knew to hold onto her papa and trust him when he said they would all come around this. Emmett. Their dad. The boys. Them. As a family. Nodding as she tried to furiously wipe a tear away, Brooke bit on her lip, working up the strength to speak again without letting more tears out. The memory of the station played too vividly in her mind, how it all happened both as if in slow motion and all too fast. She didn’t want to cry but her eyes were bloodshot. She didn’t want to give her parents more reasons to worry. “I love you, too.” She finally whispered, clearing her throat softly. “I just- I need to do something. They won’t let me get back to work and the wait is- I just can’t sit around and wait. I don’t know what to do.”

Shaking his head at Brooke’s apology, Ryder reaches for their empty plates, placing them in the sink to be washed later. “Oh, hush. You have nothing to apologize for…it’s been a long day. Let’s get you to bed, you need some rest.” He insists, pulling Brooke gently to her feet. Ryder was sure whatever adrenaline that had kept Brooke going earlier in the day was long gone now, and he didn’t want her staying up just to spend time with him. Besides, he was pretty tired too. Ryder could sleep pretty much anywhere and he was sure Brooke wouldn’t mind if he crashed on her couch for the night. “C’mon, c’mon. Time for bed.” 

Brooke hates that she can’t stop yawning now. She had been trying to fall asleep all night to no avail and the moment she wanted to stay awake to spend every waking second she could with her best friend, she could barely keep her eyes open. Groaning in protest as the soldier pulled her to her feet, half dragging her to her room, Brooke sighed. “Where will you go?” She asked. It was late but she was sure Ry’s grandparents would not care if he showed up to their place now, and he also probably had keys to his mom’s place even if she wasn’t there. He had a long day too, she realized, frowning softly as they walked inside her room and she started to lift her covers. “Stay the night.” It was almost selfish of her to ask him to. Truth is, she didn’t want to be alone. “It’s late. You’re probably just as tired if not more. We can share the bed. It’s big enough and, well, I couldn’t forgive myself if I made you sleep on my couch your first night back home.” Another yawn broke through her words, shrugging as she finally settled back. 

A break. They all needed more than a break. If they could turn back time, Milo swore he would’ve found a way to keep any of this from happening. Emmett had been trying so hard to get away from Brad, to move on from him, only for things to end the way that they did. Milo couldn’t imagine how scared his son must have been at the station. The full story was still a little fuzzy, but Milo didn’t need to know all of the details right now. The only detail that mattered was that Emmett was okay. “Yeah. You and your brothers have been running around  together since you all could walk.” The brunette replies, shaking his head. Seeing Emmett sedated in his hospital bed broke his heart, it really did. “I know. He’s not going to be happy about it, but…we should all be happy that Emmett does have time. If that bullet had gone even a little closer…” Milo didn’t want to think about it. He couldn’t possibly imagine a world without Emmett Goldstein in it and he hoped he never would have to. “Emmett’ll come around. He’s going to drive us all crazy along the way, but he’ll get his strength back. He’s a fighter.”

Even if Brooke loved reminding her brothers of her seniority, it was often hard to remember they were not really just a set of quadruplets. Emmett, Oliver and Benjamin had been around for as long as she could remember. She had no lasting memory without them in it. She didn’t want to ever have to know how that was, and that had come too close for comfort. “How about us?” The brunette asked quietly. “You, dad, the boys, me? Will we come back from this?” They all blamed themselves one way or another, even if they each tried to lift the guilt from each other’s shoulders. They all knew better and yet, it was hard not to think of all the what ifs.

Brooke and Ryder had always been friends, ever since they were little. They basically grew up together, and even though he was a little older than Brooke, they had always been close. They were older now, and life had certainly changed both of them, but not in a bad way. “I only get one favor! I don’t wanna waste it.” Ryder could certainly get more than just one out of his uncle, and if all else failed, he did know a former president that could help him out, but the last thing he wanted to do was get a job just based on someone pulling some strings for him. He was too proud for that. Ryder wanted to earn it, and he knew that he was more than qualified. “Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves. I’m not home for good just yet.” He knew his family and friends wished it were so, but if everything went well, he’d be back stateside for good in a few months. “Oh, my mama’s already countin’ down the days. Don’t let her or my grandma or grandpa give you a hard time though! They all mean well.” Ryder says, shaking his head. “Eh, he’s alright. You’ll just have to find out for yourself, I suppose.” 

Brooke knew Ryder only needed to say the word for his uncle to be there for him. She knew the Olsen’s well enough to know that for sure, but also, she knew Ry had more than proven himself. She was so proud of him, as proud as a friend could be, even if she worried about him constantly and selfishly wished him to be home already. “But soon.” The brunette said even if she nodded in agreement for them not to get too far ahead of themselves just yet. Having Ry over, even if just for a few days, as a good distraction. Brooke didn’t know she needed one until he showed up at her door. She still couldn’t shrug off the sight of her brother, shot and bleeding in her arms. Her father’s voice, a desperation she had never witnessed before. Scratching her forehead as if that could help her get rid of the memory, she focused on Ry again, chuckling softly at their teasing. “I try my best. I just hope they’re not wrong. This guy better live up to all the hype!” Brooke poked at him lightly, and though she was fighting it, a yawn broke through her smile. “I’m sorry.” She quickly apologized, rubbing her eyes idly and shaking her head. She didn’t want to miss out on Ry but she was also so, so tired. “I just need to lie down for a moment, but don’t go. I’m okay, I promise. It’s all this food. I’m so full now!”

Truth be told, Milo was exhausted. Beyond exhausted, really. He was worried about Emmett, scared even though he knew that Brad was in custody. Upset and angry that none of them had seen this coming. How could they have all been so blind? Even though Milo knew better than to place blame on anyone but Brad, it was hard not to. “Oh…you know. Hanging in there. I’m glad everyone’s here, but..it can be a little overwhelming.” He admits, shrugging his shoulders a bit. “Emmett will appreciate it though, once he’s a little more alert. The pain meds are really knocking him out.” 

Hanging in there. They were all just hanging in there. Her dads. Her brothers. Herself. Emmet, especially. They were all beating themselves. It was a family trait, apparently. In an effort to be reassuring, sensing her papa’s own feelings, Brooke smiled softly. “Gramps and Sabba will hold the fort. It’s okay if you just need a break. They’ll understand.” It was easier said than done, she knew that much. She knew mostly because she was telling her papa the same words she won’t accept herself. Chewing on her cheek for a moment, she shrugs, looking up at her father. “It’s kinda weird to see him so still, isn’t it?” Emmett was no Benji, but he was no Ollie either. Brooke hated seeing him in that hospital bed. It looked wrong. So off character. “Dr. Olsen says he’s doing really good but full recovery might take some time. Time. He’s been waiting to get back in the truck for so long since... since the other accident, and now this.” She wished there was something more she could do but Brooke Goldstein felt completely useless for a change. 

Ryder had practically inhaled his food, his plate quickly emptied. Even reheated. Brett Goldstein’s cooking was delicious. “Uh…maybe. Depends on a few things.” Ryder admits with a shrug, rubbing a hand over his face. He wasn’t really sure, to be honest. A lot of things were up in the air right now, and he wanted to make sure he had at least something secured before he confirmed anything. “But I’ve got a few inquiries out. If anything, I could have Uncle Noah make a few calls…but y’know I don’t really wanna do that.” Ryder wasn’t above using his uncle’s connections as former secretary of defense if he really needed to, but it was definitely a last resort sort of thing in his book. “But it’s a definite possibility, yeah. I’m workin’ on it. If not now, then maybe after one more tour. We’ll see how things turn out.” He didn’t want to get anyone’s hopes up, though he does smile softy at the grin on Brooke’s face, shaking his head back at her. “Lord, I dunno. Eat a pizza? Find an apartment? I can’t live at my mama’s forever!”

It had been so long since Ryder enlisted now that Brooke didn’t really know any different. She was still in school by the time he left. He was older and they didn’t always really hang out in the same groups, but he had always been there. She remembered him joining in helping her scare some idiots away when they tried to bully Ollie, or making sure some stupid ex didn’t follow her all the way back home after class. Even when she was this close to skipping Prom because her date ended up changing his mind last minute, Ryder Olsen came to the rescue. So much had changed since then. They had changed since then. Those moments they got to have him home through the years, though, one thing was sure. Their friendship hadn’t changed. “Just at least keep it as an option if you have to. I get it. You don’t wanna call in for a favor. But if it comes down to that, don’t be too proud.” Brooke offered, knowing his train of thought already. It might take him away from Nashville, though, but as long as he was in the country, that was already much better than the present situation. She just needed him to be back home safe and sound, wherever he chose that to be. “Oh, pizza. I’m definitely your girl for that! You can always count on a Goldstein to show you the best pizza spots in town!” She crossed her arms and shrugged proudly, the smile cracking through her lips. “I know it’s too early to say but your mama is going to be so excited to have you back, so will Parker and Chase. You should hear the way your grandma talks about you around the department. You’re some sort of celebrity, you know, our very own homegrown hero! I think she exaggerates a few details here and there. It’s hard to keep track. I just nod along and agree with everything she says partly because I really like my job and she might kick me if I don’t... and partly because this Ryder Olsen guy sounds pretty damn cool!” 

“Yeah, yeah…I know. I mean, obviously I respect dad not only as our dad, but as my captain. I’m just impatient.” Emmett knew it was partially his fault too after the bar fight situation, but he was trying really hard to show his dad he was ready to get back onto the truck. Someone had to answer the phones, Emmett knew that, but he wished it didn’t have to be him. “Fine. I’ll bring you some lunch next time too. Especially if it makes you shut up about Gio. We’re just friends.We both know I’m in no place to get into another relationship right now.” The firefighter points out, shaking his head. “I am. I’m trying. Dad and Papa aren’t letting me out of their sight anyways.” Emmett half chuckles, shaking his head. It was hard for Emmett to explain, the helplessness and paranoia that he still felt. Sometimes he swore he saw Brad out of the corner of his eye, but he had to remind himself that they shared friends and went to some of the same places. It was normal to run into an ex from time to time. He just had to keep telling himself that. “Seriously though…don’t give Gio a hard time. He seems like a really good guy.” 

“Oh, honey, it will not make me shut up about Gio but nice try!” Brooke laughed, loving the fact that she was right. “You can agree he’s damn fine without asking him to marry you, Em. Obviously you’re not jumping into a relationship right now but it’s okay to, you know, let your eyes wander. I know mine do. It’s kinda sad I don’t think he might look my way anyway but that won’t stop me from thinking he’s a cutie with nice muscles.” With a shrug, Brooke turned towards her brother. She could feel there was something more to his words he wasn’t saying, but instead of digging too dip, she just sighed and rolled her eyes playfully. “I promise I’ll try not to, if you promise me one thing too?” She waited half a second to make sure her brother was in it, too. “Promise me you won’t let Brad ruin the rest of your life. He’s already done enough of that.”

Time seemed to have stopped moving ever since Milo had gotten the phone call from Brooke about Emmett. He had never felt so helpless as when he did running into the waiting room to find Matty and Brooke waiting there for him. He couldn’t even wrap his head around the situation, numb and in shock. How had this happened? How did none of them see it coming? There were so many questions and not enough answers. 

It had been a couple of days and while Emmett was out of the woods, everyone was still on edge. Basically everyone in their family had flown in to Nashville to be there for them, and while Milo appreciated it so, so much, he also couldn’t help but feel a little overwhelmed at times, and these was one of those times. 

Spotting Brooke sitting at a nearby table picking at an almost empty plate of food, Milo walks over, giving his daughter’s shoulder a light squeeze. “Hey, sweetheart. I was gonna go for a quick walk…you want to join me?” He asks, offering her a small smile. “Some fresh air might do us both some good.” 

@brookegoldstein​

Having the whole extended family in town was usually an occasion to celebrate. This time around, it felt different. Overwhelming, to some extent. Even if Brooke loved having them over, their support, it also meant something very serious happened and it only made her worry more about her brother. She couldn’t shrug off the guilt either, pushing her food around her plate a little too distracted to put her perky face up before she noticed her papa approaching and, by then, it was just no use. “Yeah.” Offering him a smile, she sighed and pushed her plate away before wrapping an arm around his, letting him lead the way. They had all been on their toes and Brooke only realized she hadn’t really had some one-on-one alone time with her papa since the accident. Leaning her head against his shoulder as they walked, she turned to kiss his cheek for no apparent reason but, in truth, she was just quietly thanking him for taking her away for a second. “How are you feeling, papa?” She asked almost instinctively. 

“I don’t think I do, but I’ll let you know. Maybe we can get all of the sibs together and do something fun. You think Ollie and Benji have enough time for little ole me?” Emmett asks half jokingly, shaking his head. He knew his siblings would always make time for him. They were always there for each other, no matter what. “Ah, no. Dad’s being very tight lipped. I know he’s in a tough spot, so I’m trying not to bug him too much about it even though I really, really want to.” Even though he was desperate to get back on the truck, Emmett knew better than to pester his dad too much. It wasn’t fair of him, and he wasn’t about to ask for any special treatment just because he was the captain’s son. He’s almost glad for the change of subject until Brooke starts teasing him about Gio, scrunching his nose slightly. “Well, that’s because you have the same exact leftovers in your own fridge! You don’t need me to bring you lunch.” Emmett protests, shaking his head. “I’m just being friendly. Gio’s been really helpful and I’m grateful, that’s all.” 

“Those two buttheads? Of course they’re in!” Brooke truly loved her brothers even if she liked poking fun at them every opportunity she got. Even at this grown age, they loved spending time together and crashing at their parents’ unannounced. “You know he’ll come around though, right? Dad is totally weak for us even if he pretends he’s not. If he’s holding back it’s for a reason, but he’ll let you in soon enough. Just sit your ass for a bit longer, Emmett Thatcher!” She said as tenderly as she could mange while ruffling her brother’s hair. Pursing her lips as she allowed him to come up with an excuse to her accusation, Brooke just shot her brows up and shook her head. “I don’t need you to but I would appreciate it!” She corrected, laughing. “So it is Gio! I knew it. I mean, he is a hottie. Have you seen those arms?” She was practically gushing, something she loved being able to do with her brothers. “You know, he’s one of the good cops. He used to be bully a lot when he joined the department. I don’t really know the whole story though.” Which only made her want to go back to the office database and look into it. “Just be careful, babe, yeah?”

“Mama couldn’t tell me much ‘cause I’m not family, but she said Emmett made it through surgery pretty well. He’s a fighter. He’ll recover.” Ryder says reassuringly, nodding back at Brooke. While Emmett was out of the woods physically, they both knew that he still had a long road ahead of him. “Hey, c’mon. The only person at fault is the fucker who pulled the trigger. I know y’all don’t wanna hear this…but it wouldn’t have mattered whether Emmett was on the truck or not. People like Brad…he would’ve found another opportunity until he got what he wanted.” As a cop, Ryder knew Brooke knew that too, but it was hard to think logically when it came to family. “I wish I could stay longer, but my tour’s over in a few months. We’ll see what happens then.” The bomb squad job was still a dream at this point, something he wasn’t even sure was possible for him. But that wasn’t a thought for right now. “C’mon, I’ll be back before you know it. You won’t even notice that I’m gone.” 

Brooke smiled softly as Ryder reassured her of her brother’s diagnosis. Her entire family was so relieved knowing Emmett was under Riley’s care. She was practically family and they all trusted her to do whatever it took for her brother to be okay. She needed Em to be okay. Brooke would never forgive herself if something worse happened. She was already kicking herself for not being able to stop this already really bad thing from happening. Deep down, Brooke knew it wasn’t her fault. She kept telling her dad the same thing. It was hard not to blame herself in the end, though. There was always something else she could’ve done. Something more. “I know.” She nodded quietly at Ryder, offering him a reassuring smile that she did know he was right even if she kept beating herself over it. It’s not how she wanted to spend whatever time she got with him during his quick stay in town either. Standing up to take their now empty plates to the sink to wash, Brooke looked back at Ry. “So after your tour is over you’re back back? For good?” There was a tinge of excitement in her voice. They were no longer in High School and a lot had changed since Ryder was deployed. “With every Goldstein in history crashing Nashville right now, maybe not. But once everyone’s gone I’ll definitely miss you. Even if I hate it when you’re around, I know I need someone to keep me in check even when it gets on my nerves.” She grinned, looking up from the dishes to her friend. “What’s the first thing you wanna do when you’re back?”

“I know.” Emmett sighs, giving his sister a look. He knew he could always come to siblings (and his parents) about anything. He knew that they were there for him. He knew that they loved him and supported him unconditionally. “I promise that I know. It’s not me not trusting you or Benji or Ollie or dad or papa. It’s nothing about any of you. It’s just…it’s just me.” Emmett replies with a shrug, pursing his lips. “Ha, yeah. I’ve used up all of my time off, haven’t I? Uh, no plans. Just gonna keep my head down ‘til Captain Goldstein lets me off desk duty. That’s the plan.” 

“Okay. Alright. I believe you. I just felt the need to remind you just in case you forgot!” Brooke half joked giving her brother a semi stern look. Even if they were literally only months apart, she was still his big sister and she would always feel an innate need to protect him. It came with the role. “Honestly, if you have any time off left, please share. Maybe next time we can do something fun together for a change!” Brooke chuckled, trying to lighten the mood a little as she let her head roll back with a playful groan as Em mentioned Captain Goldstein. “Any idea when that is?” She knew better than to think their dad would take Em’s return to the station lightly but even she was growing impatient by now too. “Is that why you’ve been around at the station a few times, then, cause dad’s not giving you a whole lot to do? Because last I heard, you have been delivering snacks and leftovers but I haven’t received anything at my desk...”

“Goldstein strong.” Ryder repeats, nodding back in Brooke’s direction. With the plates of food in the microwave, he turns to look back at her, a small frown tugging at his lips. “Hey, hey…don’t go there. Emmett’s okay. That’s what matters.” He says, quickly moving over to her side. “Yeah, of course. I’ll stop by and see Emmett. I texted him already, just to check in and let him know I was thinking of him.” It wasn’t much, but it was the least he could do while he was getting his travel plans sorted.  “I’m not delusional. Emmett’s family. I wanted to be here, Brooke. Seriously.” The microwave beeps then and Ryder goes to grab the food, setting the plates down in front of them. Even reheated, it smelled amazing. The soldier couldn’t remember the last time he ate a home cooked meal, and Brett Goldstein’s cooking was always delicious. “Seriously though. How’s everyone holding up?”

It was hard not to go there. Brooke had tried to keep her thoughts to herself, bottling it all up for so long. She was sure she wasn’t making a great job at it, either. Her parents had already tried to reassure her there was nothing any of them could’ve done but she had also recognized that same impotence in her dad’s voice, his forlorn look when he didn’t think anyone was watching. She hated the fact that she allowed it to slip in front of Ryder now too, especially when he had made it back home just for Emmett. Offering her friend an unconvincing smile, she nodded. “He’d like that.” Brooke spoke quietly, wiping the corner of her eye, hoping a stray tear didn’t give her away. “He’ll love seeing you.” Even if she knew her brother would feel slightly guilty for it, too, she knew how much Em, as they all did, appreciated Ry’s visit. Even if Brooke didn’t plan of eating with Ry when she offered, now that the food was served and the plate placed in front of her, the smell of it alone made her realize she had skipped a few meals that day and she was actually starving. Quietly thanking the soldier, she picked through her plate with her fork. “Well, my parents are just hoping for the best, really. It helps your mom is leading all the treatments and procedures. My dad is having a bit of a hard time accepting it, too. He keeps blaming himself for leaving Em alone. He was on desk duty because dad didn’t feel he was ready to be back on the truck yet but, well, you know what happened.” Brooke distracted herself by looking at her plate, offering a small smile when she looked up back at Ry. “But all my uncles and cousins are here. Every Goldstein you can think of, including the Scavo-Healy’s, are in Nashville right now. So that’s nice.” And it truly was. At least their family had the solace that it wasn’t only at moments like this that they all got together. They did often. There was great comfort in their company and their support, though. “And now you’re here too. Did I say how good it is to see you already? Cause I mean it. I just hate you a little because it means I get to see you leave again and that, Olsen, doesn’t get any easier with time. I’m sure your mom will agree with me there.”

“Technically, I asked him to drop me here instead of taking me home. So don’t read into that too much.” Emmett points out, shaking his head. He supposed Gio could’ve taken him home or even left him on a street corner for all he cared, but he dropped him at Brooke’s like he had asked, which Emmett had appreciated. “We’re not. I’m definitely not looking for a boyfriend right now. I think I need a break from men.” Those were famous last words, he was sure, but they rang true. Emmett was in no place to even think about seeing anyone else right now. He didn’t trust himself or anyone else. “It was good. I mean, everything’s not magically okay now, but I feel a little better. It felt good, just being out there by myself.” There had been no expectations, nobody looking over his shoulder. It was what Emmett needed. “I dunno. It’s hard to explain. Mostly I just feel stupid.” 

Brooke bit her tongue to prevent herself from poking too much into the cop. She needed to do her own little digging at the department, find out whatever she could about Gio Souza. Whatever the case was or would be, he was already too involved when it came to family matters. She just needed to take every measure possible while also respecting Emmett’s wishes. “Hear, hear!” The brunette raised her soda, though, when her brother declared a need to take a break from men because, same! Obviously her situation was nothing like Emmett’s at that moment but she had tried, and failed, enough times to mean it, too. Putting her drink down, she turned on her end of the couch and faced Emmett, smiling. “Okay, first, the only person who gets to call you stupid is me. Not you. Not anyone else. Got it? And second, well, you know you can just talk to me even if you feel like you’re making no sense, right?” Brooke just wanted to be there for him. She already felt like she had failed him big time and she didn’t want that to be the case again. She wanted Em to trust her. “You’ve had a busy few weeks between going to uncle Ez and uncle Henry’s and then this... you need a break from your break. Any plans now? How’s dad taking you coming back on duty?”