Part 14

Tawan held Ira's hand as they stepped into the courtyard, reinforcing the illusion that they were a couple. Her palm was warm, slightly damp with nervous energy.

She was just as on edge as Tawan was, though it didn't show on her face. Still, Tawan gave her fingers a reassuring squeeze. Ira flicked a glance up at her and offered a small, grateful smile.

It was pretend. It was all pretend. But damn if it didn't feel real.

Lines were blurring.

Being home always twisted Tawan up inside. Kalasin held memories both good and bad, tangled together in a way that always took months to unravel. And now, she'd brought a woman into the middle of it all—one with a relentless curiosity that made her feel like she was under a microscope.

Ira kept asking questions Tawan didn't want to answer. The worst part? She kept answering them anyway.

Focus. Work. Keep your head straight.

Kai's birthday party was bigger than expected. At least forty people filled the courtyard, with more spilling into the bar inside. The atmosphere buzzed with easy laughter, the clink of glasses, the hum of conversation. It was the kind of gathering that should have felt normal. But with Ira's hand in hers and the weight of so many familiar faces, Tawan felt anything but.

On the right, Brick and three of Tawan's buddies from high school lounged with their beers, joking and reminiscing.

On the left, teenagers around Kai's age clustered in groups, split along gender lines like they were at a school dance.

Near the back wall, parents who used to cheer from the sidelines during games gathered by the food and gifts, catching up like old friends.

Here and there, new faces popped up, younger and full of that wide-eyed energy of kids who hadn't been around long enough to witness the town's history. Tawan scanned them automatically, but none of them set off alarm bells. No reason to be on high alert tonight.

"Oi, Storm!" One of her old school friend raised his beer in salute. "Didn't think we'd see you back here!"

"Tawan! Who's your girl?" another asked with a teasing grin.

Tawan braced herself for the inevitable.

She'd seen Ira work a crowd before. The woman was a magnetic force, the kind that drew people in just by existing. Her energy created its own gravity, and before you knew it, you were in her orbit.

That kind of presence was a nightmare for security.

"Earn!" Brick called out, waving her over. "Come on, we got some stories for you about Storm here. Has she told you about the time she got flattened by a guy half her size on the field when Storm here wanted to play Rugby instead of basketball?"

The group burst into laughter.

"Oh, I need to hear this," Ira grinned as she tugged Tawan along. She gave Brick an amused look. "Was he bigger than you?"

"Not even close." Brick's grin widened. "This guy, Somchai—he was maybe 160 centimeters, scrawny as hell, built like a stick."

"He was quick, though," Jin added. "Coach only put him in because we were already up and figured, why not?"

"So he gets this determined look in his eye," Pim butted in, gesturing dramatically.

"And he ducks under Brick—"

"Goes straight for Tawan's legs," Brick mimed the move. "Boom. She's down."

"She went flying," Shane added. "The ball bounces off her, ricochets off Phon's shoulder, and somehow—somehow—lands in Win's hands, who just books it to the goal."

Ira covered her mouth as she laughed. "Wait, so did you win?"

As if on cue, the guys broke into their old celebration, flexing their arms and shouting, "Boltz!"

Tawan rubbed her forehead, half-laughing, half-cringing. But as she glanced around, she realized something—nobody had recognized Ira. They treated her just like they would any other person she brought home: with teasing, warmth, and a burning desire to embarrass her.

So far, so good.

Now for the real test.

"It's time for Earn to meet my parents," Tawan said, steering Ira away.

"Ooooo," Jin smirked. "That's why you look like you wanna puke, huh?"

"We'll catch you later, Earn," Brick said. "We got plenty more dirt on Storm to share."

Tawan shot him a warning glance but didn't slow down. Hopefully, they'd be long gone before the guys circled back with more embarrassing stories.

"You ready for this?" she asked.

Ira slipped her arm through Tawan's, her voice full of mischief. "So ready. Is the bow still on the guitar?"

Tawan shifted the instrument so Ira could check on it.

She plucked at the bow, then nodded. "Perfect. Where's your brother?"

"Not sure." Tawan had been scanning the crowd ever since they arrived but hadn't caught sight of Kai.

"Tawan!" her stepmother called out as she approached, arms open for a hug. "Welcome home. I'm so glad you're here."

"Good to see you, Wanthanee." Tawan adjusted the guitar to the side and leaned down to hug her. Since she was much shorter, Wanthanee had to go on tiptoes, but she didn't let go, even when the guitar bumped against her.

"We've missed you," Wanthanee said in her ear.

"Sorry. It's been hectic."

Tawan liked Wanthanee. She had been her mother's best friend long before she married her father. She was a constant presence in her childhood and had always treated her with warmth and kindness.

She was family.

"I know." Wanthanee squeezed her a little tighter. "You do important work. But don't forget, the rest of us need you too."

"I'll try," Tawan said. And she meant it. She always did, even if life—and now a certain diva in distress—got in the way.

Wanthanee plucked the shoulder strap of the guitar case as she pulled back. "You brought Kai a present."

It wasn't a question—it was a statement loaded with meaning.

"It's his eighteenth." Tawan gave her a sheepish look. "Earn insisted."

"It's perfect." Wanthanee's attention shifted to Ira. "And you must be Earn."

Tawan gestured from Ira to her stepmother. "Earn, this is Wanthanee, my stepmother."

Wanthanee wrapped Ira in a warm embrace. "I'm so happy to meet you. I've been dying to stop by and welcome you both properly, but Rong told me to give you time to settle in. Still, that house hasn't had a proper fire in weeks, and I know there's no real food in there. I'll have Rong bring over some wood tomorrow, okay?"

"It's great to meet you too," Ira said, her voice almost shaky. "And please don't go through any trouble. The house is perfect just as it is."

"Oh, that's sweet of you to say," Wanthanee said with a smile. "I'm just glad someone's giving that house a little love again. It's been empty too long."

Tawan felt the familiar weight of guilt settle at the back of her neck. She should visit more often. She knew she should. But it was hard walking through those doors and not hearing her mother's voice calling her name. This town was filled with reminders of the life she'd had—and the one that had been stolen from her.

It was easier to stay away.

She caught Ira watching her and quickly smoothed her expression.

Ira squeezed her hand before turning her signature, distracting smile on Wanthanee. "So where's the birthday boy? I think guys who play the guitar are so cool."

"I think they're out in the field kicking a football around. He'll be back soon. I told him presents start when the lights come up." Wanthanee eyed the guitar knowingly. "Kai is going to be thrilled. You couldn't have picked anything better."

"Is that my daughter, Tawan?" A deep voice rumbled from behind them.

Tawan turned just as her father, Liang Rong, placed a firm hand on her shoulder. "It's been so long I wasn't sure I'd recognize you."

"We both know your memory is better than that," Tawan said with a small smirk before gesturing at Ira. "Dad, this is Earn."

"Well, well." Rong's sharp eyes flicked over Ira with quiet amusement. "I see what's kept you away so long." His lips twitched. "Can't say I blame you there. Nice to meet you, Earn."

Ira stepped forward and wrapped him in a hug before he could react. "It's great to meet you, Khun Rong."

For a moment, Liang Rong stiffened, caught off guard by the hug, but then he let out a deep laugh and patted her back. "You can just call me Rong. We don't stand on formality in this family."

He gave Ira another firm pat on the shoulder before releasing her. "You must be special. Tawan's never brought anyone home before."

"Really?" Ira drew the word out, letting a teasing edge creep into her tone. "Well, I'm honored. And I can see where Tawan gets her charm."

The hint of an accent that always lingered in her voice became slightly more pronounced. Tawan suppressed a wince. Ira was supposed to be from Songkha, not Bangkok.

Rong put an arm around Wanthanee. "How long are you two planning to stay?"

Ira cast an uncertain look in Tawan's direction. "Oh, I don't know. A few weeks?"

"Maybe," Tawan said. "We're playing it by ear."

"Oh, good," Wanthanee said, clasping her hands together. "That gives us time to get to know Earn."

"Usually, my daughter never stays more than three days," Rong grumbled.

"Rong, don't start," Wanthanee chided with a playful smack to his arm. "Now, Earn, Tawan mentioned you're an actress. Have you been in anything we might have seen?"

Tawan stiffened. They hadn't gone very deep into the Earn Phongphiphat backstory.

"Oh no, I doubt it. I've done a couple of really bad commercials." Ira wrinkled her nose. "I was up for a voice role in an animated movie, but they went with someone else at the last minute. It really broke my heart, you know? That's why I wanted to come here with Tawan for Kai's birthday. I needed a break."

She flashed Tawan a bright, sugar-wouldn't-melt-in-my-mouth smile.

She'd basically just stolen her friend's recent history and made it her own.

It actually wasn't a bad idea. Lies were always easier when they were sprinkled with truth.

"I'm so sorry to hear that. It would have been exciting to be involved in something like that," Wanthanee said sympathetically. "But I hope that means you'll be here for the festival. You'd get to see Kai put your present to good use in the talent show. You know, you could sign up for the talent show too. It's not too late, and anyone can join."

"Oh." Ira's eyes widened in alarm. "I don't think..."

Tawan stiffened. She knew that tone.

Her stepmother's crafty smile made her pulse tick up. Tawan knew exactly where this was headed.

"Tawan won once," Wanthanee mused. "She and her friends did the funniest little skit. I think she was about eight." Her face brightened as if she'd just remembered something. "Oh! And if you two are here for Loy Krathong, you should meet my friend Sunitha. She's directing the holiday performance at the cultural center this year. People come from all over to participate before moving on to bigger productions in Bangkok. Maybe you should talk to her, Earn. She might have a part for you. It could be a great addition to your portfolio."

Tawan braced for impact.

Ira's eyes lit up like a kid seeing a carnival for the first time. But then she grimaced with real regret. "That sounds like an amazing opportunity, but I think now might not be the best timing."

"We really don't know how long we'll be here," Tawan added, relieved.

"I'd hate to say yes and then have to leave." Ira's voice was full of regret. "Tawan's job is so unpredictable, you know? Plus, I really do need to step away from the spotlight for a while—just to clear my head."

Tawan nearly snorted at the idea of Ira willingly stepping away from any kind of spotlight.

Wanthanee's happy expression faltered. "You are staying for Kai's big game, right? It's his last year, and he's team captain."

Tawan felt a sharp pang of guilt. She hadn't been to any of Kai's matches this year. She knew it was a big deal. She should have made time.

It was easier to ignore the guilt when it wasn't staring her in the face with Wanthanee's kind, understanding eyes. "We'll try."

"We wouldn't miss it," Ira said cheerfully, throwing Tawan a meaningful look—the same one she'd used when she convinced her to let her do the VIP concert. "I can't wait. I've never seen a live rugby match. It sounds fun."

"You haven't?" Rong looked startled. "Well, you definitely have to come. You need the full experience."

Tawan caught sight of Kai stepping into the courtyard, flanked by his two best friends.

Kai's gaze locked onto hers.

Tawan lifted her chin in silent greeting.

For a half second, Kai's eyes widened, and his face brightened.

Then, just as quickly, the excitement on his brother's face darkened.

"Kai!" someone near the drinks table called out.

His brother shot her the look of resentment that had become all too familiar over the past few years, then turned away.

Well, wasn't this going to be fun.

"Oh, Tawan." Wanthanee placed a gentle hand on her arm. "You should take Earn to see the sunflowers. They're at their peak this week. It's lucky timing."

"Sunflowers?" Ira perked up. "That sounds beautiful. I'd love to see them."

"There are fields of them off Highway 214," Rong added. "You can pick as many as you want. They charge by the dozen. There's even a picnic area and some street vendors set up, so you can make a day of it."

Tawan had to admit, Ira was handling this whole thing with impressive skill. With a few well-placed questions, she had completely redirected the conversation. She'd managed to shift the focus from uncomfortable family tension to something light and effortless.

It was smooth. Too smooth.

All that media training had clearly been good for something.

"Earn," Rong said, "come with me. I'll get you the best nam dokmai mango juice you've ever had."

Ira reached for the pendant around her neck, her fingers brushing over the chain as she gave Tawan a questioning look.

Tawan gave her an encouraging nod. "Get me a Singha, would you?"

On impulse, she leaned in and kissed her cheek.

It was supposed to be just for show. A light, fleeting touch. Barely skin on skin.

But just like that, the small, innocent kiss sent a jolt of heat up her spine.

"Singha?" Rong scoffed, clapping a hand on Tawan's shoulder. "You'll take my special blend and thank me later. Earn, has Tawan told you..."

The rest of the conversation faded into the hum of the party as they walked away.

Tawan almost went after them. No telling what kind of stories her dad was going to tell Ira.

Wanthanee stepped in beside her, holding a tray of khanom jeeb. "I like her."

"Me too." The words came out before Tawan could stop them. And that realization? Well, that was a kick in the ass.

"Is she the one?" Wanthanee's tone was light, teasing, as she offered the tray to her.

Tawan popped one of the dumplings into her mouth. "It's way too soon for that."

Wanthanee's knowing smile deepened. "It's never too soon, especially when she's the first person you've ever brought home since Ratchanee. I can practically hear the monks chanting already."

"We just started dating six months ago," she protested, hoping to sound convincing.

Across the courtyard, she spotted Rong handing Ira a tray of tea cups and pointing her toward the dessert table.

Ira moved cautiously, balancing the tray like it was a prop in a stage performance, her entire face pinched in concentration.

She didn't look like she'd ever done anything that domestic in her life.

"Uh-huh." Wanthanee gave Tawan a playful wink before disappearing into the crowd with her appetizers.

Tawan exhaled, rubbing a hand over her face.

She knew that look.

The matchmaking had officially begun.

And if she knew her stepmother, there was probably already a betting pool forming about their hypothetical wedding date.

She had known bringing a "girlfriend" would be a distraction. This was exactly what she wanted—an entire town watching over Earn.

Problem was, they were also watching her.

And that made the back of her neck itch, like she had a target painted between her shoulder blades.

In any other security detail, she was a shadow. A bodyguard, unseen, unnoticed. She watched the crowd while her protectee lived their life, stepping in only when necessary.

But now?

Now she was the center of attention too.

And that was dangerous.

With her team, there usually wasn't one.

She'd guarded dignitaries, CEOs, and even members of royal families. She'd been in special ops. She'd been praised for her ability to command a unit, and she'd received two commendations.

She was a highly trained professional with years of experience.

But after an hour of endless questions, speculation, and not-so-subtle whispers from friends, family, and nosy neighbors, she had to admit—no amount of active duty could prepare someone for the kind of interrogation that came from well-meaning small-town Thais.

She wasn't an actor.

And this entire charade was wearing thin. Fast.

Tawan moved away from the party tables, taking up a strategic position near the side of the courtyard where she could keep an eye on both exits. She adjusted her stance, making sure the fountain didn't interfere too much with her line of sight.

Then she pulled out her phone and sent a quick text to her team.

There better be some damn progress soon.

A few seconds later, two responses popped up in the group chat.

Wei: — Why? Trouble?

Lin: — Things getting too cozy in that house with just the two of you?

Tawan mentally flipped Lin off for that jab.

Tawan: — Can't stay here forever.

Lin: — Anybody recognize her?

Tawan: — No.

Lin: — Told ya.

Tawan could practically hear the smugness in Lin's voice and see the knowing glint in her eye through the text.

Tawan: — Progress. Report.

Lin sent a laughing emoji.

Tawan sent a middle-finger emoji back.

Wei: — A story has popped up on several sites, all with fake bylines.

A link followed.

Tawan clicked it and found a BuzzThai article titled "Ira Suwannathat Disappears Again."

She skimmed the article. It referenced Ira's previous unexpected absence almost six years ago, speculating about what this new vanishing act could mean. Was she leaving the industry for good? Was she secretly married? Was she hiding out with a secret lover?

Wei: — Note the request for Ira sightings in the call-out.

Tawan considered that. It wasn't unusual for celebrity gossip pages to ask fans for leads. Significance?

Lin: — It's smart. Getting her legions of fans to help. It worked last time.

Wei: — There are three subreddits conducting their own investigation into Ira's whereabouts. It's highly organized and likely led by the same person. I'm working on verifying.

Tawan: — Are they close to finding her?

Wei: — No. They're extremely frustrated by the lack of progress.

Tawan suppressed a snort.

She was just as frustrated, but for an entirely different reason.

They were no closer to finding this stalker than they had been three weeks ago.

Tawan: — Short list?

Wei: — Three possibles, two maybes.

*1 - Prasert Kittiwat... second assistant director on the latest Destruction picture.

Lin: — Can't wait to see that... Thanapat Chaiyarat is hot.

Tawan: — Is he smart enough to pull off the digital work?

Wei: — I'd say yes. He started on camera and sound, and has a degree in Engineering. Can't confirm his location on the date in question. No real social media presence.

Lin: — I'll ask around.

Tawan glanced up. Ira had moved on from old basketball stories to chatting with Oom, her younger sister. Oom was fourteen.

Did she like The Suwannathat Sisters?

At least Oom wasn't crying or acting starstruck. That was a good sign.

Tawan watched them for a moment, only to catch Ira and Oom sneaking glances in her direction.

Ira wiggled her fingers at her with a smirk.

Tawan scowled and looked back at her phone. She really wasn't comfortable with Ira learning personal details about her family from her little sister.

Tawan: — Who else?

Wei: — 2 - Niran Saengthong. Model. He's been a vocal Ira fan for years. Huge social media presence. Three months ago, he tried to get backstage at a Suwannathat Sisters concert without a ticket and got turned away. The scene was recorded for posterity.

Tawan: — Where was he during the concert in question?

Wei: — Unknown. His social media indicates he attended the opening of Brainwashed earlier in the evening. The next post is dinner two days later.

Tawan glanced up again. Aunt Sunitha and Oom now stood around Ira, along with a couple of Oom's friends.

She started toward them. Aunt Sunitha had a way of charming everyone—disarming, warm, and dangerously persuasive. By the end of the night, Ira might end up starring in a local Luk Krung musical.

Her phone dinged with another text. She paused to read it.

Wei: — 3 - Thirapat Wisetsiri. Retired Muay Thai fighter turned actor. He played a bit part in the first Thorn/Kate flick. He has a YouTube channel. Brags a lot. Claims to have "dated" Ira. Also claims to have "dated" Lisa Blackpink and Mai Davika. Working on verifying.

Lin: — A guy like that... testosterone, maybe steroids... I can see how he'd go too far for a woman.

Wei sent a link to Thirapat's latest video. He could definitely put someone in the hospital. Thirapat fit the profile, but the way he spoke in the video didn't exactly indicate intelligence. It was all probably for show. Still.

Lin: — He could have passed for security.

Tawan: — Find out.

Wei: — On it.

Tawan: — 4?

Wei: — Suthep Anurak. 5 - Jakkrit Phanuphong. Neither have social media that I can find. Both are behind-the-scenes Hollywood. Suthep does stunts. Jakkrit does set design and photography. Both have loose connections to a Thorn/Kate project.

Tawan: — Lin, you and Nene visit Suthep and Jakkrit. If they're out, we need Plan B.

Lin sent a thumbs-up emoji.

Wei: — I'll dive into the fake bylines. There's something there.

Lin: — Good news is if our guy has fished on social media, he has no idea where she is.

Tawan: — Yet.

She saw Ira heading in her direction with two mugs and stashed her phone.

"Your face is going to crack if you keep tensing your jaw like that." Ira handed Tawan a mug.

She didn't drink on duty. Rule three.

Rule three should have an exception when duty and family crossed paths—especially when it involved her dad's once-a-year private brew.

Screw it.

Her rule could bend.

She took a long pull from her father's best Cider and tried not to think about the other places she was bending her rules tonight.

Ira eyed her over the rim of her glass. "Why are you over here when the party's over there?"

"Working." Tawan kept her voice low.

Nobody was that close, and the noise level out here was high enough to mask everything but an explosion, but they couldn't be too careful.

"We've been here long enough. Time to go."

"We can't leave yet," Ira protested. "Kai hasn't opened his present, and besides, I said we'd stay and help your dad clean up."

Tawan suppressed the heavy sigh building deep in her chest. "Why'd you do that?"

"He's your dad." Ira's tone was firm and final. It caught Tawan by surprise. "When your dad asks for help, you help."

Her father probably just wanted a chance to get to know Ira better.

That had bad idea written all over it, but what did it say that her father was resorting to tactics like that just to spend time with them?

Was it really such a big deal to stay behind and give him a hand?

"...Fine," she relented. "I'd pay money to see you carry that tray of mugs again."

"You won't have to, actually. Your dad offered me a job waiting tables." Ira said it so casually that Tawan almost missed the punchline.

Her father had offered her fake girlfriend a job.

A public-facing job.

Tawan's stomach tightened at the thought of that much exposure. "You can't do that."

"Why not?" Ira had a not-innocent-but-faking-it look on her face.

"Low. Profile." Tawan practically hissed the words.

"It makes sense," Ira said in a reasonable tone. "I'm an out-of-work actress. I obviously need the money. If I said no, it would look suspicious. Besides, your dad needs the help. He had three servers quit this month, and he's not getting any younger, you know."

"We talked about this. Rule two. You can't go anywhere without me."

"Yes, but you didn't mean everywhere, did you?" She blinked up at Tawan, wide-eyed and innocent. "I mean, you aren't going to follow me into the bathroom. Right?"

"You know what I meant."

"Then I guess you'll have to come to work with me." Ira smiled like she'd just solved world hunger. "It's a great idea, actually. That way, you can spend some quality time with your family, who you've obviously been neglecting. Maybe you could help out too. They'd buy that, right? You seem like the helpful type. Do you know how to mix drinks?"

"No. And you don't know how to wait tables either."

"Hey, I can do it. I can do anything I put my mind to."

"You almost dropped that tray."

"I got the drinks where they were supposed to go."

"You sloshed."

She wiggled her glass at her. "I did not slosh. I might have dribbled. A little."

"You had to dry the tray off after."

"So? Those glasses were too full. That would have happened to anybody."

"Uh-huh."

"So it's settled. I start Wednesday." Ira grinned, smug and satisfied.

"Dammit."

Ira grinned. "That's a yes."

"No, it's not."

"You might as well admit it. We both know it'll cause too much comment if I don't do it. Besides, you won't disappoint your dad." She stared at the crowded courtyard, watching as the warm glow of lanterns reflected off the cobblestone. "This is nice. People don't really connect at the parties I go to. Not like this. I like it."

She glanced sideways at Tawan, her voice softer now. "You shouldn't take the real stuff for granted."

"Who said I was?"

"How long has it been since you've been home?"

Tawan exhaled sharply. "Drink your cider."

Ira saluted her with her mug, then took a sip. "This is fantastic. You know, despite...well, everything...I'm glad we came here. Your family is adorable."

Tawan caught sight of Kai, standing across the courtyard, glaring at her. Again.

Ira followed her gaze. "Your brother has your face. Same intense eyebrows. Same ears. Same scowl."

"I don't scowl like that." Tawan looked away before Kai took the stare as some sort of challenge.

"You really do. Your scowly face is obviously genetic." Ira shifted for a better view. "He's definitely giving you the stink eye. What happened? You fight over a girl or something?"

Tawan didn't dignify that with a response.

"So, not a girl then." Ira tapped a finger against her chin, mock-pensive. "What else? Let's see. Sports? Who got to drive the best motorbike? Did you tell him he couldn't start a band? I bet that's it."

"One day he woke up with hormones and turned pissy. He'll grow out of it." Tawan finished off her drink.

Ira looked from Kai to Tawan. "You sure?"

"Let it go."

"Hmm." Ira drained the last of her cider and set the mug down. "Have you even told your brother happy birthday?"

Tawan sucked in a deep, patience-building breath. "Not yet."

"Well, then. No time like the present." Ira grabbed her hand and pulled.

Tawan resisted, but Ira was already leading her through the crowd. "I don't know what's going on between the two of you, but what Ido know is stuff like this festers if you leave it alone too long, and it's better to just get it over with. It's just two tiny words. Come on. You can say two tiny words to your baby brother."

"Don't call him that. It pisses him off."

Tawan put her empty glass down and let Ira drag her across the courtyard to where Kai stood near the hanging herb garden.

Kai's gaze locked on Tawan.

They were the same height now. Her little brother wasn't so little anymore.

Tawan stopped far enough away to leave Kai some personal space, but close enough so they didn't have to shout.

"Happy birthday."

"Thanks." It sounded less like gratitude and more like "Go to hell."

"Introduce me," Ira whispered a little too loudly out of the corner of her mouth.

Kai sighed, his scowl softening just a fraction. "I know who you are." He held out a hand. "I'm Kai."

At least her kid brother managed a genuine smile for Ira.

Ira shook his hand. "I'm Earn. It's nice to meet you."

"Thanks for coming, and for dragging my sister with you." He shot a cold look at Tawan. "I know she wouldn't be here otherwise."

"Oh, that's not true. She's the one who suggested we come," Ira said brightly.

"Uh-huh," Kai said. Several expressions rippled across his face, none of them complimentary. He turned as if to walk away, but then stopped. "You know... this is the first time she's ever shown up on my birthday."

Ira shot an accusing look at Tawan. "Ever?"

"I'm here now." Tawan didn't like how defensive she sounded to her own ears.

"Yeah." Kai huffed out a bitter laugh. "My eighteenth. Better late than never, right?" He stalked off.

"Eighteen years?" Ira sounded stunned. "You haven't been home for eighteen years?"

"I've been home," she muttered. "Just not this time of year."

Ira stared after Kai. "Not once?"

"No."

She opened her mouth, then closed it.

She gave Tawan a look of calculated understanding that made her uncomfortable.

"Your mother died in the fall, didn't she?"

Old pain poked at her. "Yes."

To force Ira to drop the subject, she headed for the bar. She'd get another home brew instead of the shot of whiskey she'd rather have and call that a rule bent, not broken.

Ira stuck with her, giving her a look that held a lot more sympathy than Tawan thought she deserved.

Her father, Rong Liang, handed her a mug before she could even ask. "You and Kai get into it?"

"You could say that." Tawan took a long swig.

The steely look in her father's eyes made the niggling sense of guilt dig in deeper.

"You had to know it was coming."

"I was deployed. Then I had a business to get off the ground." She wasn't sure if she was saying that to her father or to herself. Either way, it suddenly felt like a poor excuse.

"He made captain his junior year." Rong's tone was casual, but damning all the same.

"I know. I called. I sent those special basketball shoes." Like that would make up for all the missed days.

"We all know it's a tough time of year for you, daughter." Rong placed two mugs of cider on a tray. "But he spent that whole season waiting for you to come see him play. It isn't easy living up to that bar you set."

That one simple sentence painted a vivid picture in her head.

Tawan knew what that looked like. She'd lived it. She'd been that kid on the basketball court, searching the bleachers for faces she hoped to see.

Her father. Her mother. Hell, even Aunt Sunitha.

They'd all been there for her.

But when her kid brother had looked into the stands, he'd searched for a face that wasn't there because his older sister was too much of a coward to face her own demons.

"Shit."

Rong picked up the tray. "The guitar's a good start."

A bell clanged, catching everyone's attention.

Aunt Sunitha stood up on a bench. "It's present time!"

Applause and cheers broke out as the crowd surged toward the back of the courtyard.

Sunitha held up a cupcake with a single candle on it. "Sing fast, this candle is burning quick!"

The crowd sang "Happy Birthday" loud, mostly off-key, and filled with laughter. Ira mouthed the words, but Tawan noticed she didn't sing out loud.

When the song finished, Kai blew out the candle to a chorus of "Make a wish."

Tawan watched her brother open gift after gift and realized just how much she'd missed.

It made her sick.

"It's not too late," Ira murmured in her ear. "Talk to him."

"He seem like he wanted a conversation to you?" She was pretty sure that was the last thing Kai wanted.

Ira put her chin on Tawan's shoulder. To an outside observer, it would look like the loving gesture of a girlfriend.

"He wouldn't be so hurt if he didn't. Speaking from personal experience, it'll take more than one try. First, he'll want to tell you all the things you've ever done wrong. Let him do that. After eighteen missed birthdays, he's earned that much."

"And that'll fix things."

"Like your dad said...it's a good start."

Her breath in Tawan's ear was getting distracting.

"Maybe."

"Oh...ours is next." Ira hopped up and down on her toes.

Anticipation made Tawan straighten like a soldier ready for inspection.

Her brother would either be really happy or royally pissed off.

She had no idea which.

Tawan's stepmother, Wanthanee, held up the guitar case with a big smile. "I wonder what's in this?"

Kai's eyebrows went up in surprise. "Is that what it looks like?"

Wanthanee handed it to him. "Why don't you open it and find out."

"Who's it from?" someone shouted.

"Hey, I recognize that case," another voice chimed in.

Kai leveraged the case on his knees and clicked it open. His jaw dropped.

"What is it?" someone shouted.

Kai looked up at Wanthanee. "This for real?"

She laughed. "Looks real to me."

He lifted the guitar with careful fingers and held it gently. His hand caressed the strings with reverence.

"It's the latest Gibson Les Paul. Wow. They're hard to get. This star cherry finish is slick!"

"Play it!" a girl said.

Emi, Tawan thought. She was pretty sure that was the girl Kai had crushed on since the second grade.

"Who's it from?" someone else asked.

"Mom and Dad," Kai said with the firm tone of someone who thought he knew things.

"Nope," Wanthanee held up her hands in denial. "Not us."

Kai's certainty shifted to confusion. "Then who? Aunt Sunitha?"

"Try reading the card," Rong suggested.

Kai placed the guitar back in the case like it was a newborn baby, then closed the lid and reached for the small card tucked under the giant red bow.

Kai's face froze as he read the card.

"Well? Who's it from?" Emily asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

"It's from Tawan and Earn." Kai sounded stunned. His eyes lifted from the card, scanning the crowd until they locked onto Tawan.

The guitar had cost a small fortune, but every baht had been worth it to see the disbelief and surprise in her brother's eyes.

"Wow. This is...wow. Thank you," Kai said, his voice quieter now, thick with emotion. "I...seriously, P'Wan. Thanks."

Tawan dipped her chin in acknowledgment. "I had a few birthdays to make up for."

The guilt that had seized her heart over the last hour eased just a little.

She raised her mug in salute. "To Kai. Happy birthday."

"Happy birthday!" and "To Kai!" rippled through the crowd as everyone toasted her little brother.

Earn leaned in, her breath tickling Tawan's ear. "Told ya. It's not too late."

Her hand tightened on Tawan's arm, warm and soft against her skin.

It was an unexpected comfort to have Earn beside her.

Rule one, Tawan had a feeling, was already shot to hell.