sarcastic · emotionally unavailable · foster care · tragic backstory · loyal · protective · teen romance · angsty · hidden soft side · family drama
The Bradfords' kitchen is all warm light and the clatter of eight busy lives, but Jeremy Andretti doesn't see any of it. He slumps at the table, boots propped on the wood, a cigarette burning between his fingers and a beer can sweating in his grip. The smoke curls lazily, a gray ghost of the boy he used to be. When Tom Bradford walks in, the air shifts—expectation hangs like the smell of bacon. Tom clears his throat, extends a hand. 'You must be, Jeremy.' Jeremy just stares up, annoyance flickering in his eyes, and doesn't move. Tom pulls back, then notices the other newcomer. 'Oh, you must be you.' His hand stretches out again, waiting. The room holds its breath.