Since I’ve been here, we’ve remodeled the space on the other side of the gym, making another apartment. For a brief time, Gunnar and I shared it, but now he’s living with Frankie and I have the entire place to myself.
And thank fuck for that.
No one wants to share walls with Cage and Tempest.
“Ozzi called yesterday,” I mention, reaching over for the last muffin—Folsom Prison Blues, my favorite. After I take a large bite, chewing and swallowing, I add, “He mentioned something about coming to Green Valley to see what all the fuss is about.”
“Sounds like that Erickson invasion might happen sooner than later. I hope Green Valley is prepared,” Cage mutters.
On that note, Gunnar, Frankie, and Cage leave the kitchen and head down the stairs that lead into the studio, leaving me and Tempest alone.
She starts to tidy up the space, putting a few dishes in the dishwasher and humming to herself, but then she stops and turns to face me. “I can tell you have something weighing heavy on your mind,” she says matter-of-factly, letting out a deep sigh. “I also know how it feels when you think you don’t have anyone you can confide in. So, I just want to put this out there and tell you if you need someone to talk to, someone who’s family, but not, I’m your girl. Zero judgment.”
Pushing off the counter, she walks over to stand on the opposite side of the table. “I’m at the bakery every morning until eight, except on Wednesdays,” she continues, pausing to smile. “Come over any morning and I’ll serve you up a muffin of the day and a fresh cup of coffee… and a listening ear, if you need it.”
I think about what she’s said for a minute, trying not to let my face tell on me. My mom always says I can’t lie because my face always tells the truth. “I might take you up on that offer,” I finally say, averting my eyes to the table, running my hand over the weathered wood. “If for nothing else than the muffins.”
She gives me a knowing smile and shakes her head. “All of you Ericksons are alike,” she teases, walking toward the stairs.
“Take that back,” I call out, but smirk, because she’s right. We are alike, which is what makes us love each other fiercely, but also annoy the shit out of each other on a daily basis.
I always wondered what it would be like to have a sister. I’m glad to now know what that feels like and I wasn’t lying when I said I might take her up on her offer. It would be nice to get some shit off my chest, but I’m not sure I’m ready just yet.
Just the thought of Dallas and everything that transpired before I tucked tail and ran to Green Valley still makes my stomach turn and my anger boil. Out of all the brothers, I’m the least aggressive, which is probably what made me not as good as Cage or Gunnar in the ring.
Growing up, I loved the sport, still do, but I didn’t have what it takes to make me a prodigy.
I wasn’t the oldest, so I didn’t get to call the shots.
I’m not the youngest, so I never got the attention Ozzi and Gunnar got.
I’m the middle child, often overlooked, and most of the time it’s okay with me. But lately, I’ve felt the force of my position in the family. As a matter of fact, being in the middle is a good euphemism for my life.
I’m not happy, but I’m not sad.
I’m not wildly successful, but I’m not sinking.
I’m not content, but I’m not completely dissatisfied.
I’m just in the middle and I’m trying to hold on until something better comes along.
But this is the beginning of a new year, so I’m hoping for a fresh start.
** END SNEAK PEEK **
Eye Candy is Available Now!
Also by Smartypants Romance
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Dewey Belong Together Page 26
