Unsocial

by Dykes, Nicole

  “Yeah, my junior and senior years of high school. In fact, we still keep in touch. My roommate and I went to see him ride in St. Louis in May.” Time to play it like it’s no big deal.

  Luke turns to Dylan with a helpless look, “Dude, did you hear her? Shit, where is Jax. When he hears about this, he might ask her to marry him. I mean, she knows Shiller the fucking Thriller.”

  Dylan just nods again, but I swear I can see a hint of him being impressed.

  “Guys, should we go into the dining room?” I ask. “Oh, wait. Before we do I just need to take a quick tour of the house, just to see where everyone is sleeping and…”

  Now Dylan has something to say, “And what? Why do you need to see where we are sleeping?”

  I turn to him calmly, “Because its protocol. I just need to make sure your environment is safe. It will be quick I promise.”

  Before he can say anything, the kids began filing down the hall to the respective bedrooms. Dylan follows them leaving me to bring up the rear. “Let’s just get it over with, come on.”

  The first room we come to has pale pink walls, two twin beds, a desk, and two dressers. It’s a tight fit, but adequate. Dylan states the obvious, “This is where Cassie and Gabby sleep.”

  There are clothes all over one of the beds and Cassie says, “I’m sorry about the mess I couldn’t decide what to wear.”

  I smile at her, “I totally get that.”

  She smiles pleased, and we continue to the next room, its walls are painted dark blue. Again two beds, two dressers, and a desk. It’s slightly larger than the girls’ room, but not by very much. Luke offers the obvious, “This is where Michael and I sleep. Is it up to your standards, Ms. Thriller?” Oh, now he wants to be a funny guy. Whatever, I’m going to ride this win to the end. I just nod with a big smile plastered on my face. I’m not missing the angry kid at all right now, but I’m sure he’s still in there somewhere. Maybe before he reappears we can reach a level of trust; I can only hope.

  We continue down the hall and pass by a bedroom that has the door open. It’s clearly the master, but Dylan doesn’t stop. “Wait, Dylan, is this your room?”

  Cassie gives the answer I seek, and one that needs to be followed up on, because it’s the second time I’ve heard that name, “Jax sleeps in there.”

  I look at Cassie confused, “Who is Jax again?” Besides, the guy who's going to ask me to marry him.

  Cassie smiles, “He’s Dylan’s friend. He’s awesome.”

  I look at Dylan, “Your friend?”

  Does he look a little uncomfortable? Guilty? Frustrated? I really can’t decipher that expression. “Yeah, my friend, Jax. He’s also my business partner.”

  “He’s staying here for a while?”

  “Yes.”

  This Jackson guy staying here is something we need to address, but I’ll l wait until after the meeting with the kids and just talk to Dylan about it in private. “So where do you sleep?”

  “Why are you so interested in where Dylan sleeps? Do you need to make sure he is safe too?” Luke says, but I try to let it go.

  “I need to know all sleeping arrangements. It’s just to make sure there are adequate accommodations for everyone in the house, Luke.”

  Cassie, my sweet ally, says, “He sleeps on the couch. This place is way too small; that’s why I’m trying to get Dylan to move us to a bigger house.” Interesting.

  I look at Cassie, “You want to move?”

  “Yeah, this place is tiny! There just isn’t room, and besides it just makes me sad being here.” That makes sense at least.

  My eyes move to Dylan’s dark ones, “Are you thinking about moving?”

  “We’ve been discussing it, but nothing has been decided yet.”

  Another thing I have to go over when Dylan and I are alone. “Okay, so let’s go into the dining room and check in, and then you kids are free from me for another week.”

  Everyone takes the same seats as last week. I turn to Cassie first because I know she will be the easiest one to question, “So, school is starting at the end of next week. Are you ready?”

  She nods, “Yes, I can’t wait. Dylan took us to buy new clothes at the mall and school supplies, so I’m ready.”

  I smile because she’s so peppy. She is total cheerleader material. I just hope she is doing it because she wants to. This need of her’s to please the opposite sex stays in the back of my mind. “Well, that’s great. Starting high school is exciting for everyone. When are cheerleading tryouts?”

  “Monday and Tuesday, then they’ll let us know the winners on Wednesday. I could be starting the first day of school as a freshman cheerleader.” Seriously, cheerleader material. I even want to shout a ‘Go, team, Go!’

  Luke scoffs, “Great year? Yeah, it’s already started off with a bang.” He turns to Cassie, “How about when everyone asks you about mom and dad, and they look at you like you’re some pitiful orphan.”

  Dylan runs his fingers through his thick black hair. He looks like he is at his wits end with this kid, and I feel a little sorry for him. I look at Cassie, who looks irritated with her brother as well, “That’s actually a good point. People are naturally curious., and they will probably ask questions. But try to know that it’s because they care. And don’t let anyone call you an orphan. You have Dylan. He’s making sure none of you are orphans. And it’s not pity, Luke. It’s sadness for your loss. Pity looks are for those who have no hope, and that’s not the case here.”

  Cassie and Michael nod. “I know, some of my friends at camp already told me they were sorry about what happened. I think it’ll be fine. Thanks, Brooke.”

  I’m a little stunned. “For what, sweetie?”

  “For not treating us like orphans,” she grins. I think Cassie, apart from some sad, reflective moments is going to be just fine. I just don’t think it’s in her nature to stay sad or mad for very long about anything. I return her grin, happy for this young beauty.

  Michael moves more in my line of vision with questioning eyes, “Do you think it’s going to be okay, Brooke?”

  I smile, “It will be.”

  “But what if people are mean to you and say mean things about you because my mom and dad died?” He looks so lost and sad, and that’s just not my Michael.

  “Then you ignore them because they aren’t worth your time. There are always going to be people without empathy; it’s your job to avoid them the best way you can. It’ll save you a lot of anger and heartache in the end.”

  I feel a connection to Cassie, which is funny because she is the exact type of girl that I avoided in high school. I was anything but peppy and sweet. Michael touches other emotions in me with his sensitivity. I was a lot like Michael at his age. After my little pep talk, I need to lighten the mood.

  “Are you ready for school to start, or do you love summer like me?”

  He just shrugs his shoulders, “I guess.”

  Okay, that’s weird. Michael is entirely too studious not to be excited about school starting. I would think he would be thrilled to be in a learning environment. “Well, I’m sure you thrive in school right?”

  “Yeah, I mean I get really good grades. It’s fine.”

  I see concern sweep over Dylan’s handsome face, but he doesn’t say a word. Not unusual for Dylan. He seems to speak only when it’s convenient to make me uncomfortable, or to voice his displeasure at me. Sometimes I wonder who I’ll win over first, Luke or Dylan. I ask Gabby if she is excited and she nods, nonchalantly. “Okay, well you guys can go, and I’ll see you next Tuesday unless you have any questions for me?”

  “Thanks, Brooke.” Cassie hugs me before disappearing to parts unknown.

  The rest file out finally leaving me alone with Dylan. I find myself doing a short series of deep breathing to try and maintain control. He clears his throat, “Okay, so let’s start the interrogation.”

  He’s usually pretty composed around the kids, but as soon as they’re gone here comes the attitude. “I’m
not trying to interrogate you. I just have to ask these questions so that I can help guide you through this process better. Your friend has been living here this whole time?”

  “He’s not just some random friend that is crashing here; I’ve known him for seven years. Jackson is my business partner and was my roommate before all of this. He brought me to Kansas when I found out about my parents. Yes, he’s staying here, and he’s helping me with the kids as well.”

  “Okay I understand that, but a grown man, who is not blood-related, under the same roof as four minors may not be seen as a good situation in the courts.”

  “You think Jackson would hurt any of them?”

  “I don’t know him, but I trust you, and if you can vouch for him, that’s all I need. However, as you pointed out the judge can be a prick.”

  “Well, I do vouch for him. He’s known the kids for seven years, even before Gabby was born.”

  “It’s your call, but it could seem irresponsible.”

  His jaw clenches tight when I say that, and he says through gritted teeth, “Fine. I’ll kick his ass out because he’s not ‘blood-related’ even though the kids think of him as another older brother.”

  Wow. He is not happy right now at all. I wonder when the hell I’m ever going to do something right in his eyes. Maybe I shouldn’t have said irresponsible; I need him to know I’m on his side. “I’m sorry. I don’t want you to think that I think it’s irresponsible. I just mean right now we have to try to please the courts. If they know about your friend living here, it could be a red flag.”

  His jaw seems to unclench a little. Progress. I move on to the next thing on the agenda. “Okay, and the next thing, are you are planning on moving?”

  “It’s an idea. This place is small, and someone put an offer in on mine and Jackson’s house in Oklahoma already. Plus you’ve seen my bank account, I can afford a much bigger house, so everyone can finally breathe.”

  I try to warn him, “Just be careful, it will be emotional. This is the home they were raised in right?”

  “We all were, yes, but it’s just a house.”

  I narrow my eyes at him, “No it’s not. It has memories tied to it. It’s their home, and home and they will miss it. I’m willing to bet you all will.”

  “They will be fine. Cassie and Luke seem to want to move, and Michael is excited about maybe getting his own room.”

  “I agree that they probably need more space, please just talk to them and try to prepare them. It’s not going to be easy.”

  He crosses his muscular arms over his broad chest, and I notice tattoos peeking out from the sleeves of his t-shirt. My mind briefly wonders if he has any more ink, and where might I find those etchings on that magnificent body. I chastise myself for thinking about that and then he says, “Anything else?” Clearly it’s time for me to go.

  He just can’t wait to get me out of here. “No, I think that’s all for today. I’ll see you next Tuesday.”

  I stand and adjust the long pencil skirt I have on, smoothing it down. He walks me over to the door, “Bye, Brooke.”

  Something about him saying my first name sends a tingle through my body. His voice is deep and gruff, and it feels somehow intimate. “Bye, Dylan. Oh, and you really do have a gorgeous car.”

  He just grunts something incoherent, and I leave.

  Chapter 7

  Dylan

  The last three weeks have been busy as hell, and I’m worn out. They’re still building our new garage, but it’s coming along nicely. Mine and Jackson’s offices are almost complete, and I have been assured that the rest of the building will be completely done in a few weeks. It’s being built fast because money talks and we didn’t want to wait.

  I’ve been working my ass off contacting potential new clients, mostly by calling my clients in Oklahoma and using them as referrals. Starting the scouting side of the business so far is a huge success. I’ve located three cars for people who’ve found out about our business by the banker. Jackson has been busy running things in Oklahoma over the phone, ordering people around here, and putting ads all over to try to attract employees for the garage.

  After my talk with Brooke, I sat down with Jackson and told him what she had said about him finding another place to live. He told me not to sweat it, and moved into a hotel until he can find a place. I owe him one for that shit. He wasn’t pissed off at all, in fact, I think he was happy about it. I know our lives have been turned upside down, plus Jackson, like me, is missing the ladies. This dry spell is hell, and with the weekly visits from Brooke, I think I may go out of my ever loving mind.

  Since the kids are back in school, I’m letting Luke use Sylvia’s SUV in exchange for dropping the kids off at school and picking them up to take them home after school. Don’t think he didn’t beg to drive the Camaro, but it just wasn’t happening. So far there hasn’t been too much drama from him, and if his behavior stays on track, I think Sylvia’s SUV may be sporting a sweet new paint job and interior work. They all seem to be adjusting okay, except for Gabby. Gabby still hasn’t said a word, and I had to go in before school started and explain things to her new teacher. The young, mousy woman seemed to be sympathetic and promised she wouldn’t push Gabby to speak and would do her best to help her learn.

  The biggest thing that has happened in the last three weeks is I found a great new house just two blocks from the old one. I talked to the kids beforehand, and they all seemed on board, so I bought it. It’s a nice house with five bedrooms and three bathrooms. It has a large backyard and two car garage. The best thing was the huge lot next door that I bought as well that I plan on building another huge garage and home gym. It all fell into place perfectly. The kids all seemed smitten with it before I bought it, so I felt a major sense of accomplishment that I was doing something to cheer them up. But again, things have a way of sneaking up to bite you in the ass.

  We officially moved in this past Saturday, and since then the kids have seemed a little off. Luke seems to be reverting to his more pissed off state of being, but again he’s moodier than a preteen girl. Cassie, who was the most excited about moving, now seems sad after we moved into the new house. I have no idea what the fuck is going on.

  I’ve been busy with opening the garage to pay too much attention, so I’ve just excused their behavior as going through an adjustment like Brooke had said. I don’t want her to be right. I had prepared them I thought. I mean I showed them the new house, they said they loved it, and I bought it. What else should I have done?

  Today is Tuesday, which means we have an appointment with Brooke. Tuesdays are fucking strange because I dread them and look forward to them all at once. Brooke is a pain in the ass that drives me crazy, mainly because there are invisible signs floating all around her that all read one thing, hands fucking off. There’s just something about her that I can’t put my finger on. She’s a mystery to me. She’s uptight as hell with always following the rules. She is always wearing her hair in a tight, perfect bun on top of her head. I like to think she wears it that way because of her other clients. She wears minimal makeup, but even with the professional disguise, I have a feeling there’s a lot more to Brooke than she shows.

  We’ve all gotten pretty comfortable around each other, and with Luke and me she loves to talk cars and motorcycles. Who would have thought, Shriller the Thriller? That right there is why I know there’s more to Brooke Porter than this social worker persona she hangs onto like a security blanket. And with each passing week, I want to rip through that blanket and get to know the other side of Brooke.

  Today will be her first time in our house, and I’m hoping she’ll be happy about it. I’ve done everything she has asked me to, but each week it’s something new with her. She loves to remind us that she’s on our side, but it’s always right before some new invasion of our privacy. Cassie and Michael being open books just let it slide. Luke and I pretty much snarl and grit our teeth.

  At three thirty I head home and pull into the driveway. As
I am walking up to the front door, I see Luke pull into the garage, right on time. I had my concerns trusting him to take the kids to school and back, but so far he’s done a great job.

  I get inside just as the kids walk in the kitchen from the garage door. They’re all tossing book bags on the dining room table before heading to the refrigerator. Luke is always leading the way. “How was school?”

  He just shrugs and keeps looking through the fridge. I turn to the other kids. “You guys have a good day?”

  They all simply nod. Why are they in such shitty moods since we moved? I swear I’ve asked myself this question a million times in the last three days. It’s starting to piss me off. Gabby I know has an excuse. She doesn’t communicate. Luke is pretty much an asshole about 90% of the time anyway. But I don’t get Cassie and Michael’s bummed out attitudes. They’re the ones who pushed the hardest for a new house. I swear I can’t win with these kids. Cassie grabs and apple and sits at the table, “Brooke is still coming today right?”

  I try not to show my irritation; Cassie fucking loves Brooke. Every Tuesday it’s like her best friend is coming over to play. “Yeah, as far as I know she will be here at four as usual.”

  She smiles and bites into the apple, “Awesome!”

  “Can you guys take your stuff to your rooms and out of here?”

  They all do what I ask, Luke grumbling under his breath as Michael whines and follows him out. At least, they still do what I ask with minimal argument.

  A little while later I hear the doorbell ring and move to answer it. Brooke is standing in the doorway, nothing at all is different. Hair up, ugly pantsuit that covers everything, and this new shy look that she’s developed. I’ve been wondering what that look is all about? “Brooke.”

  “Dylan, I love your new house. It’s very nice.”

  Nice? It’s a gorgeous, big ass house, but of course, she is unimpressed. “Thanks, come on in.”

  She walks in and glances around. Michael and Gabby must have heard the doorbell, so they come in. I open the door to the basement and holler for Luke and Cassie; their rooms are downstairs. They come up, and Luke folds his arms and puts on his best pissed-off attitude while Cassie bounces over to greet Brooke, “Hi, Brooke!”