Unsocial

by Dykes, Nicole

  I guess we’ve all but tuned out the scene around us because we didn’t notice two waitresses waiting to pass around shots and beer to everyone at our table. If I weren't trying to stay sober so I can remember every moment of this night, I would be grateful that these people can party.

  Trevor stands. “Okay, Days of Chaos, this is to my smooth voice, Camden’s beats, Roscoe’s rhythm, and Caleb’s ivory tickling, let’s make this gig our bitch. When I take look around the table, I notice that there are two more guys. I just don’t know when they joined us because I was lost in being this close to Brooke. “Now, two shots for everyone.” The waitresses start passing out drinks, two shots, and a beer for each person. Brooke tries to decline after staring at me sideways. Trevor notices it first. “You’re drinking, Porter, so lift your fucking glass.”

  “Yeah, social worker, what are you, 90? You need to be sociable and drink those shots.” Jax calls out.

  I lean in and whisper, “You don’t have to listen to these assholes.”

  Alex joins in this awkward teenage peer pressure moment among 20-plus-year-olds. “Take the shot, Brooke.”

  “No, really. I can’t do shots of tequila; I’ll just drink…..”

  “Oh, fuckin, please. I’ve seen you down three shots before….”

  “Okay, Alex, fine. Shots it is.”

  At the other end of the table Roscoe is the first to raise his glass, “DOC, he yells.” Everyone follows suit and slams back the first shot.

  I’m thinking this round is getting chased by the beer, but everyone just grabs the second shot and slams it as well. Before I reach mine, Brooke’s already grabbed it and downed it as well. In case you’re not keeping count, that’s three fucking shots of tequila for one tiny uptight social worker. I am all kinds of fuckin impressed. Even Jackson nods and whoops in approval. I must say; I’m getting more and more turned on.

  While everyone is talking about the upcoming set, the lights flicker twice. The band stands up and Camden yells out, “Let’s fucking rock this place.”

  After they’re in place and Trevor has the audience in near chaos with introducing himself and the guys behind him, the music begins. And I’m not lying when I say they can rock. Their original work is fuckin awesome, but their 80s cover songs raise the roof every time. I can see them riding this music train to the top of charts. I find myself wondering about their management.

  Brooke and I had done this song and dance more than once in my kitchen when we cooked, and it just all falls back into place. She sings a part, I sing a part, and we sing parts together. While we’re doing our best to harmonize with Journey’s Anyway You Want It; I feel my phone vibrate in my back pocket.

  A look at the screen, and I get a bad feeling. I wonder briefly if this is the first thing parents think when they get a call from their teenage children at 10:30 at night when they’re supposed to be safely at home. Date nights must be for shit. I answer loudly to be heard over the music and screaming bar patrons. “What’s wrong?”

  “Dylan, where are you?”

  “I’m at a club listening to a band.”

  “Oh? Are you with Jax?”

  “He’s here. I’m with Brooke right now.”

  “Hey, that’s cool.”

  I have a feeling he’s stalling about something. Looking at Brooke, I mouth, ‘its Luke’. I get up from the table and head for a door behind the stage so I can go somewhere to hear better. Brooke follows. “What’s up, Luke? I know you didn’t call just to shoot the shit.”

  I can feel Brooke’s eyes on mine tuning into the conversation. Luke finally decides to start talking. “Okay, this is totally not my fault.”

  “What’s not your fault? And you better talk fast.”

  “Well, I guess Cass kind of snuck out tonight.” He rushes out.

  “What the fuck do you mean she snuck out?”

  “Okay, she snuck out, but you can’t blame me. I was here the whole time. I didn’t tell her to sneak out.”

  I try to stay calm. Obviously, the talk with Cass meant jack shit. “Have you tried calling her?”

  He hesitates again. “See, I know she snuck out because she just came in the front door crying, and then just went downstairs and locked herself in her room.”

  “You’ve got to be shitting me, right now. All I asked you to do is watch the kids for one damn night, and you didn’t even know Cassie left? Luke, how did you not know she was gone?”

  “After I fed them they all went to their rooms.”

  “And,” I say impatiently. I know he’s leaving something pertinent out of this conversation.

  “And, well, I kinda had a girl come over since I couldn’t go out, and we hung out in my room for a little while until she had to go home.”

  My head is going to fucking explode. “Alright. Do you think you can keep an eye on doorways to keep from losing anyone else? I’m on my way now.”

  “Yeah, see ya.”

  After I hang up, I look at Brooke. “Everything okay?”

  I shake my head no. “Cassie snuck out.”

  “Oh, no. Is she okay? Do you know where she is?”

  “She’s home apparently. Luke said she came through the front door crying and locked herself in her room. I’m gonna have to go home and see what the hell happened, out of interest. Because then I’m gonna kill two of my damn siblings.”

  “What? Why two?”

  “Because Cassie was able to sneak out because Luke was holed up in his room with a girl.” I open the door to return to the table. “I’m gonna tell Jax I've got to go.”

  She grabs my hand and follows me through the screaming crowd. When I reach Jackson, I get his attention. “I have to go home. Luke called, and shit’s going down with Luke and Cassie.”

  “Okay, man. I’ll follow you.” He leans in behind Alex, who’s jumping and screaming with everyone else. “I need to leave with Dylan. There’s some trouble at his house.”

  Brooke steps forward. “You two stay. I’m going with Dylan. Enjoy the show.”

  Her words surprise me considering she’s been so distant with the kids lately. “Are you sure?” I ask.

  She has Jackson and Alex’s attention with this. Neither one of them looks happy with her announcement. “Brooke, you can’t leave.”

  Brooke just looks back at her. “I’m going home with him. Just call a cab and have Trevor or one of the guys wait with you. I’ll see you at home.”

  “Brooke, we’ve talked about this. Dylan is a grown ass man, and he can handle his own shit.” She looks up at me pointedly. “Right, Dylan?”

  I nod, “Absolutely.”

  Brooke has a determined look on her pretty little face. “I’m going. Cassie trusts me, and if she’s upset, she may need to talk to me. I need to help Dylan.” She turns to me. “Are you ready to leave?”

  I just stare back at her, briefly, and think how fucking hot she looks right now, all stubborn and stern. “Yeah. I’m ready. Is there anything you need to get?”

  She holds out her hand to Alex who proceeds to pull Brooke’s cell phone, driver’s license, and some cash out then hands it to her. Brooke then turns and asks me to put it in my pocket. I mind her. I’m thinking about holding all her shit hostage so she can’t leave. I have a feeling I’m going to be walking into the midst of a home crisis, turned on. And again, she grabs my hand and heads for the front door. I’m beginning to think I would follow her anywhere. All the evidence of the last few seconds is pointing to that very fact.

  Once we step outside the bar, I start leading her to where I’m parked. “I guess you don’t have your car here.”

  “No, we came by cab. Are you okay to drive?”

  “Yeah. I had maybe two beers and that one shot because someone stole my second shot.”

  She laughs. “I didn’t want you to think I was some lush, but then Alex and Jackson kept egging me on. It’s not the first tequila drinking contest I’ve been in.”

  “Brooke, I think of you as many things. Sexy as fuck is at
the top of the list. A drunk doesn’t even make the top 50.”

  “Okay, thanks for that….I think.”

  “Come on, we’ve got a couple of kids to get to.”

  When we reach my truck, she looks up at me disappointed. “What’s the matter? Worried you can’t climb in? I have no problem helping you up.”

  “I was just wondering…..where’s your Camaro?”

  “Home. I felt like driving this.” My truck is a 2014 Chevy with a lift kit. I know she’s going to have some trouble. Especially in those heels and tight as fuck skirt.

  “That’s too bad. I was hoping tonight I would get to ride in it. And just so you know, I plan on driving it some time as well.”

  I unlock the doors and lift her up into the cab, with my hands around her waist, because I’m thinking that my grabbing her ass to help her is in no way appropriate, right now. When I get in on my side, I finally address her last statement.

  “You’re not driving my ’69. And that’s just a fact.”

  “Of course, I am,” she purrs. And I’m so inappropriately hard as a fucking rock right now. And I don’t think the 20-minute drive to my house is going to fix the situation in my pants, considering the cause is sitting right next to me.

  And that is no lie.

  Chapter 14

  Brooke

  “So, tequila, huh?” Dylan asks from the driver’s seat.

  I look over at him and give him a mischievous grin. “Yeah, I guess that cat is out of the bag.”

  Dylan laughs. “I’m finding out there are a lot of little things I don’t know about you, Brooke. And believe me, when I say, I like the discovery. It’s like there’s a whole different person in there somewhere.”

  “There is, but she’s been buried a long time,” I answer resignedly. I realize that I’ve missed that Brooke as well. Being with Will caused the Brooke that loved pushing the limits, having fun, singing, dancing, and just generally enjoying life to get pushed to the background. I had to be either one or the other with him. I somehow let him convince me that I wasn’t going to succeed in school or life without his direction when I should have been figuring out how to do it myself. I need to find her again.

  The last couple of nights have opened my eyes to the fact that I’m just marking time; I just don’t know what it is I’m doing it for. I’m missing the best years of my life. I know without a doubt that I need to find a way to balance who I am and who I want to be. I want to be the old Brooke but still be able to have a fulfilling professional life. I don’t have to dress like I’m 70 or question every move I make. I’m an intelligent young woman with a master’s degree, but I’m also a young woman who inherently is a happy person that enjoys socializing, not this unsocial shell who’s afraid to live life in case she fails professionally.

  “Well, I for one would love to see more of her. Tonight was the first time you seemed relaxed and really happy. And I just have to add, you look amazing.” He smirks.

  “Thank you for that. Yeah, this weekend has been amazing. It’s been an eye-opener for sure, and I think I need to make a few changes in my life.”

  “So just to be straight, there is another side to Brooke Porter, and this isn’t all tequila?” he asks hopefully.

  I laugh back. “Nope. Not all tequila, just enough to see the light.”

  “Good to know.” Just then his phone rings. The hands-free system informs him of a call coming from, Luke. “Shit.” He says tensely and answers. “What now?”

  “I just wanted to know where you’re at.”

  “I’m about ten minutes out. Just sit tight.” He says before hanging up. “Sorry about this. I was really enjoying tonight.”

  “Me too, Dylan. I just can’t wrap my brain around Cassie sneaking out of the house tonight. Especially after what happened Wednesday.”

  “Humph.” is all he gives. The rest of the ride is silent as Dylan gets lost in his thoughts, probably wondering the same thing.

  Arriving at his house, he pulls into the garage, and we enter through the door that leads into the kitchen. In the living room, we find Luke sitting on the couch flipping through channels. “Seriously, man, you brought the social worker?” His eyes leisurely scan my body, and I suddenly remember how I’m dressed. When his gaze reaches my face, he smirks. “So, Brooke…”

  Dylan interrupts him, “Where’s Cassie?”

  Luke turns his attention to Dylan. “She’s still locked in her room, crying like some psycho.”

  Dylan rubs his temples. This has been a hard week for him, and I want to do something to take some weight off. I have no doubt he could handle this on his own, but we also need to get this situation with Cassie under control. He did what he was supposed to on Wednesday, and now I think I need to do something as well. Maybe I’m having guilt because Cassie had wanted to talk to me on Tuesday when I was in such a rush to get away, I don’t know, but I know I need to step up for both of them.

  “I’ll deal with you later. Right now I need to see Cass. Brooke if you….”

  I interrupt, “Let me see to Cass while you talk to Luke. Maybe now would be a good time for me to talk to her. I have no doubt you could do it, but just give me a chance.”

  He shakes his head. “No, I’m her brother, and I need to deal with whatever the hell is going on.”

  “Dylan, I care about this family, and Cassie is my friend. She may also need a woman to talk to right now.”

  He considers it for a second. “Brooke, you’ve been pulling away for a reason. I’m going to handle this.” He turns and starts heading downstairs. I follow. When we reach Cassie’s room, he looks at me like he’s surprised that I followed then turns back to the door. He raises his fist and pounds on the door. “Cassie, I know you’re in there. Open the damn door.”

  There’s a sound of someone crying on the other side. “No. Go away.”

  Dylan stares furiously at the door before pounding again. “I’m not asking you. I swear, Cassie, don’t make me break it down.”

  I put my hand on his shoulder trying to calm him. He looks over at me, “Please let me try.”

  Finally, he heaves a defeated sigh and motions toward the door, “Go ahead.”

  I knock lightly on the door, “Cassie, it's Brooke. Can I please come in and talk to you for a minute?”

  More silence. Please answer the door. I hear shuffling, and then the door opens. Cassie stands there with a puffy red face from an hour of crying. “Why are you here?”

  “Because I care about you Cassie. I want to make sure you are okay. Can I please come in and talk to you?”

  She looks at me, “You can.” Then she looks at Dylan, “He can’t.”

  Dylan looks like he is about to go off on her, and I put my hand on his chest, connecting eyes with him. I plead, “Please let me talk to her.”

  He’s unsure, that’s clear, but he just turns toward the stairs, “Fine. I’ll figure out what the hell Luke thought he was doing.” He looks sternly at Cassie, “But you and I are going to talk about this Cassie.”

  After he leaves, Cassie and I sit on her bed. I hope I don’t smell like tequila and smoke from the bar. “Cassie, what happened tonight?”

  She looks at me coldly; it’s a look I’m not used to at all with this Monroe. “So now you want to talk to me?”

  This poor girl. I feel guilt settle in because of my distance from her over the last several weeks. “I have cared for you since the day I met you. I care about your entire family.”

  “Then why are you blowing us off? I mean, you never stick around after your visits anymore, and if I text you, I’m lucky if I get a two-word response.”

  Just be as honest as you can, Brooke. “I’m so sorry for my behavior these past few weeks. I’m new to this career, Cassie, and honestly, I just felt a need to take a step back and make sure that I was doing the best job I could for your family. I thought I was getting too close, and I honestly don’t know if it’s right or wrong that I was allowing myself to get so close.”

 
“You were doing awesome! It was my favorite part of the week. I thought you were my friend, Brooke.”

  Her words melt my heart and at the same time wage war with my thoughts. I want her to consider me her friend, but at the same time I’m her case worker. I’m supposed to help them learn to live together as a new kind of family unit without inserting myself in that family unit, even if it feels right. I need to find that balance. “Honestly, it was mine too. I want to be a friend to you, and I love talking to you, but I am your case worker. I have a duty to all of you to make this family flourish.”

  She nods like maybe that makes sense to her. “I get that, but I don’t get why you can’t be our friend too. I miss you.”

  I smile, “I miss you too, and I will do better. I’ll do my best to be around more.”

  She smiles and sniffles, “Okay.”

  “So will you please tell me what happened tonight?”

  “Did Dylan tell you about Wednesday?”

  I nod. “Yes.”

  “Did he tell you about going ballistic and kicking Brent out and then going to his house and threatening his dad?” I nod, and she continues. “I guess after that’s when he went to see you then. Anyway, when he got back, we had a really decent talk. I mean, he actually talked to me like a human being and not some dumb kid.”

  I smile. I’ve wondered how their talk had gone. “Well, that’s good.”

  “Yeah, I mean he even told me about his first girlfriend. Can you even believe that? Dylan had a girlfriend.”

  I’m a little shocked and even a little jealous, which just confuses me. I just assumed he had never had a relationship. So my curiosity gets the best of me, and I’m asking, “He did?”

  “Yeah, in high school. Julie something, I don’t remember her. I was only like three, so I guess I wouldn’t have.”

  A part of me is a little disappointed that she doesn’t go into more detail, and I really can’t seem too interested, so I don’t push it. “You gonna tell me about tonight? It just seems like if you had a good talk with Dylan then doing something like this wouldn’t have even crossed your mind.”

  “I understand why he was so mad, but then he had to tell me I couldn’t see Brent again. A part of what he said made sense. Like, he told me that Brent didn’t respect me because he convinced me to lie and come back here…”