by C. A. Harms
Ignoring my complaint, he leans back against the frame of the door while I gather my things and start to turn off the studio lights.
"Band starts at eight," he adds as I pause only a few feet away from him, holding my bag at my side. "Thought we could all meet up around seven before the place fills up, and we're forced to share a tall table in the corner." His friend Rory is a drummer in a band that plays in the small bars throughout the county. Tonight, they are playing in a small pub in Hudson, where Bennett is from. A small-town fifteen minutes outside of Montgomery and one I probably never would have visited, had I not met Bennett. It's a quaint little town, with less than five hundred people, and to be honest, I sorta love it. Everyone seems to know everyone, and it's cute the way they all stand around and talk on the side of the streets, sharing coffee as they wave at the cars driving by. There's no rushing around or worries about beating traffic; it's peaceful.
"Stop pouting," he again fails to hide the humor in his expression.
"I'm not pouting, you brat, but for teasing me, you're buying me fried pickle chips and wings." I dare him to argue, and instead, he reaches out and hooks his arm over my shoulders. Pulling me in close, he lifts his other hand to tug on my bun, and I try to swat his hand away.
"You got it, Tink," he shuffles me out the door, and I roll my eyes at him. He is like a big burly bear that loves to pick on the smaller ones, me being the smaller one.
Tink, short for Tinker Bell, has become an ongoing nickname he likes to call me. Ever since he first saw me wearing a leotard and tutu that matched my students in the first recital, he came to after we met. It stuck, and now every one of the guys in his crowd loves to call me that, not as much as Bennett, of course.
"And for that, you're buying the first beer too."
"I'll have one waiting when you arrive," he walks me outside to my car and releases his hold on me. "Seven on the nose, or your food will most likely be devoured by the guys." With that, he taps the end of my nose playfully and walks off toward his big ole truck parked a few spaces down. You can't miss the huge black beast of a truck. Tires that if I'm standing next to them are taller than my chest. He worships it though, and I find it strange how one can love a vehicle so much.
I watch as he climbs up inside, rolls down the window, and offers me a little wave before backing out of the parking space. When he turns out of the parking lot, I unlock the doors of my small SUV and toss my bag into the back seat.
I'd forgotten about going to Hudson tonight. Honestly, I thought about going home, taking a shower, and passing out on the couch. That sounds like my kind of night.
Hitting the phone icon on my touch screen, I find Adley; my cousin's number, and place the call.
"I was just getting ready to call you." She sounds a little out of breath. "I finished labs up late, and I still need to go home and shower. What time are we leaving?"
"We have to be there before seven, or the crazies will eat the food that goofball owes me."
She laughs. "What did Bennett do this time?" Adley knows the routine that is ongoing with Bennett and me.
"Just being his normal pain in the ass self."
"When are you going to cut that guy a break and have your way with him? You know you've thought about it." I shiver at the thought. "Hell, I've thought about it multiple times."
"I just threw up in my mouth a little bit."
“What, from me multiple timing it to Bennett in the shower," Adley's filter is weak. "Or in my bed, and there was the time when I thought of him while—,"
"Okay, you can stop." She laughs. "There is nothing between Bennett and I but friendship. I've told you that a hundred times. I care about him a lot, but the idea of anything more than that gives me anxiety. He's gorgeous and fun, but there is nothing there, I can promise you that. I don't think of him that way. Just the thought of it makes me nervous, and not because I long for him, it's the opposite actually."
"Oh yes, he is definitely good-looking, among other things," she mumbles, but I ignore her.
"We have this ease about us; there's no pressure or stress, it's uncomplicated. I'd be blind not to see that he's handsome, but the attraction beyond that isn't there. I love our friendship and one night of incredibleness isn't worth losing all that."
"How about I test drive him then," I know she won't; we all know Adley has a thing for Rory Douglas. But she won't admit it. Her ploy to heavily flirt with everyone but him has proven that. But the way she watches him when she thinks no one is looking clears up any doubt. She is intrigued by Rory, and given a chance, I know without question she would be on him like a cat in heat.
"Feel free," I tell her, and she doesn't say anything back. Seeing one of my friends end up with Bennett would be amazing, because I know he'll be the kind of guy that will love any one of them the way they deserve to be loved. "Pick you up at five-thirty," I end the call to her laughing and drive home to get ready for a night out with great friends.
Chapter Two
Brantley
* * *
I slow to a stop at the edge of town and sit alongside the welcome to Hudson, Alabama sign. It's been almost two years since I've last been home. Since I've last seen my family in person, or last hugged my mother and hassled my little brother Bennett. Two very long years since I last saw the pride in my father's eyes. A pride that makes my chest feel tight, and my strength falter every single time.
Yeah, we've talked on multiple occasions but being so far away makes it difficult to visit. I've been stationed in Oahu, Hawaii, for the last four years and before that, I was in Japan. So, with two tours under my belt, when it came time for me to re-enlist, I decided it was time to go home.
The Marine life has been good to me, but I miss my family. I miss my friends, and I want stability. I've served my country, and after a few close calls on my last deployment, I realized that life is not a guarantee; it's a gift. I don't want to miss out on any more of my life than I already have. Years I will never get back with those I love the most. So, I'm ready to start building my life.
My decision to return home has been kept quiet. The only person that knows about it is Rory, my best friend.
I recruited him weeks ago to get all our friends and my brother in one place at one time. I know that once someone gets wind of me being home in a small town, it'll spread like wildfire, and surprising anyone after that will be impossible. So tonight, I'll shock them all when I walk into Sully's.
But before that reunion, there is one stop that needs to come first. Excitement races through me, and I know already that seeing my mother will be an emotional reunion.
Taking a slow deep breath, I turn onto Summit Lane and then take the first dirt road to the left. The back entrance to my parents' property and a lane that Bennett and I used for our dirt bikes and four-wheelers growing up. O'Shay Lake, or so we named it when we were kids, I grin at the irony. It sits off to the left, and the old wooden docks we jumped off as kids remain. Two small fishing boats, one on each side, anchored to the wooden posts, float in the water.
That very spot holds so many memories of my childhood; it is the place I took Bridget Farrow out to and shared my first kiss at fourteen. A place I'd sit when there were hard choices to be made. The place I would sit for hours and think over some of my most life-changing decisions and its also where I sat on the dock, staring out over the water and decided to enlist in the Marines.
Nostalgic memories of my younger years and growing up alongside the greatest little brother, Bennett; flood my mind. He has always been my sidekick. Whatever I did, he would be right there too, even if it meant we'd pay for it later; he'd never shy away from an adventure.
He's the one I'm most excited about seeing. I have plenty of friends here in Hudson and those I've bonded with through my service, but nothing compares to my brother, my blood.
I've missed that crazy shit the most.
Coming up behind my parents' house, I slow to a stop when I see my father exit the barn. Holding a bag of fee
d on his left shoulder, he stares at me through my windshield, and my chest grows instantly tight.
Almost like he's unsure of what he sees, wondering if he's imagining my arrival.
I watch in slow motion as he lowers the bag, and it drops to the ground near his feet. His shoulder's sag and I know it's because he's relieved. I remember once, my mother telling me that something shifted in my father from the very day, I enlisted in the Marines. He's always been that laid-back, easy-going kind of guy. But with the idea that one of his sons could be taken from him so quickly and there was nothing he could do to protect 'em, it was like the weight of the world was resting upon his shoulders.
Looking at him now, it's like that weight has been finally lifted. I'm home, and I'm safe.
Hanging his head, I notice how his shoulders begin to shake, and without another second wasted, I put my rental car in park, and I jump out. Then, without pause, I walk toward him and wrap my arms around his muscular frame. "Hey, Pops," I smile through the emotions that threaten to cripple me. My father is a strong man, always has been, but right now, as he weeps, it almost breaks me.
"You little shit," he says as he too hugs me tightly. "Not so little anymore," he adds with a laugh. "But still a shit."
Slapping my back, he pulls away, still hanging onto my arms as he looks at me. "Let me look atcha' boy." His eyes reddened from his breakdown only seconds ago. "Are you really here?"
"Home to stay Pops," I assure him, and again he hangs his head taking in a deep breath.
"You didn't say anything."
"Wanted it to be a surprise."
"That it is," pulling me in one last time for a hug, I feel his chest rise with a deep breath. "That it is," he repeats.
Leading me inside, I go through another emotional reunion with my mother; only she does nothing to hide her tears. Gripping my face, one palm on each cheek, she looks up at the ceiling and whispers thanks for bringing her boy home safely. I hold her as she cries tears of joy, with her head buried against my chest.
After my mother insists on feeding me a meal with her famous peach cobbler for dessert, I sit back in the chair at the dining room table and place my hand over my stomach. It's been years since I've eaten a meal like that. A meal that not only leaves me feeling engorged but also makes my heart swell with the sense of home.
"Missed momma's cooking, did ya?" Pop chuckles, and he knows it's true without me having to agree. I still haven't even considered where I'll live yet, but knowing I have my room upstairs, I'll admit being fed some southern-style food is an excellent perk until I find my place.
"You got any plans tonight?"
"Thought I'd stop in at Sully's. Rory's playing, and I know it's where I'll find my little brother."
"Rory knew you were coming home?" Ma shrieks, and it makes pop laugh. "I'm gonna strangle that boy for not telling me."
"I made him promise."
While growing up, our home was a hangout for all the guys. But they'd all managed to weasel their way into my mother's heart, and to this day, they all still call her Mama O'Shay. She has no problems setting them straight as if they were her own, and it seems that hasn't changed.
“So, Bennett doesn't know you’re home either?"
I shake my head, and my pops smile; grows wider.
"Guarantee tonight's gonna be one hell of a celebration at Sully's, that's for sure," he shakes his head with a smile so big it reaches his eyes.
I have no doubt he is right, and I'm itching to get started.
Chapter Three
Sutton
* * *
"I ate the rest of your wings," Rory nudges my shoulder as he moves past me, walking toward the stage with a smirk on his lips. Shrugging, I turn my back to him, smiling, knowing I didn't give him the reaction he wants. "Come on, Tink; I expected more than that. A scowl, glare, maybe flipping me the bird… something."
"I was done," I refocus my attention on Adley, listening to her finish the story about her lab partner. However, I don't miss the way her eyes follow Rory as he moves around on the stage. I fight my smile, wondering when she is ever going to make a move. So what if he's got a three-year-old little boy with a bitch of an ex. Jayden; his son is adorable, and Rory is hot, rugged, and I bet he's got a side to him not many of us have seen. I'd never venture there, but it doesn't mean I don't want details on his bedroom skills.
When I met Bennett over a year ago, he came with a group of crazy guys who love to have fun. They've all quickly become the overprotective brothers I've never had, and I love each one of them dearly. We have this comfortable dynamic that most don't understand, but we do, so that's all that matters.
Sophie joined Lexi; my best friend and I about an hour ago. The only two we’re still missing are Jillian and Kendall. With Jillian's crazy schedule waitressing around her back-to-back classes, she rarely finds any free time. She is amazing; she works her ass off, regardless of her worthless parents, Jillian's better than them; she always has been. Kendall; the woman, is a workaholic. Between operating the tow truck for her father's automotive shop and working on the cars herself, I've always admired her dedication.
The jukebox is playing, and people are standing around waiting for the next thirty minutes to pass before the band begins to play. I've had a few drinks, deciding that I've been the sober one too many times in a row.
At first, I practically had to force myself to come out, but now that I'm here it's nice to be out with friends.
I watch as Adley imitates some poor girl in one of her classes, her arms flailing in front of her as she wrinkles up her nose. My vision is clouded with tears, because we’re laughing so hard at her antics; she can be so dramatic at times. My cousin is by far the most animated person I know. If you aren't observing her, you may just get a hand in your face without warning.
"The girl is sweet, truly she is, but if she's getting grossed out by something so minor, how does she ever expect to survive an ER rotation. The things you see in the ER will forever change you; that's no lie." I've heard way too many horror stories from Adley about her ER experiences, some I could have lived without knowing, that's for sure.
"Holy Mary Mother of God," I glance toward Sophie as she moans the words loudly. "Pinch me," she adds, and I find her staring over my shoulder with her mouth gaping open. I laugh, wondering what on earth has her reacting so dramatically. Then Adley shifts in a hurry to look in the same direction and mumbles a ‘fuck me’ appearing almost as stunned as Sophie did.
Rolling my eyes; I spin around myself and scan over the area. I'm fully prepared to call them out on their need to exaggerate, but the words on the tip of my tongue are immediately lost. All snarky comments and humor are instantly gone. I; too, feel like the wind has been knocked out of me.
A strong feeling of déjà vu hits me. The same rush of heat I felt from the gas station earlier consumes me, once again. That can't speak, can barely breathe, feeling that leaves me motionless. My chest grows tight, and my hands shake as I fist them at my sides. What are the chances of seeing him again? The same broad stance, the same mysterious look as his eyes remain hidden beneath the bill of his baseball cap. I have never in my life seen a man that wore a, worn pair of jeans and a fitted t-shirt so damn well. I'm talking about muscles so taut and defined that you know just what he looks like beneath his clothes. The desire to trace over every single contour with the tip of my tongue is powerful. Tall, a robustly defined jawline, by far the most alluring man here tonight.
I have the instant desire to rush to him and remove the hat from his head. But, instead, I want to see the rest of what I know already will be just as appealing.
"Would it be inappropriate of me to rip off his clothes and take him right here in the middle of this bar?" Adley groans as she holds on to my shoulder. "That man is so yummy."
"Like a sundae with melted caramel and extra hot fudge," Sophie adds, and if I weren't so lost in his movements, I would have laughed at her comparison. Soph is generally so quiet.
; * * *
The man's dominant strides conquer the entire space.
A loud hoot echoes over the bar, and then someone hollers out from another point in the bar, but I still can't look away from him. I am impatiently waiting to see if he is here to meet someone, while praying more than I ever have prayed before that whoever he is meeting is not female. Then I may be forced to claw out the eyes of a stranger, just because I'm jealous that she gets to touch this man.
"What the fuck?" A familiar voice from my left shouts. "Hell no, man."
Quickly I look in that direction and find Bennett bracing himself with one hand on the bar. His head hanging low, looking at the ground. I’ve never seen him so unsettled, not once since I’ve known him. I take a step toward him, when Sophie grabs ahold of me and pulls me back.
"What?" I say, not entirely understanding why she won't let me go.
"Wait," she's not even looking at me but staring ahead in the same direction I was trying to go.
I revert my attention back to Bennett to find the stranger now standing only a few feet away from him. The jukebox has stopped, and everyone around us seems to be watching the same thing. I'm missing something huge it seems, because the entire bar is smiling and waiting in anticipation. Bennett appears lost as he looks up, only to hang his head back down again. When he glances up again, I notice how red his eyes appear and it tugs at my heart. Bennett isn’t an emotional guy, at least not that I’ve ever seen. He’s the cutup, jokester and take nothing serious clown in our group, but this is different. “Hey, Little Brother,” the man says, and Bennett’s shoulders begin to shake as he hangs his head once more. “It’s been too long.” Bennett nods as he slowly looks up as he takes a step forward.
Everyone watches. The girls and I, Rory, Finn, and the rest of the guy’s stare in amazement. It's so quiet, like everyone is holding their breath, waiting for everything to play out. I glance between Bennett and his brother, still unsure of what exactly is happening.
