Wasn’t it funny how couples talked about themselves in the plural instead of as individuals?
We took turns giving the barista our order and when I reached for my wallet, Karrie said, “Oh, let me get it.”
“No, that’s okay, I’ve got it,” I replied quickly.
I didn’t like other people paying my way. We may not have as much money as most of the kids at this school, but both Benny and I were leery of taking handouts for anything. It was the way we were raised. We learned the hard way that nothing in this life was given for free.
“Oh, please let me. Being with Ridge, and his brothers for that matter, means I’m never allowed to spend my own money.” Karrie pleaded.
She moved her hands when she talked, and I caught a sparkle on her left hand.
“Oh my God!” I cried, grabbing her hand in mine so I could get a closer look at the fabulous ring on her finger. Seriously, the rock was so big it could have its own zip code. “You’re engaged?”
‘Yes, I haven’t told you that story yet?” she asked, positively beaming as she held her hand out to show off the diamond. “Do you want to take our coffee and sit for a bit? Catch up?”
I looked at my phone to check the time and said, “Yeah I have a few minutes.”
Karrie gave the barista her credit card before I could protest again, but I decided not to make a fuss.
Once we had our coffee in hand, we found a table in the corner.
“Tell me everything,” I said once I was situated.
“Ridge took me to Chicago for New Years. He had this whole plan of proposing at the Ball on the Navy Pier. But we ended up running into his father, and, let’s just say … things did not go well. Anyway, we ended up back at the hotel. Our room was gorgeous, with the most amazing views, and when we were about to have champagne and dessert, he proposed. Just as the fireworks were going off,” Karrie said, a dreamy expression coming over her face. “The windows were completely floor to ceiling, so it was like they were going off right next to us … to celebrate the moment.”
“Wow, way to go, Ridge,” I said with a grin.
I hadn’t always liked Ridge. He and Benny were in Delta together when everything went down, and he was one of the people who voted to kick Benny out. But when Benny had landed in the hospital, Ridge had been the first person to step up and offer to help. So, he was starting to grow on me.
His obvious love for Karrie, who was one of the sweetest people I knew, was a mark in his favor.
“Yeah, he did good,” she said fondly. “So, what’s been going on with you? Still the hardest working person at U of M?”
I blushed and shook my head.
“I don’t know about that, there are plenty of hardworking students here. I mean, I’m definitely not bored, and I could use a few more hours in the day, but I’m happy with the way things are going right now.”
“Good. And, Crush? How’s he doing?” she asked, looking sincerely concerned.
I sighed.
“Oh no,” she said in response. “That bad?”
“No, nothing like that. He’s doing much better than he was,” I replied, pausing to take a sip of my coffee. Ahh, nectar. “But I wish he’d find his motivation again, ya know? He’s clean, and eating better, but all he does is lay around in his bed all day and watch TV. It’s starting to make me crazy. I was able to explain things to his professors and get the work he needs to make up, but if he doesn’t start going to class again, he’s going to fail. And if he doesn’t get off his ass and get back to work, we’re not going to have enough money to pay rent.”
When Karrie’s hand covered mine on the table, I blew out a frustrated breath and gave a sharp laugh.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to unload on you.”
“Hey, no, I’m here for you. I know things aren’t easy for you and if you ever need to vent, or just need a ladies night, give me a call. I’d like to think we’re friends now…”
I nodded, because I felt the same.
“Good, then. No apologies. Unload all you need to,” she said, before lowering her voice and adding, “And if you need money,” when I opened my mouth to protest she hurried on and clarified, “as a loan … let me know. I know you’re proud and don’t like to ask for help, but, Em, everyone needs help sometimes. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
I cleared my throat, a sign of my discomfort, and said, “Thanks for the offer, truly, but we’re not at that point yet.”
“You promise you’ll come to me if you ever are? I don’t want you to lose your place,” she said gently.
“Promise,” I replied, although even I didn’t believe I was telling the truth.
Six
Brody
I was coming out of the local Habitat for Humanity chapter with a folder full of information and a notebook scribbled with notes under my arm, and an excited grin on my face.
I was able to get Delta scheduled to participate in a veteran’s build.
I was so excited to get back to the frat and share what I’d learned that I nearly knocked Emma over before I realized she was in front of me.
“Oh, shoot, sorry … I didn’t see you there,” I said, my hand automatically going out to steady her.
“It’s okay,” she replied, her gaze on the ground.
When her eyes came up and met mine, they widened in surprise.
“Brody.”
“In the flesh,” I said with a grin, immediately regretting the quip when her lips pursed, and eyes narrowed.
“What are you doing here?” Emma asked, crossing her arms over her chest as she looked me over.
“I’m the new Community Chair for Delta. I was just setting up our dates for our build.”
Her expression softened and she said, “That’s wonderful, congratulations. Do you know who you’re building for?”
“It’s a home for a deserving veteran,” I replied, and I swear, I could hear the pride in my voice. “It’ll be gifted mortgage-free to a woman who served three tours in Iraq before being medically discharged. She’s a wife and mother, and she and her family are currently homeless. Can you believe it. I mean, what an amazing program to offer.”
We hadn’t even started yet, and I already felt like today was the beginning of what would be one of the most important things I’d ever do in my life.
Emma smiled at me.
Smiled.
At me.
Sure, I’d seen her smile before. Talking to Karrie and Wes, hell, even with Trixie. But it was the first time she’d ever looked at me that way.
She was gorgeous, and I felt oddly humbled.
“It is a wonderful organization and the staff here in particular are so dedicated and kind. I think you’ll really enjoy yourself.”
“So do I,” I admitted. “What about you? Are you volunteering?”
Emma nodded and I was struck again by how effortlessly beautiful she was.
No makeup. Hair up in a messy bun. Wearing a well-worn U of M hoodie and a long brown skirt with Birkenstocks. She looked like she’d walked straight out of my dreams and into my parents’ worst nightmare.
Which meant she was perfect.
“Yes, I volunteer here a few times a month, sometimes on a build and others in their resale store.”
“Oh, right, I remember Karrie saying something about you volunteering a lot … for your major, right?” I asked, even though I already knew what her major was, and all of the places she volunteered.
At least the ones Karrie knew about.
I may have cornered her one night when she’d been on her third glass of wine and peppered her with questions about Emma.
“Mmm-hmm, I’m majoring in Social Work, so it’s important that I volunteer everywhere I can. Not only to prepare me for a job once I graduate, but to make connections in the community and hopefully land a good internship. Plus, I like to help people.”
“Wow, that’s really admirable.”
When she looked skeptical, I said, “No, really, I mean it. What mad
e you want to go into Social Work?”
Emma narrowed her eyes at me.
“Do you really want to know?”
“Hell, yeah, I do. What do you say we go grab a cup of coffee or something? We can get to know each other better,” I suggested, hoping I sounded nonchalant, because my heart had sped up and I wouldn’t be surprised if she could hear it thumping in my chest.
“Why?” she asked, and I felt a flicker of hope.
She didn’t turn me down flat like she usually did when I asked her out.
Sure, when I usually asked I was flirting or shouting shit at her in public, so I could understand her skepticism. But it always felt safer to make it seem like it was all a game, rather than let her or anyone else know how serious I was.
“Because I like what I know so far and would love to dig deeper,” I replied, keeping my tone even and not at all cocky. “Plus, I think if you got to know me better you’d find I’m not such a bad guy. You may even like me.”
“I doubt it,” she scoffed, but her smile was genuine. “I don’t know.”
“And you won’t know unless you give it a shot.”
Emma sucked her lower lip between her teeth and chewed on it, like she was pondering a major life decision and not simply whether or not to have coffee with me, and looked so freaking adorable doing it.
I wanted to lean in and use my own lips to pull it back out.
Her dark eyes met mine and she let out a little sigh before reluctantly saying, “Okay. I can meet you at the coffee shop on Wednesday at three-fifteen sharp.”
“That’s very specific,” I replied with an easy grin.
“If you can’t make it…”
“I’ll be there,” I assured her. “Three-fifteen sharp.”
“On Wednesday.”
“On Wednesday,” I repeated.
“This Wednesday,” she specified.
I chuckled and said, “I’ll be there.”
“See you then,” Emma said, walking around me to continue up the sidewalk toward the building.
I couldn’t stop myself from turning to watch her walk away. And once she was inside, I celebrated my moment of victory with a nearly imperceptible fist bump.
Seven
Emma
I finished my granola, rinsed my bowl and spoon before putting it in the dishwasher, and glanced at my watch.
Time to begin another fully booked day.
I gathered my things and was about to head out the door when the sound of a throat clearing behind me made me pause and turn.
I nearly gasped when I saw Benny, up and fully dressed, a sheepish look on his face.
“Hey,” I managed, afraid to say more.
“Hey,” he replied softly. “I was, uh, thinking of going with you to the garage, see if I can pick up a couple hours and help Johnny and the guys out.”
My heart leapt, and I wanted to ask about his classes too, but didn’t want to push it. I needed to accept this for the win it was.
“Great, I was just about to leave. Want to catch the bus together?”
Benny nodded, his shoulders slumping a little at the reminder we’d have to take the bus.
During one of his lowest points, Bennet had sold his car. We never discussed why, but I assumed it was for drugs and booze. Maybe women, too.
I said good morning to Marv and we chatted on the drive, but Benny remained silent, his eyes sad as he looked out the window.
I never thought I’d miss the over-confident, often loud and annoying, side of my brother, which had been his persona when out in public. Especially when he was with the guys from Delta. But seeing him now, so unhappy and unsure of himself and his place in the world, was breaking my heart.
I’d known most of campus had thought of him as an ass, player, and objectifier of women, but since he wasn’t that way at home, and had actually always treated the women who were his girlfriends like queens, I’d figured it was a personality he was trying on for size.
Like there was Benny … older brother, protector, friend, and provider.
And there was Crush … the ultimate jock, bro, and womanizer.
Now I wasn’t sure who he was, and I guessed he probably wasn’t either.
We got off the bus and walked the two blocks over to Johnny’s garage and I swear it almost seemed like Benny’s aura got lighter the closer we got, which gave me more hope. I was sure going back to work and being around friends, not the bad kind of friends, but the good ones, would help him turn this corner and find his way back to living again.
“Crush? Hell, yeah … welcome back, man,” Tony, one of the guys who’d worked with Crush and Johnny forever, called as we entered the bay.
“Hey, Tony, how’s it hangin’?” Benny called back cheerfully.
“Long, curved, and to the left, brother,” Tony replied.
I rolled my eyes and kept moving toward the office, but the sound of Benny chuckling behind me tempered my annoyance.
“Morning, Johnny,” I said cheerfully as I approached the open door to the office.
“Morning,” he replied, lifting his gaze from the computer.
I stepped to the side a bit overdramatically, to reveal my brother coming in behind me.
As his slightly lopsided grin took over his face, I could feel mine echoing in response.
“Crush, good to see you, brother,” Johnny said, rising from his chair and coming around to give Benny a one-armed bro hug. “You look great.”
“I’m sorry, Johnny,” I heard Benny say, his voice low and muffled.
Wanting to give them some space, I hurriedly grabbed a cup of coffee and took Johnny’s seat, huffing a little when I saw he was in my spreadsheet again.
I tried not to eavesdrop, but since we were in the same room it was hard not to overhear my brother’s apologies and Johnny’s words of encouragement.
“You’ve been doing what you need to do to get better. Don’t worry about me or the shop, we’re here whenever you’re ready. I’m just happy to see you looking like yourself again,” Johnny was saying.
“I’d like to work a few hours today, if that’s okay … I miss being under the hood, ya know?”
“That I do, brother, and, yeah, we’d love your help with a sweet fifty-seven truck we got in yesterday. Dude wants a complete restoration. I’d love to hear your thoughts when you see her.”
I glanced up to see Benny nodding, a smile on his face, his eyes full of gratitude, before quickly looking back down so he wouldn’t see my eyes welling with tears.
“You good, Em? I’m gonna take Crush out to the barn,” Johnny asked.
The barn was the building out behind the garage where Johnny kept the cars he was restoring.
“Yup, I’ll be here … trying to fix the mess you made with the spreadsheet,” I replied, shooting him a look and mouthing, “Thank you.”
Johnny winked at me and said, “Come on, Crush, you’re gonna love this baby.”
“Later, Em,” Benny said, looking at me a little desperately, like maybe he’d bitten off more than he could chew.
“Have fun, Ben, and don’t worry, Johnny won’t push you to do anything you’re not ready for,” I assured him with a gentle smile.
He nodded and turned to follow Johnny down the hall.
Once all of the invoices were in the computer and everything had been calculated, I left the desk neatly organized and headed out to catch the bus to campus. As I walked, I opened my phone to check my calendar, my eyes automatically drifting to the three-fifteen coffee meet-up with Brody tomorrow, just like they had every time I’d opened my calendar since I’d input the event.
And yes, I was calling it a meet-up, not a date.
I couldn’t deny Brody intrigued me, especially after bumping into him outside of Habitat for Humanity the other day.
I’d wondered over this new and unexpected facet of him and had immediately chastised myself for always being so judgmental of him, even though I didn’t know him.
I’d always been annoye
d by people’s snap judgement of my brother, since I’d known who he was under the surface, and it had been an eye-opening experience to realize I was guilty of doing the same thing with Brody.
That was why I’d said yes to coffee. Not because he was attractive … although there was no denying that the way his eyes did that smoldering thing and how his playboy good looks turned ruggedly handsome when his face was scruffy, did something to me...
I cleared my throat and shook my head, willing away those thoughts of Brody.
No, definitely not a date. I don’t have a place for a guy like Brody in my busy life, even if he is starting to grow on me.
Eight
Brody
I hurried across campus, ignoring the nerves building within and choosing to focus on the excitement instead.
Emma had finally said yes to one of my invitations and there was no way I was going to screw it up by being late. My last class had only ended five minutes ago, and I had less than that to make it to the coffee shop on time.
This was the only reason why, when my phone rang, I answered it without bothering to check and see who it was.
“Hello,” I said distractedly.
The coffee shop was in my sights, so I picked up the pace.
“Brody … you answered.”
I stopped and pulled the phone away from my ear to look at the screen.
“Fuck,” I muttered, before lifting it back up and saying, “I can’t talk now.”
“Please, son, just hear me out,” my father pleaded.
This was why I’d been dodging his calls. I’d known if I picked up I wouldn’t be able to be rude and tell him to fuck off or hang up, which is exactly what Ridge would have done. Wes would have never gotten a call in the first place.
“I’m gonna be late,” I told him, hoping he’d let me off the hook.
“I only need one minute,” he said instead.
“Fine,” I said with a sigh. “What is it you’re so fired up to tell me? Is it about your wedding, cause Ridge already told us what went down on New Year’s.”
Frat House Confessions: Brody Page 3
