“That table there is going to be the serving line, so you can put them there,” I replied.
“Got it.”
Once everything was set up and ready, we all looked at each other with satisfied smiles.
“Thank you all so much,” I said as we were getting ready to open the bay. “Everything looks great. I know the people we serve are going to love everything and be so grateful that you’d open the garage, Johnny, and the rest of you would volunteer your time to give them a hot meal.”
I felt myself getting choked up so I stopped talking.
Johnny put a reassuring hand on my shoulder and said, “I second everything Emma said. Thanks for your hard work, now let’s open that door!”
I gave him a smile of thanks before moving behind the serving line to get in position.
“Hey, Em, I’m gonna head out, okay?” Benny said, coming up beside me.
“Okay, uh … have fun,” I said, even though I didn’t even think it sounded like I meant it.
Benny simply grinned and said, “I will. Good work here. I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks,” I said sincerely.
Benny dipped his chin and walked away, but before I could worry any further about his evening, the bay door was opened and the line that had formed outside came streaming in.
We were serving a hearty minestrone soup with French bread, along with cookies for dessert.
There were some familiar faces coming through the line, as well as some new ones, but every face was full of happiness and excitement over the new Friday location.
“Thank you so much for making this happen, Emma,” one of the ladies I’d served before said. She had two small children and I knew the community outreach programs were usually the only way they got hot meals.
“Oh, don’t thank me, thank Johnny,” I said, pointing him out. “This is his garage. He’s lived in this town his whole life and wanted to help out.”
She smiled, nodded, and continued down the line.
I’d spoken with the other organizations to get their average headcount, which is what I used to figure out how much food we’d need. Luckily, we only had enough left over to feed the volunteers, so it worked out perfectly.
By the time the bay had cleared out and we’d put everything away I was dead on my feet, but my heart was soaring.
“That went perfectly,” I said, throwing my arms around Johnny. “Thank you again, so much.”
His arms tightened around me and he held me close.
When he didn’t let go, I put my arms on his chest and pushed back.
“You know I’d do anything for you,” Johnny said, his dark eyes intense.
“Johnny,” I said with a sigh. “Please don’t.”
“Don’t what?”
“You did a great thing for the community here. It was a successful night. Don’t ruin it,” I pleaded.
He dropped his arms and stepped back.
“Better?”
I nodded, then looked around the bay as something dawned on me.
Brody had never showed up.
“You okay?” Johnny asked, and I knew I must have made a face or something. “Ah … I wondered how long it would take you to realize the frat boy didn’t show.”
“Stop calling him that,” I spat angrily.
“Why, it’s exactly what he is,” Johnny said, then he walked away and left me standing there alone.
“Where the hell is he?” I muttered, pulling my phone out of my back pocket and checking it for missed calls or texts.
Nothing.
Thirty-Four
Brody
“Let’s turn it up!” the DJ called out, and as the music became louder, everyone started to dance.
Including me.
This party was jumpin’ and it was exactly what I needed.
As The Weekend pumped through the speakers I swayed to the music, careful not to spill my drink, cause … party foul!
I grinned at Wes, Trixie, and Karrie, who were in the middle of the floor with me, amidst a crush of brothers and co-eds. Ridge wasn’t much for dancing at our parties. As the president he wanted to project the right image, which meant he was leaning against a wall somewhere lording over us and keeping a watchful eye.
Thank God I don’t have that job.
I paused to take a drink of the rum punch Trixie had made us, then got back to shakin’ it.
Trixie hadn’t always been a fan of the frat, but once she and Wes had gotten together she’d agreed to give it another shot, since it was kind of our family thing. She didn’t come to everything, but when she did we always had a good time.
I hoped one day Emma would be the same way. I knew she had her own reservations about Delta, and rightly so, but now that Crush was back, and she and I were together, I hoped she’d be like Trixie and give us a shot.
A tall blonde in a short skirt and barely there top tried to dance up on me, but I shot her a look that said, I don’t think so, and danced away.
That had been happening a lot, which was another reason why I wanted Emma to at least make an appearance on my arm, so the Delta groupies would see us together and know I was taken.
Until then, I’d just keep having to dole out rejections and dance away.
I was jammin’ to the beat when I felt another tap on my shoulder. Thinking it was another lady looking for love, I spun around with the face at the ready, but it was just Wes.
“Hey, man!” I shouted in greeting, even though we’d been together this whole time.
Wes lifted his chin, his eyes on something behind me, so I turned and followed his gaze.
“Emma!” I yelled.
Man, my throat is getting sore. They need to lower the music.
I hurried over to her, well, as quickly as was possible without spilling my drink, and grinned wildly.
“Hey, beautiful, I was just thinking about you,” I said loudly so she could hear me.
Her eyes narrowed and she asked, “Really? Were you?”
I noticed her arms were crossed over her chest but pressed on.
“Yeah, of course. I was wishing you were here and there you are … Poof! Like magic.”
“Are you drunk?” Emma asked, and her angry tone started to penetrate.
“Uh, a little,” I said, lifting my cup of rum punch. “It’s a party.”
She did something weird with her mouth and clamped her hand on my arm. When she began pulling me outside, my drink spilled.
“Oh, man…”
When we were on the back porch she released me.
“Easy,” I said. “Damn, you’ve got a grip.”
“Are you being serious right now?” she asked.
“About what?”
Although, I was seriously bummed about my drink. Trixie must have put the whole damn bottle in that punch.
“Where were you tonight?” Emma asked, her hands going to her hips.
Uh-oh.
I shook my head, honestly confused. “You’re seeing me. I’m right here.”
Her eyes rolled so far back in her head I was sure she saw brain.
“Tonight was the grand opening of the soup kitchen, Brody. Why weren’t you there?”
Oh yeah, that. That was the whole reason I’d started day drinking in the first place.
“What? You didn’t need me there, you had Johnny,” I said with a sneer.
“Is that why you’ve been acting like a baby? Because Johnny was the one to host the soup kitchen? Really? Are you that shallow? Did you get your ego bruised?”
Wow, that was mean.
“Wow, that was mean,” I said aloud, mimicking my thoughts. “Maybe it sucks you asked him for help before you even learned I wasn’t able to secure a place. I mean, damn, did you have no faith in me at all?”
Emma blinked and some of her rage seemed to die out.
“What, no … it wasn’t like that. It’s not a competition between you and Johnny, it’s about having a hot meal available for people who need it,” she said, then sig
hed. “I’m sorry if you felt like I didn’t believe in you. It’s just … Benny talked to Johnny about what I was trying to do and then he came to me with the solution. I didn’t ask him to do it.”
“Oh,” I muttered, looking helplessly at my empty glass.
“Have you been stewing over this all week? Why didn’t you talk to me about it?” she asked, and I hated how rational she sounded.
There was nothing rational about hurt and jealousy.
“I was pissed when I went there to apologize for not coming through only for that jackass to grin, call me frat boy, and tell me while I failed, he’d won.”
“He didn’t win anything, Brody. He did something nice for the community. His community.”
“Right, and why should I care cause I’m only here a short time? Is that it? That wasn’t the point and you know it.”
“Maybe I do,” Emma allowed. “But maybe you should have acted like a grown-up and communicated with me about it.”
I grunted in response.
“And maybe I’ve had enough of watching my brother get drunk rather than deal with things, that I don’t have the stomach to do the same for you.”
“That’s not fair,” I argued. “I’m not Crush. Don’t try and make me feel bad for hanging out with my brothers and having a good time, blowing off steam after finals.”
“I wouldn’t, if that’s all it was … but it isn’t, is it?” she asked, and damnit, she was annoyingly perceptive.
“Maybe,” I said grudgingly.
“Look, I’ve had a long day and I’m tired. What do you say you go back to your party and I go home to get some rest and we talk about all of this tomorrow.”
“Are you still pissed?” I asked, not wanting her to leave angry.
Emma ran her hands over her face and shook her head.
“No, I’m not. I understand where you were coming from, but in the future, I’ll need you to talk to me rather than hold stuff in and let it fester. Deal?”
“Deal. Do you need a ride home? Wait, how did you get here?” I asked.
“The bus … and, you’re in no condition to take me home,” she said with a laugh.
“We have a DD. I’ll have him drive you.”
“Normally I’d take the bus, but, yeah … I’m beat, so I’ll take the ride.”
I took her back inside and located the DD while she went over to say hi to Wes, Trixie, Ridge, Karrie, and Crush, who was standing with them in a huddle.
Probably gossiping about me and Emma.
I walked her outside and told Roger, the DD, “You’d better drive safe and don’t leave until she’s in the building. This is precious cargo, understand? Anything happens and I’ll have your ass.”
Roger nodded, eyes wide. Not because I outranked him or anything, but because he was kinda scrawny and I could definitely take him.
“Sleep tight,” I said, placing my hand on her shoulder to remain steady as I brushed my lips against hers.
“Don’t drink too much,” she replied.
“Promise,” I said, trying to make the motion to cross my heart but doing it on the wrong side of my chest.
I grinned stupidly at her and Emma laughed and said, “Go find your brothers.”
I gave her a two-fingered salute and left to do just that.
Thirty-Five
Emma
It felt like something was tickling my nose.
In my dreamlike state I imagined it was a flower or a dandelion, but when my eyes opened I saw Brody sitting next to me on my bed, grinning and holding my pen with the feather on the end.
“Morning, sunshine,” he said. “I brought coffee and donuts.”
“You did?” I asked, becoming a little more alert at the mention of donuts.
“Yup.”
I scooted back on the bed to scoot up and asked, “What time is it?”
“About nine thirty,” Brody said as he handed me the coffee cup.
While he placed the box of donuts on the bed and opened the lid, I looked at him.
“You’re up early.”
“Yeah, I’ve been up for a while. Hit the gym in order to make room for these donuts.”
“No hangover?” I asked gently, not wanting him to be like Benny and accuse me of mothering him.
He grinned ruefully and said, “Nah. Ridge has this trick with Gatorade and Tylenol. Works like a charm. Did you sleep well?”
“Yeah. Great actually. I’m surprised to see you.”
“You said you wanted to continue our talk today and I figured it would be better in person than over the phone, so here I am.”
“I’m glad,” I said, pleased he put forth the effort.
I picked a maple bar out of the box and bit in.
Gosh, that’s yummy.
“So, how did the grand opening go?” he asked, selecting a plain glazed.
“It was great. There was a good turn out and everyone seemed really happy.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there. I’ll be sure to come next time.”
“Okay, we can use all the help we can get.”
I polished off the donut, wiped my fingers on the napkin Brody offered me, then placed my hand on his knee.
“You know you have nothing to worry about with Johnny, right? He’s not the guy for me.”
Brody nodded and placed his hand over mine.
“I know, and I trust you, I do. I’ll figure out a way to get along with him. I know he’s your boss, and your friend, and he’s going to be around, so…”
“I appreciate it.”
“Now,” Brody began, swiping the custard filled out of the box.
Dangit, I was going for that one next.
“About Memorial Weekend … Have you had the chance to think about it?”
I had actually. I’d even written out a pro and con list, but he didn’t need to know about that.
“Yes, I have, and … I’m in.”
“Yes!” Brody cried, thrusting his donut up in the air. “It’s gonna be a blast. I can’t wait for you to meet the rest of my family.”
“I’m sure it’ll be a lot of fun.”
“It will be. We’ll road trip up there on Thursday night and come back on Tuesday. Ridge’s car will fit all of us, so the plan is to roll out together, if that works for you.”
“Totally,” I replied, thinking it would be a fun trip.
“Perfect. So … we’re good?” Brody asked, hopefully.
“We’re great,” I assured him.
He moved in to give me a quick, sweet, donut-flavored kiss.
“What do you have going on later?” he asked when he shifted back.
“Nothing,” I replied, sounding like it was the most glorious thing ever, because it was.
“Can I take you out for dinner?”
“I’d love that.”
“Put your fancy pants on, cause I’m taking you somewhere with tablecloths on the table and wine on the menu,” Brody informed me with a grin.
“I’ll be sure to wear my fanciest pants,” I quipped. “What do you have today?”
“I’m going to hang out with Antoine.”
I loved hearing about Brody’s adventures with his little. I was sure he’d have another great one at dinner tonight.
“Where are you taking him?” I asked.
So far they’d been to the park, played streetball, and gone to a movie. Brody always grumbled because he had to trade cars with Wes, since Antoine was sure they’d get jumped in the Tesla.
“Actually, today we’re going to my place. I talked to his mom about it and I think he’ll get a kick out of my gaming room, even if GTA is not an option.”
“Oh, he’ll love it. Almost as much as you and Wes do,” I joked.
“You simply don’t understand the magic of the game room,” Brody shot back.
“On that, sir, you are correct. I do not.”
Brody chuckled and asked, “Should I leave the donuts?”
“Absolutely,” I replied, already planning to eat more for
lunch. “Benny will want one.”
“You’re only going to let him have one?” he asked, eyeing what was left of the dozen.
I decided not to answer, so he wouldn’t judge me.
“All right, babe, I’d better get going. I’ll be here at six to pick you up for dinner, if that works.”
“Sounds good.”
He gave me one more kiss before heading out of my room and leaving me alone with the box of donuts.
Glorious.
Thirty-Six
Brody
“I’ll have him home by five,” I assured Antoine’s mother as we left his apartment.
We walked out to the street and Antoine grimaced when he saw Wes’s car.
“The crapmobile again?”
Yes, I was happy the name was catching on. Wes would hate it.
“You complain about the Tesla, and you complain about the crapmobile. What do you want?” I asked him as we got inside.
“Isn’t there something in between the two. It’s embarrassing ridin’ in this thing,” he said, sliding low in the seat so he couldn’t be seen through the window.
“Imagine being so dramatic,” I joked.
“Isn’t your brother rich like you? Why can’t he afford a better car?”
“Wes doesn’t care about material things, like cars, yachts, clothes, watches, shoes … You get the idea.”
“Wait, what’s a yacht?” Antoine asked.
“It’s like a fancy boat.”
“You have one of those?”
“I sure do. But, it’s back home in Chicago.”
Antoine shook his head and said, “Rich people are weird.”
I chuckled and asked, “How’d finals go?”
“Straight As,” he replied with a satisfied smirk. “How ‘bout you?”
“Not straight As.”
“Where we goin’ this time? Not another one of those dumb war movies, I hope.”
I’d picked the movie last time and Antoine had not been a fan.
“Nah, not this time. We’re going to my place. I have something I think you’re going to like. Don’t worry, it’s preapproved by your mom.”
Frat House Confessions: Brody Page 12
