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Turning to look at my little brother, I could almost see the little boy he used to be. Always running his mouth, running around with way too much energy. My mom had worried for a long time he wouldn’t grow out of it. Welp, he honestly didn’t. He might have been in his thirties now, but the guy rolled into the bars after ten like he was there for brunch, refreshed and energized, always the life of the party.
I worried all that jubilance would get him into trouble one day.
He had a revolving door of women, usually tourists who popped in for a festival or vacation. But I knew he didn’t stick to those. I’d heard the rumors of how he got around with local women and how they were always left broken hearted wishing and dreaming for more.
“You want me to settle down?” I asked him out of nowhere, and by the expression on his face, it was obvious he was surprised. “Honestly? You would think you would want me to wing-man for you.” Whatever surprise he might have felt dissolved into deep chuckles.
“I’m sorry.” He gasped for air, and I pressed my lips into a thin line. “I’m sorry you…” He breathed in deep, trying to calm his now uncontrollable laughter. “You think you could be my wingman?”
“Why not?” I asked and turned off the ignition.
“Because, Clay, since Em rolled into town, all you have eyes and mental capacity for is her,” Ryder pointed out, and it irritated me.
“That’s not…” I couldn’t finish my denial because the thought sat heavy in my gut. I wasn’t a liar.
“There is nothing wrong with finding the one.” Ryder’s tone softened. “I mean, look at Troy. He’s fucking happy.”
“You want that?” I asked, and his face went blank.
“Man…” He shook his head.
“You know, I don’t get into your business; it’s not my place,” I started to say when he shot me a look.
“So, don’t,” he mumbled.
“But since I’m your big brother and you’re such a pain in my ass, I need to tell you something, and I really hope this gets into that thick skull of yours.”
“Clay—"
“Ryder, one day, you’re going to meet the one. And you’re gonna have to tell her about your past and?—"
“You have no idea what you’re talking about,” he clipped, and I shrugged.
“Maybe, maybe not. I just hope you’re careful.”
“Careful. Big brother, no glove, no love is my damn motto to life,” he mumbled, but there was something in his eyes, something I couldn’t read. Almost like a longing. But as quickly as it popped up, it disappeared. I opened my mouth to keep on with my little life lesson when a knock sounded at my driver’s side.
We both turned to find Troy standing there. Tall and grumpy, the guy didn’t look happy.
“Are you guys going to curl each other’s hair before you get to work?”
“Fuck. Looks like someone’s in a mood,” Ryder mumbled, and I sighed.
“Hmm,” I grunted. My oldest brother stepped aside so I could hop out.
“You know we have shit to do, right?” he clipped. I shot Ryder a look.
“Mel okay?” Ryder asked because he couldn’t help himself.
“Why wouldn’t she be?”
“You’re in a mood,” I responded because hanging out with Ryder, it seemed his sarcasm was contagious.
“Maybe I got plans later and don’t want to get stuck working later than I need to because my brothers can’t seem to get back to work on time because for whatever reason they like to head into town.”
“I worked this morning, and I went into town to get some food.” I shrugged.
“Mel cooks here, you know?” Our oldest brother muttered. Ryder and I looked at one another again.
