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“You’re a great brother.”
“Eh, I do what I can. Our mom sucks. She hasn’t called him or sent him a card on his birthday in a few years,” I admit.
Bea reaches over and squeezes my hand. “I’m so sorry. That’s beyond shitty.”
“It is what it is. That’s why we make such a big deal about birthdays. Try to take the sting out, you know? He was only four when she left, so he doesn’t remember her much. Mostly she’s been an occasional voice on the phone and someone who sends him a card once a year.” This isn’t something I talk about, mostly because it makes me feel like garbage.
“It still sucks for all of you.” Bea pulls into my dad’s driveway. “Oh wow. It’s the same, but different.” She puts the car in park.
I spot my brother in the window, and a second later, the front door opens. His smile falters as Bea gets out of the driver’s seat.
He schools his expression and comes down to greet us. “Sweet ride.”
“Right?” Bea tosses me the keys and bites back a smile.
Flip parks on the street.
I wait a moment before I toss the keys to Brody. “Happy birthday, buddy.”
He catches them, eyes bouncing between me and Bea. “Are you fucking serious?”
Nathan and my dad appear in the doorway.
“Yup. It’s all yours.”
“It’s a smooth ride. You should check it out.” Bea pats the hood and steps aside.
“Rix, right? My dad said you were coming. I haven’t seen you in like…a long time. You’re like…” His gaze moves over her, and his cheeks flush pink. He’s all over the place. Trying to be polite while freaking out. “Yeah. Holy shit. It’s nice to see you. This fucking car, man! Sorry about the swears, Dad.”
“Why don’t we take it for a spin?” I suggest.
“Can we?” Brody looks over his shoulder. “Is that okay, Dad?”
“Yeah, of course it’s okay.” Dad turns to Bea and Flip. “Beatrix, it’s wonderful to see you again. You remember Nathan.” He squeezes my brother’s shoulder.
“Hey! Hi!” Nathan wipes his hand on his leg and holds it out. “It’s been a long time.” His eyes are wide, and he looks shocked.
“Hey. It’s good to see you.” She grins and shakes his hand, then nods to us. “You should probably go for a ride, too.”
“Come on.” I beckon him over. “We’ll be back in a few.”
Nathan climbs into the back, and I take my place in the passenger seat while Brody gets behind the wheel.
“This is so sweet. I can’t believe this is my birthday present. Like, dude…” Brody is vibrating with excitement.
He drives it around the block and hops on the highway for one interchange, but it’s slow going thanks to the holiday weekend, so he exits and drives back to my dad’s.
Nathan checks his reflection in the rearview mirror before he gets out.
“What are you doing?” I ask.
He gives me a look. “Making sure my hair isn’t a mess.”
“Why? Who you looking to impress?”
“Dude, did you see Flip’s sister? She’s hot.”
“You have a girlfriend.” Unless something has changed in the past few days. Lisa was supposed to come for Thanksgiving, but she has a midterm paper to finish, so she had to bow out.
“I can still make a good impression.” He sniffs his armpit.
I roll my eyes. “She’s involved.”
“Oh yeah? With who? Is one of your teammates brave enough to date her?”
“It’s none of your fucking business. Don’t flirt with her. She’s Flip’s sister, and she’s off-limits. Got it?”
He raises his hands. “Geez. Don’t get your panties in a knot, Tris. I wasn’t gonna flirt. I just want to make sure I don’t have shit in my teeth.”
Bea’s in the kitchen with my dad when we get inside. I’m unsurprised to find that she’s taken over food prep. I’m also unsurprised when both of my brothers suddenly want to help. Nathan’s right. She is fucking gorgeous. She’s smart, and fun, and funny. She has an infectious smile and a laugh I can’t get enough of. And watching her with my family makes me wish for things I shouldn’t. Like permanence. Which is impossible.
She’ll stick around for the sex, because I’m good at giving orgasms. But I’m not the kind of guy anyone wants long term. Ask my mom about that.
Flip hands me a beer. “Thanks for inviting us, man. Rix needed this. She’s missing Essie and our parents, even if she doesn’t want to admit it.”
“Yeah, of course.” Essie is another piece of the Bea puzzle I can’t ignore. There’s always a chance she’ll end up where her best friend is. Those two are tight. And Essie is the stability Bea needs, emotionally and otherwise. I can’t give her that.
And anyway, we’re just supposed to be fucking.
CHAPTER 19
RIX
It’s Saturday morning, almost a week post-Thanksgiving with Tristan’s family. He and I have found a rhythm. Most nights I sneak into his bedroom for quiet sex while Flip is either out or in the middle of making a bunny happy. Afterward, I disappear back to the loft.
