“How was your flight?” the driver asked a few minutes later as he pulled into airport traffic.
I let out a breath and hoped my clipped tone would tell him I didn’t want to chat during the hour-long ride. “It was good. Thanks, man.”
He got my hint, and as he drove through rush hour traffic, I got on social media and searched for Maze. I didn’t know why or what I was expecting to find. After all, I was at the concert and took plenty of pictures of Stacey, but a part of me wanted to know what she was doing on tour. Of course, there was nothing on Maze’s account other than pictures of the concert, so I went to Stacey’s account and saw she had gone to a party after the show. There were several pictures of her in some penthouse with who I assumed were other backup dancers. There was also a photo of her and Molly hugging, and I had to admit, they both looked happy. I’d seen both of them at their worst, and now things were looking good for them.
My phone buzzed with a text.
Mom: Where are you? I tried calling several times, but your phone goes to voicemail.
I didn’t bother calling or texting her back because I didn’t want to hear how flying to California was crazy, and I should have told my brother I was coming. I knew I should have, but it was already too late.
By the time the driver pulled up to Brandon’s place, it was getting dark, and I hoped my brother wouldn’t turn me away. His house looked big enough, so worse case, I would sleep on his couch for the night.
“Thanks, man,” I said to the driver as I got out of the backseat with my duffle bag. I shut the door and walked up the path to the front door. I knocked, and after what seemed like forever, I finally heard dog nails clicking on the other side of the door, followed by my brother saying, “What the fuck?”
Yep, he was surprised.
The door unlocked, opened, and Brandon greeted me. “What are you doing here?”
“That’s no way to greet your one and only brother.” I smiled and stepped around Brandon before he could invite me in. “You’re not happy to see me?” I asked as I pet the Golden Retriever. I had no idea he owned a dog. “Who’s this guy?”
“Niner, and it’s not that I’m not happy to see you. Of course I am, but now isn’t a good time. Why didn’t you call?”
“I had to get away, and I used the plane ticket you got me for Christmas. I assumed it was an open invitation. Are you and Spencer fighting or something?” I wondered, setting my black duffel bag on the floor.
He shut the door and headed toward the stairs. “Just the opposite. I just proposed, and you’re ruining my plans.”
I balked and looked down at a trail of candles that went up the staircase. “Oh shit! Tonight wasthenight?”
“Yeah.” He sighed.
I swallowed, feeling like complete shit about intruding. “I didn’t know.”
“Just … Just stay down here. Go play with Niner or something.”
“I’ll go to a hotel.”
“No. Stay. Just let me go tell Spencer. She’s in the shower.”
Brandon moved up the stairs, blowing out the candles as he went. I really felt bad for showing up without calling now that I knew he’d proposed.
As I looked around his place, Niner following me, I realized I hadn’t said congratulations. Did he even say Spencer said yes? She had to have unless I’d ring-blocked him, and he stopped his proposal before she could answer. Shit. I should really be the one getting a hotel and not putting my brother and Spencer out. But Brandon had offered for me to stay, and they’d get a room. Whyhadhe offered?
Several minutes later, and enough belly rubs to last a lifetime for the dog, I heard footsteps coming down the stairs.
“Hey, buddy.” Spencer knelt to love on Niner as he ran around the corner to her. “You and your daddy are very sneaky.”
“Well, it was all his idea.” Brandon laughed.
“Spencer!” I boomed, walking up to her with open arms. “How’s my poker shark?”
“Hey, Blake, it’s good to see you. How are you?”
“Yourpoker shark?” my brother questioned.
“Anyone who can beat you ismypoker shark,” I stated, then turned back to Spencer. “I’m good, Spence. Sorry to come unannounced. I had no idea tonight wasthenight. I should have called first.” Yeah, I was still kicking myself.
“It’s okay. It’ll be fun having you here. How long are you planning on visiting?”
