After I headed into the foyer, Uncle Paul took the bags of food out of my hands. As I started to go to the kitchen, a voicefrom the living room called out to me. “Yo, Al, come get this wild animal off me!” Charlie yelled. I grinned knowing that was his way of getting me to come see him. All these years later, he still wasn’t good at expressing his emotions.
I entered the living room to find Atticus sprawled out on the couch beside Charlie. Instead of being truly aggravated by Atticus, Charlie was giving him a rub-down, which caused Atticus to groan in ecstasy. “Hey, little brother, it’s good to see you,” I said, as I flopped down on his other side.
He grinned, which caused two dimples to pop out on his cheeks. It made him adorable to me, but I’m sure they caused girls his age to swoon. “It’s good to see you, too.”
“How’s school?”
Cocking his head at me, Charlie replied, “You mean am I studying and going to class or partying too much?”
I nudged him playfully. “I wouldn’t be your overbearing big sister if I didn’t ask.”
“True, very true.” When he still remained evasive, I cleared my throat to prompt him. He held up his hands. “Fine. I’ve got solid B’s at the moment.”
“Oh, Charlie, that’s wonderful. I’m so proud,” I replied, before throwing my arms around his neck.
“It could all get shot to hell before the end of the semester,” he teased.
“Not on your life mister.” I pulled back to give him the same stern look I gave my students. “Don’t make me come to Athens and follow you around.”
He snorted. “Look, I know you don’t have a life, but even I can’t imagine you doing that.”
“I do have a life,” I countered.
“Your group of girlfriends who do monthly margarita nights counts as a life?”
“We go out more than that,” I lied.
“Right.”
“Besides, I’m very busy right now with teaching. I’m even doing homebound services.”
“Yeah, Uncle Paul told me.”
My brows rose up in surprise. “He did?”
Charlie nodded. “Said he was worried about you.”
I swallowed hard. “Why?” I asked, although I already knew the answer.
“‘Cause of where you’re teaching.” With a wry smile, Charlie added, “Who would have thought my good girl big sister would be hanging out with a bunch of dirty and dangerous bikers?”
Rolling my eyes, I replied, “They’re not like that.”
“Are you sure about that? From what Uncle Paul said, the Raiders have been known to have their hands in all kinds of dirty dealings like gambling and gun running.”
I shrugged. “It’s just a rumor. None of them have done time for anything.” I knew that was a partial lie considering Deacon’s father had been in prison before he started the Raiders.
Charlie’s teasing expression turned serious. “Promise me you’ll be careful.”
“Is that actual concern for me, little brother?” I teased, trying to lighten the mood.
“Yeah, it is.”
Patting his leg, I replied, “You don’t need to worry. I’m fine. I promise.”
Although he nodded his head, I could tell he wasn’t convinced. But before he had the chance to press me for more details about the Raiders, Aunt Joy appeared in the doorway and beckoned us to come and eat.
Thankfully, neither Charlie nor Uncle Paul brought up the subject of the Raiders, and I was able to have a fun, carefree lunch with those I loved most in the world.
