AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Morning, sleepyhead.”
I run a hand over my hair as I round the couch and plop down between them. “Morning.” I reach out and ruffle Anderson’s shaggy blond locks. “Looking a bit rugged, brother.” My hand cups his cheek. “But I like it.”
Throaty laughter fills the room as Anderson hauls me into his chest, hugs me tightly, and rubs his knuckles over my scalp. My fingers dig into his side, along the edge of his rib cage, and wiggle until he shoves me away.
“Okay, okay. You win.” He holds his hands up in surrender.
“Missed you, Baby A.” I ruffle his hair one last time. Scooting back, I shimmy into Braydon’s lap, twist my head and give him a chaste kiss. “Morning.”
His arms band around my waist and hug my back to his front. “Morning, firecracker.”
“How long have you been up?”
He rests his chin on my shoulder, his stubble faintly scraping my cheek. “Maybe an hour.” He cocoons me in his arms. Shows no sign of discomfort in his display of affection while in front of my brother. “But I wasn’t the first up.”
I glance across the couch to my brother and catch the momentary downturn of his lips as he watches us.
Far back as I recall, Anderson has always had this shadowy disposition. A cloud looming overhead. The first time I noticed his despondency, he’d been eight. I’d walked from middle school to elementary, so we could go home together. He’d walked out of the double doors, hands fisting his backpack straps, head hung, and shoes scuffing the sidewalk. When he reached me, I asked what was wrong. He’d waved off my concern and said a few of his classmates had teased him about his new haircut but then apologized. I wanted to believe him, but something twisted in my gut. Told me it had nothing to do with hair or other kids.
Five years later, Anderson had weekly appointments with a psychologist. Our parents didn’t want him “hopped up on pills” but wanted him to be the “happy boy” from years prior. Obviously, they hadn’t been as observant. They hadn’t noticed Anderson’s joyless smiles or sheltered habits like I did.
Our parents are good people and want to see the light in everyone. A light Anderson feels shame for not having. Their single-mindedness inevitably erected a wall between us—Anderson more so than me—and divided our family.
I love my parents, but not like I love my brother. For Anderson, I’d fight battles. The day he announced his new job as a travel influencer, I inwardly cheered while my parents grumbled it wasn’t arealjob. After I’d given Anderson the fiercest hug, I’d turned to my parents and told them to be happy for him or shut up. They’d remained tight lipped the first year. When the second year rolled around, Mom appeared more amiable whenever Anderson’s name came up. I spoke to Anderson once every four to six weeks. My parents were lucky to hear from him once or twice a year.
Each time Anderson called from the road, I’d heard the lightness in his voice. The peace he’d found by being on hidden highways and in nature. Freedom gifted him something our parents never did… the ability to breathe.
I extend a hand and tap Anderson’s knee. “You sleep okay?”
His head tilts left then right before straightening. “Been a while since I’ve slept anywhere but the van, but it wasn’t bad.”
“Want to help make breakfast?”
Breakfast could be as easy as calling downstairs and having Sharon whip us up something. Pancakes or eggs or a breakfast sandwich. Anything, it didn’t need to be on the menu. But I didn’t want to interrupt the kitchen in the café. I also wanted more time with my brother, and making breakfast together was a weekend tradition we had as kids.
His eyes light up and I have my answer before he says, “Absolutely.”
I turn and kiss Braydon. “You too.” I peel his arms away and rise from his lap. “Three is better than two.”
“Uh…” Braydon says on a chuckle. “Might be best to task me something I can’t burn.”
I reach for his hand and haul him up off the couch. “Done,” I say as his chest bumps mine and he drops a kiss on my lips.
“How long will you be home?” I stab a couple blueberries and pieces of pancake then grab the whipped cream in the middle of the table and spray the forkful until all you see is cream. Both men stare at me as I shove the sweet delight in my mouth. “Wha?” I mumble around the bite.
They both shake their head and laugh.
“Not sure,” Anderson answers, eyes downcast as he dunks his sausage in maple syrup. “Is that okay?” His shoulders stiffen. He looks up, eyes darting between me and Braydon. “I don’t want to intrude.”
A loud clang sounds as my fork hits the plate. I reach across the table and take Anderson’s hand. “One… you are never a burden or intrusion.” I give a quick but strong squeeze of his hand. “Ever.” I wait until he nods to continue. “Two… you can stay as long or little as you want. I love having you here, but understand if you need to leave.” My other hand reaches for Braydon and he weaves our fingers. “Three… we have a lot to catch up on. When I’m not working nonstop, Braydon and I spend time together.”
The corner of Anderson’s mouth tips up. “Nice to see you happy, Ales.” He pats Braydon’s shoulder. “Can tell he’s a good guy.”
Now I am even more curious about what the two of them talked about before I woke. Neither Braydon nor Anderson is the type to gush over people they hold close. My relationship with Braydon may be new, but in our time together he has never babbled on about other people.
Memories of last night pop in my head. Of the moment when Braydon said he loves me. Of the instantaneous knot in my belly at hearing the words. How my muscles locked up and my rib cage constricted my lungs. More than anything, Braydon’s confession made me mentally stumble backward.
Love.It was never a word I’d said to someone other than family or Mags and Lena.
