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“It’s okay. I’ll give you another one.” She nodded. “Now, go take your seat. Don’t worry about any of this. I promise, this is not a bad thing.” She looked around sneakingly before dropping her lips to my ear. “Dyslexia can sort of be a superpower, Brody. So, use it.”
As she pulled back and I walked to my seat, I knew that this was just another thing wrong with me. Heck, maybe it was why my daddy hated me so much. Maybe it was because he knew I was stupid. Either way, I knew I couldn’t ask him to sign that paper.
I couldn’t ask him again because that paper was the reason why my ribs were still hurting today.
I stare at the paper, putting the clear blue plastic over the top of the words. All these years later, it helps. I have no idea why, but it does.
By the time I was in fifth grade, the teachers had given up on ever having the testing done. Each time they sent a paper home for me to bring to Dad, I’d throw it away before I left the school. I remember the first one I brought home, not even knowing what it was for. He screamed at me for an hour and beat me to the point of passing out. I knew right then I wasn’t ever going to bother him to sign another paper as long as I lived. Even if that meant missing field trips—which I did.
When it comes to building something—anything—I’m your guy. I can work on engines, and I can take things apart and have them back together before you even realize I did it. Just don’t have me read a set of directions. Because that shit is painful.
I think about Miss Heather’s words about me having a whole other life after that one. And I guess she was right. I no longer fear coming into my house. Or wonder if I’ll have anything to eat when I wake up. I know the running water will always be hot and ready when I need it and that I have an actual bed to rest on at night instead of a dirty floor. But all those years back then have morphed me into the man I am now. Well, the boy I am. A man would have told Bria he loved her and that he’d protect her at all costs. Me? I left. I left because it’s all I know. I’ve watched others do it, and now, I’m a pro.
And Bria deserves the type of guy who’s going to fight for her.
I’m not him.
Bria
Kye and his girlfriend, Winter, along with my mom and I all sit at the same restaurant we’ve celebrated most birthdays at since I was a kid. Sometimes, Dad would show up. Sometimes, he wouldn’t. But no matter what, Mom was there. Today would have been their anniversary, and Kye and I both knew we needed to be home for it.
“Thank you all for coming home for this. I know you’re all so busy, and I sure appreciate it.” Mom sniffles. “Did you know this place was where we went to on our first date?”
“Oh, we’re aware.” Kye laughs. “I think we’ve heard the story one hundred times.”
Stepping on his foot, I shoot him a glare and mouth,Shut up.
Shrugging, he widens his eyes. “Don’t be bitchy,” he whispers.
“Don’t be a dick,” I throw back.
Winter and my mom shake their heads. I think they are both used to our constant teasing. We’re brother and sister though. It’s basically our life duty to annoy each other.
“So, check this out,” Kye says, eating a French fry. “Word on the street is, you’re dating the untamable, wild man Brody O’Brien.”
“He didn’t seem wild to me,” my mom’s quick to say. “He seemed like a nice young man.”
“Wait…you’vemethim?” My brother scowls, rearing his head back.
“Yes, I did. And I thought he was lovely,” she says matter-of-factly.
Kye’s eyes narrow, and he looks at me. “So, it’s true then? You’re actually dating Brody,andhe’s met Mom already?”
I choke on my Sprite. A little comes out of my nose, burning like hell. I grab a tissue, dabbing it on my skin.
Once I’ve gained my composure, I shake my head. “No, Kye. We are so not dating.”
“Well, Bama is friends with Cam, and Cam told him you guys are inseparable.”
“Aw, that’s exciting, Bria!” Winter claps. “We can double date.”
“Hold your horses, homegirl. Pump the brakes.” I glance from Mom to Kye. “We are friends. Well, we were friends. I don’t really know what we are or were or…you get the point. But, no, we aren’t dating. Nor will we ever be.”
“When I was looking at both of your underwear campaigns…” Winter swallows, her cheeks heating. “He’s…wow. Yum—”
“Excuse fucking me?” Kye glares at her. “What do I gotta do? Go get tattoos and bulk up a bit more?”
I giggle as I listen to them bicker back and forth. And as always, by the end, they are kissing. My brother is rugged. As a star football player, he has to be. He works hard for his six-pack too. But Brody O’Brien is built like a damn tank. Not many can compare to his sheer hugeness.
