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“For what?” I absently asked, adding a couple other notes to the form.
“Calvin.”
I finally glanced up at Paxon. He was leaning back in his chair, feet stretched out as he faced to watch his brother and the other kids.
“I’m not doing anything special,” I said.
“Since it’s only the three of us at home, and I’ve always been so busy with soccer, Calvin hasn’t been able to do the things he wants to do. And let’s be real. I’m a sports guy, but Calvin’s interests are more aligned with yours. The guitar and singing. We haven’t been able to support him like he should have been. Like I was at his age.”
I frowned. “What do you mean?”
Paxon took his beanie off and tossed it on the table as he ran his hand through his hair. My own fingers twitched, wondering if his hair was as silky soft as it looked.
“I’ve always played soccer. Since I knew what a ball was and discovered I could kick it, I played soccer. Both my parents supported me. Dad would play with me at home, and then when I was old enough, they let me play Pee Wee soccer. Then I did youth soccer through elementary. And once I was in junior high, I joined the school team and have been there ever since. I had both my parents, and it made it easier to support me. But Calvin never got that. During the time when he’d start showing interest like I did, we were dealing with the divorce and he was dealing with our mom. And now that he’s with us, Dad is busy with work and I’ve been busy with soccer. He got sidelined.”
“He didn’t get sidelined,” I said.
“He does. All the time. But since meeting you, it’s been different.” Paxon gave me a sad smile. “You’re giving him what we can’t and I’m grateful for that. Teaching him to play the guitar. I knew he was interested, but things like that, I don’t know how to support it. If he wanted to play a sport, I would know exactly what to do, but not music.”
“I only know because of my dad. Once he realized I had a knack for the piano, he taught me. And when he realized I loved it, we began taking it more seriously.” I tapped my pen, mulling over Calvin. “We aren’t even eighteen, Paxon. Parents barely know what to do, what makes you think we’ll know? I think you did your best for Calvin. I believe that every time I see you with him. And you aren’t keeping him away from it. You’re helping him the best you can. That’s all you or anyone can do.” I grinned. “And he’s a determined little boy. He knows what he wants and he’s working hard toward it. I think only having someone to look up to like you and your dad taught him to fight.”
Paxon chuckled. “That’s true. I feel like after listening to him practice so much, I could probably pick up a guitar and play it too.”
I laughed. “If only it were that easy.”
“He makes it seem easy.”
“He’s a smart boy.” I tapped at the paper. “And he’s willing to push himself. My first live performance was set up by my dad. I never even asked him. When he told me he had signed me up for a concert, I actually yelled at him. Called him a meanie head.”
“That’s cute,” Paxon said, his body shaking from laughter.
My smile softened. “He definitely thought so. My point is, Cal is making that decision on his own. He’s not running away. I’d say you and your dad are successful.”
“Why are you so amazing?” Paxon asked.
“What?” My cheeks burned from his simple compliment. He got up and came over, leaning over. “W-what are you doing?”
“Showing my appreciation,” he replied before kissing my forehead.
“Are you guys dating?”
Calvin’s loud voice was like cold water being dumped on me. I jumped back, my chair nearly tipping over as I put distance away from Paxon. Paxon turned to his little brother. “Yes, she’s my girlfriend now.”
Cal’s nose curled up. “That’s a little gross.”
“Oh yeah?” Paxon’s voice dipped down as he slowly approached his brother. The deviousness in his expression tipped me off, but it seemed Cal didn’t pick up on it. “What’s so gross about it?”
Cal eyed his brother warily. “What are you doing?” The poor little guy even took a step back. Just as he was about to turn to run away, Paxon dove forward and wrapped his arms around his little brother, picking him up.
Cal released a squeal and tried to break free. Paxon refused and began kissing all over his brother’s face.
I laughed as the two fought, Cal trying to free himself, and his brother refusing to let him go as he kissed him.
“Ew, stop!” Cal kicked out.
Paxon laughed as he finally let go. Cal didn’t wait and ran back off to join the others. Paxon was still laughing as he watched his little brother, and I’d have to admit, it was nice watching him. I had zero experience in sibling relationships, never got the chance to understand it. It was fun to watch.
“Does Cal believe in cooties?” I asked.
