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“You’re trying to lift my weights, Sum.”
Summer flops back onto her ass, raising her hands in the air. “Mother beeper. Why’d I agree to help again?”
I flash her my cheesiest grin and wait for her to look before answering. “Because you love me.”
“Mmm.” She rolls her eyes. “Why is that?”
God only knows.
Dusting herself off, she soldiers on, finding another box to carry, and before long, the truck’s empty. Summer may have joked about how much stuff I have, but I’m actually surprised my entire life fits into a ten-footer. It’s a little sad really. But I’m ready for a new start.
The reason it took longer than I would have liked to find a place is because it turns out, there aren’t a lot of studios or one-bedroom apartments available in a college town, midyear. Who would have thought?God, I’m an idiot.Thankfully, I secured one a week before the January semester starts, because there’s no way I was moving in with my parents.
“Does Liam know you’ve moved?” Joel asks as he helps me awkwardly lift my bed frame. “Last time we spoke, I know you said you were going to wait to tell him.”
Joel has been like a superhero when it comes to my little brother, Liam. He stepped up when we asked him to, and put his child psychology skills to use. Liam doesn’t even realize Joel’s helping, and yet he’s done so much. I actually don’t know what my parents would have done without him. Liam came into our life when he was three. His mother died in a car accident he was a passenger in, and to this day, he’s never once mentioned it. It’s possible he’s blocked it from his mind. Or doesn’t understand what happened. But whatever it is, it’s affecting him, and Joel’s been helping him through it.
“I’m going to surprise Liam at dinner tonight,” I finally say when I’ve snapped out of my thoughts. “I was going to stop by on my way here, but Mom said he was with his aunt.”
“Aunt? Liam hasn’t mentioned seeing her. But your mom told me they’d found her. That’s fantastic. He’ll benefit from more people supporting him.”
The enthusiasm in Joel’s voice confirms that we’re doing the right thing. I say "we" like I have any say in what goes on in Liam’s life—but I don’t. I just care so damn much. Up until last year I was an only child, and I loathed it. All my friends had siblings, and I hated feeling left out. I think that’s why Summer and I became fast friends. We were neighbors, and I hung out some with her older brother, so naturally, I was intrigued by her. She noticed me and demanded we become friends. Just like a little sister would.Not that I thought of her as a sister.
To have a brother now is like living a dream, only it’s not at all the same. He’s five and I’m twenty-three, but God, do I enjoy hanging out with the little man. He’s a fucking rock star. It’s so strange to think that we haven’t grown up together and yet he’s exactly like Dad and me. He has our humor, our looks, our little shit attitude. One can only hope he’s more like Mom in the relationship department, though, because I’m a lost cause, and Dad’s a lying, cheating ass—
“Earth to Logan. Looks like you’re already with your brother somewhere,” Joel says, most likely referring to my vacant, tuned-out expression.
“I guess I was. I was thinking about how much progress he’s made since he started spending time with you. I don’t think you’ll ever understand how grateful we all are.”
Joel has a rare moment of shyness, shaking his head at my words. He’s usually a confident, sometimes cocky guy, until it comes to his work or Delilah. Then he’s humble. Yet another reason we get along so well. I enjoy having a laugh with him but can see how genuine he is. He couldn’t hide it if he tried.
“You know I love spending time with him,” Joel says, brushing off the compliment, like always. “I’m just happy to be seeing a difference in him.”
“God, me too. There’s no way he’d be starting school in the fall if he’d still been the same boy you first met.”
Joel frowns. “I think he would have gotten there on his own. We’ve just sped up the process.”
“Whatever it iswe’vedone, it’s working.”
I emphasize the word “we’ve” with wide eyes. It was all him, and he knows it. He just won’t accept the glory.
When my new place looks somewhat livable—after another few hours—Joel, Summer, and I crash in a heap on the carpet. Within seconds, there’s a knock at the door, followed by Lucy’s loud voice. “Where are you? I come bearing treats.”
Joel and Summer are up in a flash, while I take my time getting off the floor and following behind them. I’m absolutely wiped out. I’m not even sure my arms will be able to reach for food right now.
“Great timing, Luce. You didn’t have to lift a finger. We’re done,” I joke as I enter the kitchen.
Lucy scoffs in a mocking way, poking out her tongue. “You know I can’t help, so stop being a dick.”
I laugh, pulling her into a hug. She hasn’t been herself for the past few months, so I relish these moments. Even if she did call me a dick.
“Okay, you’re excused. What did you bring us?”
She pulls out an array of baked goods, and I’m in heaven. I usually limit my intake of unhealthy food—a byproduct of my time on the pro surfing circuit, among other things—but I deserve this fatty goodness. I’ve worked hard today. Much harder than any of my approved gym workouts would push me.
Taking a bite out of a bear claw, I groan as the creamy goodness hits my tongue. This is heaven.Why do I avoid these again?
“Mmm, Lucy. You are the best mom ever!” I exclaim, wrapping her in a side hug.
