Along Came Us (Man Enough)

by Nicole McLaughlin

  The scent of roasting cheese caught her attention. With a quiet curse, she headed through the apartment toward the kitchen.

  “Caleb,” she yelled. Opening the oven door, she was relieved to find she hadn’t burnt the pizza. “Dinner!”

  After placing the pizza on a cutting board, she sliced it into wedges and laid a plate out on the counter beside it. She’d had a free going-out-of-date panini at Liquid Wisdom before she’d left, so she was good. All that remained on her to-do list was to check in with her little brother before she left for work that night.

  It was Friday, so she wanted to get to Exquisite at a good time to make sure Beck had given her the best section. She needed the money this month more than ever since she’d just recently paid for both her and Caleb to be enrolled in school, and now her car tag renewal was coming due. The university also had a big job fair coming up, which meant she’d need some new clothes for interviews and such. She planned to set up as many as she possibly could.

  Caleb appeared in the kitchen and she could have sworn he limped the slightest bit. Instead of freaking out, she decided to watch him. When she turned into a nagging mother figure he just clammed up, getting them nowhere.

  “How was school today?” she asked, casually.

  “Okay.”

  “You going to the football game tonight?”

  He looked at her as if she was insane. “Who would I go with?”

  “I don’t know. You were hanging out with that Cole guy for a while. He seemed nice.”

  Caleb shrugged. “He’s cool, but he plays the drums in the band so he can’t hang out during the game.”

  It broke her heart that Caleb hadn’t really connected with any of the guys in the three years since he’d transferred from Wichita where he had lived with their mother. High school was hard enough as it was, but not having friends had to be excruciating. Hating the thought he might be getting bullied, she’d tried without success to get him to open up about who had been attacking him. He remained adamant that it was something he could deal with and that he didn’t want to talk about it. It was infuriating.

  Abbie had tried to tell her that it was probably a man thing and that she should back off. That he would talk when he was ready. But her best friend also wasn’t as fearful as Lia was. She knew all too well how awful humans could be to one another, and she hated that there was something in Caleb’s life she couldn’t fix with her sheer will.

  Guilt had also been eating away at her. If she was home more often, spent more time with him, maybe things would be better. But she was barely making ends meet as it was. She couldn’t give up school because it was their ticket out, and she couldn’t quit one of her jobs or they’d be out of housing. The bills and their mother wouldn’t be taken care of if she gave up Exquisite, and they wouldn’t eat or have gas if she quit Liquid Wisdom. So basically, Caleb was destined to spend most of his day without her.

  “Did you get all your homework done?” she asked. He nodded, stuffing a second piece of pizza into his mouth. She stared at him a moment, wishing she could do something to make him smile. He’d seemed so down lately. The thought that she needed to plan something for them to do together had been nagging at her mind ever since the fight.

  Lia rushed back to her room to grab her bag, which contained her change of clothes, her wig, and a pair of heels. Before she headed back to the front rooms, she had an idea. Pulling her phone from her bag, she opened her bank app.

  Ninety-six dollars in checking, nine hundred in savings. The most she’d ever had in that account. The savings was her “last resort” money since she hated the feeling of having nothing if an emergency came up. A couple of times it had bought her gas so she could get to Exquisite. The last time she’d used some was because Caleb’s lunch account had gotten dangerously low and she hated the thought of him getting a lecture in the school lunch line in front of his peers.

  With a sigh, she made her decision. Caleb’s happiness was important. When she headed back out to the kitchen, he was nearly finished with the pizza.

  “Hey, I’ve got a great idea. Why don’t we go to the zip-line park tomorrow? It’s supposed to be a nice day. Maybe we could even invite Cole to go along?”

  Caleb glanced up at her, his eyes wide and wary. “It’s expensive. Can you afford that?”

  His response made her sad, especially since he’d mentioned the zip-line park several times before. She’d even caught him checking out the website. And yet, never had he outright asked to go. Lia had once looked into it and discovered that a full ticket cost seventy-five dollars for one person. Caleb was too worried about spending her money. Always worrying when he had to ask her for anything for school. She hated that he felt that way, and yet also loved him even more for respecting their position right now and not making her feel bad for it. Caleb was way more grown-up than most kids his age.

  Lia shrugged. “Tonight should be a good night at the bar. I think I can pull it off.” She’d always told Caleb she tended bar at a dive on the other side of Fort Riley that a lot of soldiers and officers frequented. While the location was the truth, the type of establishment definitely was not.

  “Okay. Yeah. That would be awesome.” Caleb looked genuinely excited.

  A grin broke out on Lia’s face. “It would be, wouldn’t it? Although I don’t really love heights. I hope you won’t be embarrassed if I scream the entire time.” Caleb laughed and it warmed her heart. “Why don’t you text Cole and then make us some reservations on their website. Make it for four. I’ll see if Abbie can come.”

  “Okay. Thank you,” he said, still looking a bit shocked.

  His reaction made her smile. “Try and get an afternoon reservation because I will probably be worthless until noon.” At least noon, considering she wouldn’t make it home until three in the morning.

  Hoisting her bag over her shoulder, she ruffled Caleb’s hair then headed for the door. “Lock up behind me and keep your phone charged.”

  “Got it,” he said.

  Lia headed down the steps to the parking lot, feeling slightly better about the weekend. It would be good for them both to not only spend time together, but to get out and enjoy some nature and fresh air. Now she just had to get through another shift of kissing the asses of perverted dickheads.

  * * *

  As Abbie drove them into the Timber Trail parking lot, Lia was questioning why the hell she’d thought this was a good idea. They parked near the log-cabin style reception building, and she felt her stomach lurch.

  “I think I’m going to be sick,” Lia said. Ever since she’d gotten up this morning—er, afternoon—she’d been dreading the expedition that she’d so excitedly suggested the afternoon before.

  Much to Lia’s dismay, Caleb’s friend Cole had been spending the weekend with his father and wasn’t able to come along. She’d really hoped to give her brother an opportunity to connect more with a peer. Luckily, he’d been so excited he hadn’t seemed to mind, plus he got along great with Abbie.

  “Maybe you should just stay in the lodge while Abbie and I go,” Caleb suggested.

  “Would you be okay with that?” She asked, feeling bad. After all, the entire purpose of this outing had been for them to hang out together. But the thought of strapping some bands around her butt and then dangling from a wire with nothing but a metal hook to protect her sounded like a good way to die. She wasn’t ready to die. Wasn’t ready for Caleb or Abbie to die either, but they didn’t seem to be as concerned.

  “Maybe we should just head to Aggieville and do some shopping. I bet its happy hour somewhere. I could go for some cheese sticks.”

  Abbie slid her a glare. “You really think you’re going to talk this boy out of zip-lining with half-price appetizers? Girl, please. Get your ass out of the Jeep.”

  With a groan, Lia opened the door and stepped out. It was a gorgeous September day. The leaves were still green and the sun was shining. In fact, she decided it was nice enough to ditch her hoodie and just go with h
er long-sleeved tee and leggings. She checked the tie of her purple Converse All Stars and then stood up to find Abbie right next to her.

  “Don’t look now, but there are some real hotties across the way.”

  “You dating men now?” Lia asked.

  Abbie gave her a long look. “For you, smart ass.”

  Lia rolled her eyes as she pulled a thing of sunscreen from her bag. Grabbing Caleb, she shoved it into his hand. “Don’t forget your neck. And you”—she looked at Abbie—“why do you keep trying?”

  “Because I want you to be happy? Because you’re too amazing to go through life alone?”

  Lia looked at her friend. “I’m not alone. I have you.”

  Abbie sighed. “You’re hopeless.”

  Deciding she’d given it a long enough moment, Lia looked over her shoulder to see who Abbie had been referring to, only to find three rather built men getting out of a truck. They were yukking it up, laughing and talking loudly as guys always did in when they traveled in hordes.

  “Great. I hope they’re not in our group.” Lia turned back and took the sunscreen from Caleb so she could rub it onto her own arms. She glanced up at Abbie, who was leaning on her Jeep, looking amused. “And I’m disappointed in you. Those are like . . . man-children. Frat boys past their prime.”

  Abbie shook her head and glanced over Lia’s shoulder at the men in question. “No, they’re not. Too rough for frat boys. And they almost all have tattoos.”

  “Yeah, probably something original and manly, like a tribal bicep band.” Lia made a gagging sound.

  It was Abbie’s turn to roll her eyes. “You need to broaden your horizons. It might be good for you to talk to a man. You know, flirt?”

  Glancing over to make sure Caleb was now out of earshot, Lia whispered. “Did you forget that I literally make a living by flirting with men? Pretty sure it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.”

  “Those men are pigs. These men . . . well, they’re hot.”

  “They’re probably pigs also. Do you think hot men don’t come into Exquisite? Looks have nothing to do with it.”

  Abbie sighed and pushed off the Jeep. “You’re going to die old, lonely, and surrounded by mangy cats.”

  “I will take good care of my cats, thank you very much. And like you have any room to talk. Serial dating does not a successful relationship make.” Lia grabbed her cash and phone and shoved them down her bra.

  “I’ll have you know, Neva and I went out on a second date last night,” Abbie said.

  “Huh. Two is usually your magic number. Talk to me when you’ve had a third.” The news did make her happy for Abbie, but also a little panicky for herself. Abbie had been in a serious relationship when they’d first met at the coffee shop. It had ended a few months after that, which had given them a great opportunity to become closer friends. As selfish as she knew it was, Lia always feared that when Abbie met someone again, she would lose her best friend. Not totally, of course. But a significant other was always a priority over everyone else. As it should be, she guessed, but still.

  “Oh shit,” Caleb mumbled as three of them began to head for the main building. His eyes were glancing across the parking lot, so Lia followed his gaze. That’s when her heart stopped.

  Walking toward them was the man that she’d just finally been able to get off her mind.

  Almost. She thought of him once or twice a day now. Tops. Maybe three.

  “Caleb, good to see you, man.” Tyler Cavallo’s dark chocolate eyes landed on Lia, making a quick sweep of her body. He grinned. “Big sister Lia. A pleasure.”

  “Tyler. It’s nice to see you again.” With a forced smile, she stepped closer to Caleb and Abbie. “This is my friend, Abbie.”

  Abbie stepped up and put out her hand. “Nice to meet you, Tyler.”

  Tyler’s smile was bright enough to give the sun serious competition as he took Abbie’s hand. “Likewise. This is a real treat seeing you all here.”

  “Are you a friend of Lia’s?” Abbie asked, completely loving this interaction. Lia just knew she was going to hear it later.

  “Trying to be,” Tyler said with a wink. Oh jeez. “But I actually knew Caleb first.”

  “So, you all on the two-o’clock trip?” He nodded at the lodge.

  Caleb finally spoke up. “Yeah. This is our first time.”

  “You’re gonna love it.” A guy behind Tyler spoke up. He was also handsome despite the sunglass tan lines he had on his temples. “I’m Reeve. Nice to meet you all. This is Jase. We’re friends of this loser. We come here at least three or four times a year. It’s a blast.”

  “Really?” Caleb’s eyes lit up. “That’s awesome. I’ve been wanting to do it forever.”

  “I wished I’d known,” Tyler said. “A buddy of ours from the Guard runs this place with his sister.”

  “Wow.”

  The interaction between Tyler and Caleb made her wonder when was the last time the two of them had seen each other, but she didn’t ask.

  “I guess we better get inside and get ready.”

  The pit in Lia’s stomach returned. She was about to willingly put her life in danger. Who did that? Incredibly stupid people was the only answer she could come up with.

  They stepped into the lodge and were welcomed by a chipper young woman who instantly greeted the three guys with hugs and excitement.

  “I was so happy to see you guys on the list today.” She turned to Lia, Caleb, and Abbie. “They are so much fun. You lucked out today having these guys in your group.”

  “We all lucked out. These are friends of mine,” Tyler said, surprising Lia. “Erica, this is Lia, Caleb, and Abbie.”

  A few moments later, as Lia proceeded to pay, she realized what Tyler’s words had done. Their invoice had each ticket priced at forty dollars, with “friend discount” written off to the side. It almost made her want to cry.

  Another couple joined their group, and Erica asked each person to give their name. Abbie—being the outgoing type—immediately spoke up and went first. Lia went next, Caleb, then Tyler and his friends, who Lia had to admit, all seemed very nice and even pretty funny. Finally, the young pretty couple stepped forward.

  “I’m Dave. This is Renee, my beautiful bride of two weeks.” He paused and everyone quickly caught on and gave their congratulations before he continued. “We decided that our marriage was going to be the adventure of a lifetime, so we’ve committed to doing something exciting once a month till we’re shoved kicking and screaming into a nursing home.”

  Lia could feel her lip curling, and her inner voice screamed seriously? Her eyes were about to roll when she felt a gaze on her. Forcing her expression into a polite smile, she glanced over at Tyler who was smirking at her.

  “That’s wonderful! I love that idea and this is a great place for an adventure,” Erica said, leading them toward a back room. It took some time for her to go over basic safety, risk, and rules, and then she finally passed out lanyards with little clear pouches on the end to each person.

  “This is for your cell phone, because if you drop it, it’s gone forever. You can still take photo or video through the clear plastic side.”

  Lia slid hers over her head and pulled her phone out of her sports bra. After they’d all geared up and went over a few key points one last time, everyone headed outside and began their hike to the run.

  “Spill,” Abbie whispered as they began to walk. Lia glanced around, making sure the three guys—and Caleb—were several steps behind them. The married couple was ahead chatting with Erica.

  “Spill what?”

  “Don’t even try ignorance or denial,” Abbie said.

  Lia sighed. “He’s the guy. The gym owner in Aggieville.”

  “The fighter? No kidding. You didn’t mention he was into you.”

  Lia stepped on a large stick just for the satisfaction of hearing it snap. “He isn’t!”

  Abbie sighed loudly. “Whatever. If that’s what you need to tell yourself, be my g
uest. But—and I know you don’t want to hear this—he is really good with Caleb.”

  Lia glanced behind them to see her brother laughing along with Tyler and his friends. “I know it. Makes me sick.”

  Abbie laughed. “You just don’t like to be wrong.”

  “Is that so bad? At least I can be honest about my shortcomings.”

  “So, maybe you should think about letting Caleb start going to the gym again. It could be good for him,” Abbie said with a shrug.

  “Ab, I can’t condone my brother fighting,” she whispered. “That’s ludicrous.”

  “I get it. But at the same time, he has no men in his life. Maybe it would help.”

  “Whose side are you on?”

  “I’m always on your side and you know it. But keep in mind, learning to defend yourself does not make you a violent person.”

  Lia wasn’t so sure. Her stepfather—Caleb’s dad—was one mean SOB. They’d witnessed that violence. Endured it. How did you justify telling a boy that violence wasn’t okay and then teach him to fight? It didn’t make sense. “I just don’t know, Abbie. It scares me.”

  “I know that. But you don’t judge women who take self-defense classes, right? Because I cheer them on.”

  Lia growled. “Stop making sense. It’s irritating and I’m confused.”

  Abbie chuckled as they saw the first zip-line come into view. “Okay. But one last thing. I know you think that Tyler guy is hot.”

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Although Tyler couldn’t keep his eyes off Lia, he’d been keeping his distance. Partly because that seemed to be what she wanted, but also because he desperately didn’t want her asking any questions about Caleb that might make him feel the need to tell her about Caleb coming to his gym against her wishes.

  The group had just completed the first zip, which was almost not worth doing in his opinion since it was only about fifteen feet off the ground and only about forty feet long. But he knew it was important for beginners.