by Jodie Larson
When the video ends, we search through the suits, trying to find one that will fit everyone. Myles helps Tatum zip hers up while Brecken assists with mine.
“This is a change of pace.” I tilt my head to the side. He smirks. “Zipping you up instead of down.”
“Breck,” I hiss, slapping his shoulder. He only laughs and taps my nose.
Myles and Tatum meet us at the door and the four of us make our way to track two.
“I feel so official,” Tatum says, sliding her head sock on and trying out several helmets to find one that’ll fit.
“Right? It’s almost like we’re in Daytona or something.” I find the perfect helmet and fumble a little trying to secure the chin strap.
“Here.” Brecken comes over and secures it for me, letting his index finger trail along my jaw. “All set.”
Myles turns and slides the visor up on his helmet. “Just call me Dick Trickle.” I groan at his lame joke. He laughs and slaps Brecken’s helmet as he passes by. “You ready for this?”
Brecken nods—as much as he can with the neck protector on—and punches Myles in the arm. “Let’s go, Trickle. I have a feeling that’s what you’ll be doing all over the race track.”
Tatum and I exchange a look and let the two children bicker while we hand the attendant our sheet.
He looks up and flashes a smile our way. “How’s everyone this afternoon?” Scanning the barcode, he types a few things before turning back to face us. “These cars are a little faster than normal and can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. Hence the head protection. Like the video stated, there’s no bumping or crashing allowed. If we see this happen, you’ll be kicked off the course immediately. If you’re having trouble or get turned around, just raise your hand and we’ll help you out. Best way to not get in trouble is to not slam on the brakes. When you see the yellow light, the cars will automatically slow down. When you see the checkered flag, head into the pit area immediately. Do not leave the vehicle until you see the red light.”
“We’ll break the circuits up into four fifteen-minute intervals, letting you switch vehicles after each one. Everyone understand?” We nod in unison. “Then let’s get racing.”
Myles gets assigned to the lead car, while I’m next to him, then Tatum and Brecken bringing up the rear.
“Ready to eat my dust, little sis?”
I scoff and tighten my grip on the steering wheel. “As if.”
The stoplight in front of us flashes from red to yellow then green as one of the track attendants waves the flag. Myles and I shoot out of the pit area and onto the track, taking the first corner with caution.
The kart vibrates underneath me and shakes with each turn. The smooth tires skid along the asphalt track and squeak when I press down on the gas pedal and inch my way closer to Myles. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a car creeping its way on my right. Looking over my shoulder, I make sure Breck is out of the way when I take the corner. Unfortunately, I’m going too fast for the next corner and have to take my foot off the gas, letting Brecken easily slide around me. Tatum is at least two car lengths behind me, so my only competition is the two jack wagons in front of me.
In a stroke of luck, Brecken and Myles need to slow down while they attempt to pass each other. I use this opportunity to sneak up behind them and drift around the corner, leaving them both behind me. My cheeks hurt from grinning as I laugh.
Fifteen minutes fly by and the checkered flag is waved, so I pull into the pit area and park my kart. Brecken pulls in next to me, then Myles, and finally Tatum.
As soon as the red light comes on, we unbuckle ourselves and head into the gated area while the workers get things set up for the next circuit.
Tatum hustles to my side, grabbing my sleeve and bouncing up and down. “You kicked their asses!”
Myles grumbles next to her, taking his helmet off with a scowl. “Beginner’s luck.”
“Oh, whatever,” I say. “You weren’t the only one who went go-karting growing up.”
Brecken laughs but keeps his distance. “What’s the matter? Hate getting beaten by a girl?”
“She’s not a girl, she’s my sister. And that doesn’t count.” He slides the helmet back on and stomps over to the gate.
Tatum snickers. “Please kick his ass again. Even if you don’t win the next two rounds, do it one more time. I want to rub it in his face that he got beat twice by a girl.” She slides the shield over her eyes and joins her pouting husband.
Brecken reaches over and snakes his hand in mine. “Can I just say how hot you look when you’re racing around the track, all determined and focused?”
I roll my eyes. “I’m sure it’s super attractive.”
Knocking his helmet against mine, he blows a kiss my way. “Watching you take charge is always sexy. Now, go take charge again.” He smacks my ass and I let out a yelp before looking at my new assignment.
So, Brecken likes it when I take charge. Duly noted for later.
I try really hard to win the next race, but Myles comes out on top this time. The next race it’s Brecken, but in the fourth and final race, I’m the victorious champion.
We sit near the tables by the snack shack with the tops tied around our waists. “That was so much fun. I’m really glad we decided to do this.” I take a sip of my Diet Coke and hand it over to Brecken.
Myles looks at us with drawn brows. “Gross. You guys are sharing drinks?”
I shrug. “Yeah, why not? I don’t want a full one and neither does he.”
Tatum intervenes. “We’re sharing one.”
“That’s different. We’re used to swapping spit. I’m just saying, Lizzie doesn’t know where his mouth has been.”
Why does my brother have to be an ass all the time? It takes everything I have not to shout that I know where his mouth has been or what he can do with it. Instead, I let his comment die in the air.
“Funny. Anyway, like you should be running your mouth. I do believe you lost to a girl on the track today.”
“Twice,” adds Tatum.
Myles grabs the drink from Tatum’s hand and drains it. “Again, you don’t count.”
We sit and enjoy the sunlight while laughing about the bloopers Kade caught on tape in the studio this week.
“He’s thinking of including them as a bonus track on the special edition version.”
“That’d be hilarious. I’m sure you’ll sell a ton of those copies.”
Brecken nods. “Linda does as well.”
“God, I’m glad that bitch is gone now.” Tatum still holds a grudge. Not that anyone blames her. After trying to kick her off the tour, I’m surprised Tatum’s as cordial as she is around her. Then again, it is her husband’s business. Whether she likes the people or not is inconsequential.
“Still not any better between you two?” I ask.
She shrugs. “For the most part, it’s fine. She’ll let a snide comment go every once in a while, and needs to get put back in her place. We just avoid being alone together. It’s safer for everyone.”
I glance down at my watch. “We should probably find something to eat since I was promised that about two hours ago.” I give a pointed look to Tatum, who only laughs.
“Yeah, food is a necessity.” Myles rubs his stomach and tosses the empty cup in the garbage. “How about Shorty’s?”
“Sounds good to me. You?” Breck looks at me, his eyes softening around the edges.
“I’m game.”
After dropping off our tracksuits, we head to the parking lot. I start walking toward Tatum’s car, but Breck grabs my arm instead.
“You’re coming with me.”
Glancing over my shoulder, I see Tatum and Myles open her doors and slide in.
“Oh, you drove?”
He nods. “Wanted you all to myself. Unless you’d rather ride with the love birds over there.”
Making sure the coast was clear, I reach up on my tip-toes and lightly brush my lips against his. “Take me for a ride.”
In a flash, I’m up in the cab of his truck and pulled into his side. Right where I belong.
Shorty’s is fairly dead for this time of day, which works out great for us. Fewer people mean less of a chance of getting discovered and no awkward photos being taken. The last thing I want is to put Lizzie on display.
Considering the only thing I want to do right now is take her home and display her for myself. Being stuck at Kade’s all week has killed our social lives. By the time Pax and I get home, we’re too tired to do anything other than fall face first into our beds and get as much sleep as possible. Not that it’s much of a refuge. Even my dreams are plagued by the studio. I’d rather dream of the beautiful brunette next to me instead.
We slide into a booth and I take my spot next to Lizzie. Tatum passes out the menus and puts in an order of buffalo wings to start.
“Anything to drink?” Shelly, our waitress asks, bouncing her gaze between Myles and myself.
“Two pitchers of Coors and four glasses,” Myles says.
Shelly nods her head and gives me a lingering glance before leaving the table.
Tatum’s the first to comment when she’s out of earshot. “I don’t know how you two put up with it.”
I shrug. “I don’t pay attention to it anymore.”
Myles looks over at Tatum and grins. “You know I only have eyes for you.”
“Lame,” Lizzie says.
“You’re just jealous because you’re all alone.” Myles picks up Tatum’s hand and kisses the back of it.
Fire burns in Lizzie’s eyes as she leans forward. “For your information, I’m not alone.”
Myles quirks a brow. “Oh, really? You know book boyfriends don’t count as actual ones, right?”
Tatum smacks his shoulder. “Be nice.”
“What? I’m just saying in the couple months we’ve been home, I’ve never seen her out on a date.”
“You’re not with me every second of the day, big brother. You have no idea what I’m doing with my life.”
Taking a chance, I reach over and place my hand on the spot just above her knee. She reaches down and covers my hand with hers.
“Yeah, well, when you’re not working, you’re holed up in your house since Brecken keeps it in a constant state of construction.” He gives me a pointed stare. “And how’s that coming along?”
Shelly arrives just in time with our beer, pouring us each a glass. “Your wings will be right out.” No one says anything as she turns to leave.
The silence is deafening, especially since Myles is staring at me, waiting for my answer.
I clear my throat and sigh. “There’s still the possibility of them coming early, but it’s a couple weeks away yet.”
“But Brecken has been really good about making sure I have things to eat other than microwave ramen noodles,” Lizzie adds.
Myles looks to me, then Lizzie, then back again. Something ticks in his jaw as his nostril flares slightly. “That so?”
“Y-yes. But Mom also comes over with leftovers, so it’s not all the time,” she quickly adds.
Something about his demeanor changes, becomes more rigid and put off. We were fools to think we could get away with this for so long. I was a fool to let this charade play out as long as it has. I sneak a glance over to Lizzie, who’s worrying her lip between her teeth. This is killing her too.
We should put a stop to this and lay it all out on the table now.
I’m about to open my mouth and do just that when Shelly brings our appetizer and sets it on the table.
“Oh, thank God. I’m starving,” Tatum says, putting some on her plate and setting it between her and Myles. “Should we put in a pizza order or just get a bunch of apps?”
I look to Lizzie, who shrugs. Like always, she’s no help. “I’d rather go for variety. We just had pizza the other day.”
“Agreed.” Myles looks to Shelly, who quickly straightens up and smooths back her ponytail. “Can we get an order of mozzarella sticks, deep-fried pickles, potato skins, and a large plate of tater tots?”
Shelly nods while jotting down the order. “Do you want it all out at the same time or as it comes up?”
“At the same time so you don’t have to make so many trips is fine,” Lizzie says when no one answers.
We dig in once she leaves, letting the peppery sauce burn its way down to our stomachs. I love their recipe because it’s homemade and not Frank’s Red Hot. Very few establishments actually do their own sauces anymore. Even the ranch and blue cheese are made in-house.
Nothing more is said as we eat and drink, only pausing to use a wet wipe or chug some beer to get feeling back in our tongues.
“Man, this stuff is hot. We should have split it into mild and spicy.” Lizzie fans her face while sticking her tongue out for effect.
Tatum laughs. “You’re such a lightweight. This isn’t even hot. When you come to Cali, we’ll take you to a place we know that serves the hottest stuff I’ve ever had.”
Lizzie shakes her head. “No thanks. I’d rather not get an ulcer and I enjoy my taste buds.”
Myles hasn’t said anything, just keeps his head down, only to lift it up occasionally to glare at me. I refrain from pulling at my collar, which will only draw more attention than necessary.
Needing a change of subject, I decide to turn the tables and put him in the spotlight. “How’s the reception coming along?”
Tatum groans and slams her beer. “I’m so ready for this whole thing to be over. After we convinced his mom that a formal reception wasn’t needed, it got better. Then my mom decided she wanted to come. Now she’s giving her opinion on everything as well. It’s almost like what we want doesn’t matter.”
Myles finally shows some life and wipes away a glob of sauce from the corner of Tatum’s mouth. “The sooner you realize it’s not, the better off you’ll be. Just let our moms do their thing. All we need to do is show up and get drunk.”
“That’s the spirit,” Lizzie deadpans.
“Just you wait. You and your mystery guy will deal with this soon enough.”
She shrugs her shoulders and pours another beer. “Maybe. Who knows.”
Hope blossoms in my chest. I try my best to hide it, but Tatum looks over and gives a sly wink.
As if on cue, the rest of our food arrives, leaving us all in comfortable silence as we fill our faces.
When all the empty plates are clear and extra food has been boxed up, we order another pitcher and stick around to watch the baseball game on one of the big screens on the wall.
“So, back to the reception,” Tatum says, garnering our attention once again. “Myles and I were wondering if you two would be willing to give a small speech on our behalf since we don’t officially have a best man and maid of honor.”
We look to each other and shrug. “Yeah, we can do that,” I answer for the both of us.
“Nothing big, but you two are family. No one knows us better,” Myles says.
“What? Did Kade turn you down?” I ask jokingly.
He laughs. “Nah, didn’t want to bug him. Besides, I trust you.”
Trusts me. And there’s that knife I was looking for, lodged directly in my back. That simple phrase twists it a little more, making me the asshole keeping him in the dark. Then again, the three of us are all guilty of the same offense. Tatum has a pass, or at least he’ll give her one. They’ll fight and make up in bed and everything will be fine. Lizzie’s his sister, so she’ll get a pass too. Hers will take some time, but he can’t stay mad at her for long. She’s too important to him.
That leaves me. The turncoat. Being best friends isn’t enough to save us. Not even our bond with the band could do it. But if he finds out any other way than from our mouths, it won’t end well.
My stomach twists as I take a sip of beer and nod. “You know I’ve got your back.”
“Good. I know you always keep your word.”
Another twist. Another trickle of blood seeps from the wound.
<
br /> Lizzie senses my discomfort and wraps a foot around my ankle, locking our legs together.
“Do you want to read our speeches beforehand?” She sounds way too cool and calm, but I’m glad she’s speaking for the both of us.
Tatum shakes her head. “You don’t even have to write one if you don’t want to. It can be impromptu that night. Hell, roast us for that matter.” She taps her chin. “On second thought, yeah, maybe you better write something down.”
I press my leg to Lizzie’s trying to get her attention. She looks over and reads my expression perfectly. “It’s getting late and I need to finish my chores since I was whisked away from my cleaning day. Can you give me a ride home, Breck?”
Tipping the glass back, I drain what’s left of my beer and nod. “Sure thing.” I take my wallet out and leave several twenties on the table. “That should cover it.”
Tatum stands and pulls me into a hug. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you two,” she whispers in my ear.
It doesn’t ease the tension in my shoulders, but I push it down as Myles slaps my hand and pulls me into a hug. “See you in the studio.”
I nod and place a hand on Lizzie’s back as we exit the restaurant and fully out of their line of sight.
“That was fun,” she says, crawling into the cab of the truck. I shut the door behind her and think of a good response when I climb in the other side.
“For the most part. Myles suspects something.” The truck roars to life as we leave the parking lot and head home.
“Maybe. Or he’s still sore from losing at go-karts. It’s hard to say with him. He’s always so moody.” She flashes me a smile and for a moment, things don’t seem quite as bad as they did back in the restaurant.
“Yeah, maybe you’re right. But the guilt is starting to eat at me.”
Lizzie looks out her window, avoiding me. “I know.”
Reaching over, I take her hand in mine and kiss the back of it. “You’re worth it, though. You’re the best part of my day, even if it’s just a simple text.”
I don’t know what to expect, but the quiet click of her seatbelt, followed by the soft press of her body to my side isn’t it. Neither is the warm breath against my ear as she leans up onto her knees.