Dirty Stepbrother

by Alycia Taylor

  She giggled. “Sounds to me like you have no idea what you want.”

  “Yeah, that’s about right.”

  “You should go on a date, though. Even if it’s not with Peter. I mean, I do actually think that you should give poor Peter a try. I mean, the man asked you out twice for goodness’ sake. But if you don’t want to go out with him then at least go out with someone else. There are plenty of men out there who would kill to date a girl like you. You’ve got that whole princess thing going for you. Long blonde hair, blue eyes.”

  “Tattoos.”

  Terra chuckled. “Okay, well this can be like some new age fairytale or something. A fairytale with an edge. But seriously, you should get out a bit. It’s good for you. You work too hard.”

  I sighed. “Look, it’s not like I don’t want to. I’m not avoiding going out. I just don’t want to go out with any guy just for the sake of it either. I’d like to at least think there might be a chance, and I just don’t feel that with Peter. In fact, right now there are just no good men in town.”

  “Oh, come on! There’s got to be someone.”

  “Uh, have you looked around lately? We live in a small farming community. It’s not like new people come in here all the time. The fact that you bumped into some guy at the local coffee shop is miracle enough.”

  “If a miracle can happen for me it can surely happen for you too. I’m positive.”

  I smiled at Terra. She was always so positive about everything in life. It was one of the reasons why I enjoyed hanging out with her so much. She always turned a bad situation into a good one. “I don’t know if it’s possible, Terra. But I should hope so. For now, though, I’ve got a good job, and that’s more than most people have. I’m honestly not bothered about it. When it happens, it will happen.”

  “Good attitude. Although, you should at least try a bit harder. You never know where something might lead. Anyway, you’ll see. The perfect guy is out there for you. I’m positive.”

  I sighed. “Until then, I’m going to work on the perfect pasta. I’ll be honest, I forgot lunch today, and I’m really looking forward to dinner tonight. I’m making that mac and cheese again tonight.”

  Talking about food with Terra was the perfect way to change the subject. Especially when it came to the famous mac and cheese dish I’d made for the two of us recently. She’d declared it the best meal she’d ever had in her life.

  “And you’re not inviting me over?” she said in shock.

  “You may have a date with a man; I have a date with an overload of cheese.” Personally, I thought that my date sounded better, but I decided not to tell her that.

  “If my date goes badly I’m coming over!” she declared. “All I’m going to think about is that pasta dish now. You’ve ruined me!”

  I stopped off at the shop to get the necessary ingredients and then I made my way home. When I arrived, I saw my neighbor Brady, working out in his yard. Brady was a good-looking guy with shaggy brown hair, a small beard, and very beautiful hazel eyes. The two of us were friends, but I’d known from the very beginning that there could be nothing between us. Just like Peter, he wasn’t my type. He spotted me and waved, and I waved back. Then I went aside and started cooking.

  Chapter Three

  Grant

  Another month passed by. Another month of phone calls, pleas, and lies. Or, as Peter liked to say, Just another day at work. I was just leaving the office when Peter ran up to me. I was just about to climb onto my bike and almost didn’t see him. He was out of breath and grinning like he’d just won the jackpot.

  “Whoa. What’s up with you? You look happy. Which, I might say, is rather normal considering it’s a Friday afternoon.”

  “It’s more than just a Friday afternoon. Today marks the first day of my freedom.”

  “What do you mean? Did you quit?”

  He grinned. “I quit. Can you believe it? I didn’t think I had it in me. But I did it. I just went into the office and calmly told Reynolds that I was leaving.”

  “Just like that?”

  “Just like that.”

  “Do you have anything else lined up?”

  “Nope. I have a month left at work, so I’m going to use this month to figure out what I want to do. I know it’s a bit crazy, but for the first time in my life, I’m going to be the guy that does something crazy. And it feels great.”

  “I’m happy for you, Peter. I think you’ve made the right move.”

  I rode home that day thinking about how happy Peter had looked. In all the time that I’d known him, I’d never seen him look so happy. And while I was happy for him, I couldn’t help but feel a little upset about my own situation. Since when had I become the sort of man that didn’t take matters into his own hand? When was the last time that I’d looked as happy as Peter?

  I got home and cracked open a beer, and I was about to get ready to see my father when the phone rang. I looked at it in surprise for a few minutes. Hardly anyone ever called me anymore.

  “Hello. Grant speaking.”

  “Yo, Patriot. It’s your favorite brother.”

  I chuckled. I recognized Brady’s voice anywhere. He had a slow way of talking, a soft and soothing voice that was so completely different from my own.

  “Hey, Shotgun. This is a surprise.”

  “Yeah, I was thinking of you today. Thought I’d call and say hello.”

  “Well, hello. It’s good to hear from you. It’s been too long.”

  “What you up to?”

  “I’m currently sitting in the living room drinking a well-deserved beer after a very long day,” I said and took a sip. I burped for good measure, and he laughed.

  “Still working at that crappy real estate job selling crappy houses?”

  “I’m still working at the crappy real estate job. I wish I could say that houses were crappy, but they’re not. They’re these big fancy houses that could easily fit like fifteen people inside, but where only two rich people live.”

  “Ah,” Shotgun said. “I know the type. So, they actually buy houses from a guy like you?”

  “That’s the problem. I don’t really look the part. Even when I wear a suit and tie, I don’t fit the image. I’ve only made one big sale since working there. And that was only because the couple was these alternative folk who took a real shine to me. But there aren’t many people like them in the world of real estate. At least not where I live. Other than that nice big job, I’ve been getting buy on small things—little apartments, that sort of stuff. Enough to pay the bills and nothing else.”

  “So why don’t you find something else?”

  I thought of Peter. “Yeah, I’m starting to wonder the same thing. I’m not sure how much longer I can stay at this job. It was nice of Tom to get the job for me, but it’s really not my thing. I think even he’s surprised that I’ve stayed so long in it.”

  “I’m just surprised you haven’t been fired.”

  “Hey, I’m not that bad.”

  “I know you’re not. In fact, I happen to think you’re a damn fine worker. I remember what you were like as a Navy SEAL. But you’re just in the wrong job. Also, I think you’re a bit depressed.”

  “No, I’m not!” I said defensively.

  “Anyway,” Shotgun said as if he hadn’t just insulted me. “Why don’t you come and work on the ranch with me?”

  “In Wyoming?”

  “Why not?”

  “Doing what exactly?”

  “Oh, we have plenty work going around. I can keep you busy. And it’s a nice change from where you are now. If anything, I think the change will do you good. You’ve been stuck in one place too long. And it will be good to see you.”

  I smiled. “It would be good to see you too. But I’m not sure.”

  “Will you at least think about it?”

  “I’ll think about it. I promise.”

  “Good. The offer will be here at any time.”

  “Thanks, Shotgun. Listen, I have to go. I’m going to see
Pop. He’s been in and out of the hospital, but I think he’s at work today and I want to catch him before he goes home. He always works late, so I think he’ll be there. Is there anything you want me to pass on to him? Or, you know, you could come and see him.”

  “It’s a bit far. And no, I have nothing to pass on. Well, I better get going to. Call me if you change your mind.”

  “I’ll do that,” I said. I decided not to push the fact that he hadn’t been to see our father yet. They had their own issues, and I was not in the mood to get involved in it. Anyway, he really did live a bit far. I only hoped that they two of them had at least spoken to each other on the phone. But I doubted it. The Maxwell brothers were known to keep our emotions to ourselves. It could sometimes be a blessing, but for the most part, it was a curse. We were terrible communicators, especially with one another.

  With that in mind, I made my way over to see my father. I was right; he was still there. I’d just managed to see Gunner, who was leaving for the day, and after a quick chat, I made my way into the office.

  “Grant! This is a nice surprise.”

  I couldn’t help but smile. It was always my father’s response when he saw me, even when he did know that I was coming to see him.

  “Good to see you too, Pop. Just saw Gunner outside. He worked late today.”

  “He works late most of the time. Although, not so much now that he’s got that girlfriend. He wants to see her all the time.”

  I laughed. “That’s good. I have to say, he looks like a changed man these days. He seems to have a new sense of purpose that he didn’t have before. I think this girl is the one.”

  My father nodded. “I think so, too. I can’t believe that I actually approve of one of his girlfriends for a change. Miracles do happen.”

  I laughed. “Yeah, I’m surprised too. She’s the first one that I like. So, have the two of you ironed things out?”

  “Ah, you know Ian and I. We’re always up and down. Up and down. That boy is as stubborn as a mule.”

  “Stubborn, huh? I wonder where he gets it from,” I said and laughed.

  “Not me, that’s for sure,” he said and then winked at me. “Anyway, I’m very happy with how Ian has been handling things lately. I hear you went to see him at the clubhouse?”

  “Yeah, and he did well, Pop. I always knew he’d be a good leader for the club, but he was even better than I thought he’d be. He handled himself really well. You would’ve been proud of him.”

  “I’m always proud of him. And you. And your brothers. No matter what.”

  I knew that. That was the thing with my father—no matter what we did and no matter who was talking to who or fighting with who, he would always stick up for us. He’d been that way ever since my mother had died. He protected us now more than he even did before. It was as if he had taken on her role too.

  “I know you are, Pop. And I told you that you could trust him.”

  “I know. I know. You know how much that club means to me. I need to make sure that he runs it right. Now listen, I think it’s time that you got more involved in the club too.”

  “Me? Why? I thought Gunner was doing a good job.”

  “He is. Ian is doing very well. But the two of you would do even better. I’d feel good if you were doing it as a team.”

  “You want me to run it with Gunner?”

  “Yes. So, maybe I should set up a meeting for the two of you?”

  And just like that, I knew what I was going to do. It was as if all I had needed was this little push to make me see it.

  I shook my head. “Pop, there’s something I need to tell you.”

  “Uh-oh, that doesn’t sound like good news.”

  “Well, it is. It’s just . . . well, I’ve decided to move to Wyoming.”

  “What? Why? With Brady?”

  “Yeah. Shotgun has asked me to join him at the ranch. He says he has work for me. And I think I need to go. I’m not happy in my job, and every day has been the same for me for almost a year. I need a change, and I think this is a good way to start. Anyway, it will be nice for me to spend a bit of time with Shotgun again.”

  My father regarded me for a while without saying anything. Then he sighed and nodded. “I can’t say I’m all that happy, my boy. But I can’t stop you either. And you’re right; sometimes a change is what you need. So, when are you going?”

  “I don’t know yet. I’ll call him tomorrow to make firm plans. And I don’t know when I’ll be back either. I’m going to just play it by ear.”

  “Okay, then. Well, listen now, you know the club will be waiting for you when you get back. Okay?”

  I nodded. “I know, Pop. Thank you.”

  I stayed for a while longer while we chatted about work and his health, and when we left, we embraced for a long time.

  “I’m proud of you, Grant,” he said as I left.

  I nodded. “Thanks, Pop.”

  I got home and dug out another beer from the fridge. I couldn’t believe that I had just told my father that I was going to move to Shotgun’s farm. I couldn’t believe that I was even going to work on a ranch. If you’d told me that a few years ago I would’ve laughed in your face. But it felt right. I felt a sense of freedom that I hadn’t felt in a very long time, and my whole body felt lighter just thinking about it. I knew that I should’ve told my father that I wasn’t planning on returning to the motorcycle club, at least not for a long time. But I didn’t have the heart to tell him that just yet. The news of me moving away had already been hard enough.

  I still needed to talk things through with Shotgun, and I still needed to officially quit my job, but I knew without a doubt that it was going to happen. And I had a funny little feeling that I wouldn’t have to stay the month at work. I figured they’d be happy to see me go. Most of all, I couldn’t wait to see Peter again and to tell him my big news.

  I think it’s time we changed our lives for the better.

  “I’m changing it, Peter! I’m changing it.”

  Chapter Four

  Emily

  I loved nothing more than a hearty breakfast, but on most days, I ended up with toast and peanut butter or a bowl of quick oats. Mostly because I loved sleeping in just as much as I loved a good breakfast. Today was no different. I’d slept in a little too long, and then rushed downstairs to make a cup of coffee and toast. I could live with not having a big meal, but I couldn’t live without that first cup of coffee in the morning. I’d rather be late for work than miss that. Once I was finished with my coffee, I remembered I’d forgotten to check the mailbox the night before, so I quickly went outside to see if there was anything waiting for me. Not that I was going to get anything important. But ever since I was a little girl, I’d been fascinated with the idea of letters. The idea that someone would take time out of their day to write a letter by hand and send it always pleased me. Although lately, the only thing that I received was bills.

  There was nothing in the mailbox, and I was about to turn back inside when I spotted another truck outside Brady’s house. A man, who looked very much related to Brady, walked out to get something from his truck. I quickly stood behind my own car to get a good look without him seeing me. He was muscular, with short black hair, and from what I could see from where I was standing, he was handsome. I sneezed and saw him turn his head, so I quickly ducked down so that he wouldn’t see me. I waited a few minutes and then slowly crept up to see if he had gone back inside. When the coast was clear, I ran inside. I didn’t want to meet some new guy when I hadn’t even brushed my hair.

  I chuckled to myself at the way I had been acting, and then quickly got ready for work. When I finally made my way to my car I saw that the truck was still at Brady’s house, but nobody was standing outside. Was that his brother?

  At work, I spent the morning with two kids. The first was a little boy named Brody. I’d joked with Brady once that Brody was really his child. Not only was their name so similar, but Brody had the same hazel eyes. Brady had been horri
fied by the idea. But I chuckled to myself every time Brody came in. He was a cute little boy with a willingness to succeed, and just like with Wendy, I was seeing a huge improvement each time the two of us met up. Once Brody was gone, my next appointment arrived. Trevor had a big problem when it came to his pronunciation, and he had recently started getting bullied at school. It was fine when he was very small and his parents thought he’d just grow out of it. But he’d gotten worse, and the kids at his school were now old enough to realize he was different. He was very shy, and it always took us at least half an hour before we could fully start the meeting. When his parents arrived to pick him up, I took them aside for a talk.

  “Is everything okay?” they asked. They were sweet parents who cared deeply for their little boy.

  “Yes, everything is fine. Trevor is just shy, and we’re not getting the most out of our appointments. We need at least a half hour longer to really make the kind of progress we’d like. It takes him a while to warm up to me. I’d like to propose that we make the sessions a little bit longer. That extra time will be free of charge,” I said. I didn’t want them to think that I was making the session longer just to get more money out of it.

  “No, we will pay. You’re doing so much for our son. Thank you, Emily.”

  This went on for a little while until we agreed that they would pay for the extra half an hour but for that time they would get a reduced rate.

  Once they were gone, Terra came bounding in to see me. I laughed at her outfit, which she’d fashioned herself. It was a mismatch of colors and material that only she could get away with. She was a tiny, pixie-like girl with cropped hair and never-ending energy. I sometimes felt that she could get away with anything just because of the way she looked.

  “You’re never going to be rich,” she said.

  I sighed. “Were you listening in on my conversation again?”

  “Hey, I work right next door. And you were standing right by the doorway. I couldn’t help it. I think it’s good that you’re doing the extra half hour thing, but they should pay.”