I quickly wave with the clear to leave and bolt out the door to my car. About halfway down the street, I’m able to shake the awkward feelings surrounding my most recent interaction with Ms. Rosewood. This isn’t the first time it’s happened, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. She’s been slyly hitting on me since I turned seventeen, and most of the time she’s at least able to disguise her feelings with sarcastic wit, except for when she’s been drinking.
From what Max has told me, she’s been hitting the bottle more and more since his most recent diagnosis. I can’t say I blame her. I have no idea how I’d deal with my child being so sick and me being so helpless, but I probably wouldn’t try to jump into bed with his friends. Then again, her first marriage ended with her bent over a desk in her husband’s office—though it wasn’t the first time she’d had an affair—but romping around with her husband’s student happened to coincide with the era when Aubrey and Emma started acting out. This might just be how she deals with her children’s problems. And obviously, by looking at Aubrey, how she pushes them away.
I decide home isn’t where I want to be right now, so I make a quick detour and head toward Sam’s job. He mentioned something about some kind of experimental treatment he researched for Max. Who knows if it’ll amount to anything, but it’s worth a shot at this point.
*****
“This is what you get to do all day?” I ask, stepping into Sam’s office. He looks up from the catalogue he’s perusing—probably picking out the next lingerie ensemble he’s going to stock—and laughs.
“Jealous?”
“Absolutely. You hiring? How does one get a job where he gets to look at tits and ass all day?”
“Well, jackass, you start by having a marketing degree and an eye for detail.”
“Touché.” Sam sets down the catalogue and stands, ushering me to have a seat at one of the two chairs in front of his desk. He sits back down and yawns, rubbing the back of his neck. “Big day?”
“Big night,” he admits. “Laura is on my back about moving in with me.”
“What’s the problem?” I ask. “You’ve been with Laura for more than a year. You love her, right?”
“Sure I do, but I’m not sure I’m ready to give up my apartment.”
I laugh. “Seriously, dude? You’re gonna risk your whole relationship so you can keep your cinema room and gaming computer?”
“You forgot about the indoor pool and sauna,” he chuckles. Sam does have an amazing apartment. The whole thing is larger than most single-family homes. He bought it just out of Uni when some big marketing firm paid handsomely for his thesis advertising plan. Sam put down more than half the purchase price, and I’m not exactly sure how real estate works, but it’s gotta be nearly paid off.
“So, have her move in there,” I shrug. Relationships are about compromise, right?
“I suggested that. Apparently, my place isn’t right to raise a family,” he mutters sourly.
“Kids now?” I chortle. “Dude, no wonder you’re scared. I’d be shitting myself.” Why do women want to rush into everything? What happened to starting slow and placing the building blocks for a healthy relationship? If they’re arguing about whose place to move into, kids shouldn’t even be on the table at this point.
“Not helpful,” Sam grumbles. He shakes a few unruly dark curls—a testament to his mother’s Italian heritage—out of his equally dark eyes and turns back around, focusing on his computer screen. “So… I’ve found some stuff out.”
“About the treatment for Max?” I press.
“It’s not really a new treatment, per se, but more of an experimental drug they’re administering in Europe. They’ve had some success but not enough for it to be recognised around the world yet.”
“Something’s better than nothing. Did you know his doctors did the last round of chemo yesterday and they won’t be doing any more? It’s like they’ve already written him off. I can’t sit back and wait for him to die. We’re his best mates. We have to try something.”
“I’m with you, Drew. After I saw him the other day, I dug further, and it’s going to be hard. Because it’s experimental, there’s no insurance to cover the treatment. It’ll have to be out of pocket. The flight alone, to transport him in his condition, is more than six thousand. With that, the stay in the hospital, probably a hotel for whoever’s going with him, and the treatment, we’re looking at around one hundred thousand.” Sam shakes his head. “You know I’d sell my place for Max, but I’ve just refinanced to invest in Cam’s game. All my cash is tied up in that.” Here I was thinking Sam could float us the cash we needed. How’d I forget about Cam’s game? Probably because I’ve been too busy trying, but epically failing, to keep Darla off my dick and get through the work day in one piece.
Cam, a game developer, has been working on a computer game for the last two years, and I have no doubt it’s going to be fucking insane one day. What that guy can do with his imagination and a computer is ridiculous.
“I know, man. I’m feeling guilty as hell that I’m so shit at saving,” I say. How the hell are we going to raise a hundred grand? “Do you think his parents have that kind of money?”
“I really don’t think so. Cam was helping Rosalind with a refinance a few years ago, and she’s maxed the equity on her house. Frank probably isn’t much better off since he’s been teaching high school in America and he paid for Aubrey’s college. It’s fairly safe to say the Rosewoods are broke. Unless Aubrey can touch her trust. I think Max got his at twenty-five. Maybe petition to have Aubrey’s unlocked?”
“I know she would if it’s even an option.”
“We all do. She’d kill herself to save Max. She’s always been a good kid like that.”
“She’s not a kid anymore, man.” I shake my head, the image of her long, toned legs filtering through my mind again. I have no idea when she stopped being the little tomboy who ran around with Emma all the time and turned into a sexy, confident woman.
“It’s Aubs. She couldn’t have changed that much.”
“Just wait until you see her. I don’t lie. She’s not the same kid we watched grow up.”
“Don’t even think about it,” Sam scolds.
“Are you kidding me? I’m not going to start fucking with Max’s little sister. Why is everyone so paranoid?”
“Because we know you,” he laughs. “If it has a vagina, chances are you’re thinking about screwing it.”
“I’m not that bad,” I retort defensively. Okay, maybe I am.
“You really are.” I pluck a pen from the cup on the desk and hurl it at him. “And a bad shot at that,” he says as the pen sails past him and clangs against the window behind the desk overlooking the city.
“You’re a dick. I’m going to go figure out how to get together enough money to get this treatment for Max while you sit here and look at lace-covered tits. Call me later?”
“Yeah. If you think of anything, let me know. I’m sure between all of us we can figure something out. Check if the pub in Mornington will let us do a benefit. We all grew up there, and if we’re going to get help from outside our group, they’ll be the ones to do it.”
“Okay, I’ll call and get some information.”
Before I leave, Sam slips me a piece of paper with the name of the treatment and tells me to do some research. That’s not really where I excel, though. I’m the one who can plan and execute; Sam and Cam are the ones who are good at getting the fine details, but I agree to do my best.
As I’m pulling out of the parking lot, my phone rings and Max’s name displays on the front screen.
“Speak of the devil. I was just with Sam. What’s going on? Aubrey talking about how sexy I am?” I laugh and wait for his response.
“Actually, no. Aubrey isn’t talking about how sexy you are, but it’s cute of you to think she’s thinking about you since you’re obviously thinking about her,” Aubrey answers instead of Max, and it takes me a few moments to recover.
“S
hit, sorry, Aubs,” I mutter, cringing.
“Yes. Yes, you are.”
“I thought you were Max.”
“Well, I am calling from his phone.”
“Okay. I’m not getting out of this, am I?”
“Nope. It’s going to follow you forever.” She laughs, and I smile in spite of how stupid I feel. “There’s a reason I’m calling. I need to know if you can pick Max and me up tomorrow afternoon and take us back to his apartment?”
“I thought you were staying in Mornington?”
“That was before my mum became a hovering buffoon. Can you or not? I can call Cam or Emma if you’re not available.”
“No, it’s fine. I’ll be there. Lunchtime good?”
“Perfect. Thanks, Drew.”
The sound of my name on her lips does strange things to me. She’s always called me Andrew, so to hear what I prefer to go by, it’s a new and welcomed feeling. Maybe it shouldn’t be so welcomed. Gosh, maybe the guys were right to worry about me. I may not act on them, but the thoughts in my head are enough to send me straight to Hell.
“I’ll see ya.”
“Bye,” she says and disconnects the call.
Placing my phone on the passenger seat, I spend the rest of my drive home thinking about how I’m going to get my best mate’s little sister out of my head.
Chapter Six
Aubrey
It’s barely been twenty-four hours, and I’m ready to fly back to the States.
It’s not that my mum is trying to be overbearing, it’s just the way she is these days. I’m not sure why she waited until we were adults to become that parent, but it’s obvious by the way she’s hovering over Max in the day I’ve been here, and now she’s starting on me. I know she’s trying to make amends or whatever with me, but like Max said when he didn’t know I was listening, she has to give me time. I’m not ready for all of this yet. With Max, though, it’s almost worse than him being at a hospital where the nurses are constantly in and out, prodding and poking, never letting anyone get any sleep. Max dropped a book from the bedside table last night, and you would have thought the smoke alarms were ringing if you would have seen how quickly she came running into the room.
“Mum, I have an idea,” I say, walking into the kitchen where she’s brewing yet another pot of coffee. It’s probably her third today. That can’t be healthy.
“What is it, Aubrey?” The sugary tone she used over the phone less than a week ago is gone, replaced with the disdain I usually get from her. Then again, she looks pretty ragged, like she hasn’t slept in days.
“I decided I won’t be going back until we figure out what’s going on with Max. The guys think they’ve found something that might be able to help, and I want to be here for them and Max.”
“Okay, and…? What’s your question? I have some errands to run before Max has to be at the doctor’s office,” she snips, and I wince. This is why I can’t let my guard down around her. If I let her back in, she’ll just end up hurting me again.
“All right,” I sarcastically drawl to mask the hurt. “Basically, it’s not a question, just giving you a heads up. Max and I are going to go back to his apartment. I won’t be working, and I’m finishing the last of my courses online. I might as well keep busy and be his built-in nurse.”
“That isn’t going to work. My appointment this afternoon is with the real estate agent. We’re putting the apartment on the market. Max already agreed and signed the papers. I just have to drop them off along with a set of keys.”
“Well, don’t do that. Max and I spoke about it last night. Also, I’m pretty sure Max has been on some serious medication over the last few weeks. I doubt he was even legally able to sign those documents.” The attitude in my voice shocks me and I consider toning it down but don’t. “And let’s be honest: we can’t live under the same roof. You don’t like me any more than I like you. This is better for everyone.”
“How can you say I don’t like you, Aubrey? I’m your mother.” I can sense the pain behind her words—her small talk with Max last night ringing in my head—but it doesn’t affect me like it would have nearly a decade ago. I’m no longer the little girl who wants to please everyone. I’ve come to accept there are going to be people who don’t care for me, and it just so happens my mother is one of them.
“Can we not have this conversation? I have to get my suitcase packed back up and get Max’s stuff together. Drew is going to swing by and help me haul everything to the apartment. He should be here within the hour.”
“So that’s it? You and your brother are just leaving?”
“Basically. You’re more than welcome to visit. With notice, though. Max needs to rest comfortably, and you’re hovering. I’ll let you know what the guys find out about whatever it is they think they found.”
“Fine,” she exhales, defeated. “Aubrey,” she calls me back as I walk out of the kitchen to head upstairs.
“Huh?” I answer, wishing I didn’t have to engage in any other conversation with her. This one took just about everything I had in me away. I need to save my patience for Max’s recovery if he’s going to have one.
“I do love you, you know. There’s a lot you don’t know, and one day I’ll fill you in. Just know that I’m your mother and I love you. You’re a part of me. We might not get along all the time, but that doesn’t take away how much I care for you.”
“Okay.” I acknowledge her statement, consider turning and running for a hug, but instead I bolt up the stairs. My mother’s always been concerned about appearances and less about emotion. In twenty-one years, I can’t remember a single time she’s expressed any kind of love like she just did. It could be because the idea of mortality is staring us in the face again, or she wants to put on a show, or maybe she truly means it; unfortunately, it’s going to take some digging to find out, and I can’t do that while I’m under her thumb.
*****
“Just like that? She’s letting us leave?” Max asks as I throw the few belongings he brought over from his place into a suitcase when our mum all but kidnapped him.
“Bro, you’re closing in on thirty in a few years. She can’t keep you here.” I laugh and continue packing.
“Still … you know her. If she doesn’t get her way, she turns a little nutty. She’s not even been up here to pull a guilt trip or anything. Did you break her?” While he’s talking, he’s pulling on his socks and shoes, and tossing the few things I found under the bed in his suitcase.
“I might have, but let’s start questioning what’s going on when we’re on the way to your place, okay? She might have a change of heart, and God forbid you break her heart.”
“You guys about ready?” Drew asks, stepping into the room. I swear the guy just shows up. Nobody ever hears a doorbell ring or his footsteps approaching. One second he’s not there, then the next, boom, there he is.
“Yep. My suitcase is on the bed in my room if you want to grab it for me, please,” I ask, finishing off in Max’s room and helping him grab a jacket.
“It’s all zipped up, right? I don’t want to run across anything I shouldn’t see.” Drew waggles his eyebrows, and I can’t help but roll my eyes.
“Actually, I should go check. I have a double-sided dildo I was saving for Emma when she finally came to visit. Wouldn’t want you seeing that, now, would I?” I tease. Drew’s face contorts, and Max howls with laughter—a laugh I’ve not heard in so long—but it’s so welcome, I want to keep hearing it.
“You know, there are plenty of other women you could have mentioned. Why my sister? Why put that image in my head?”
“Because your sister has ass for days, Drew.”
“Oh my God, I’m going to pass out,” Max sputters. I glance back at him to give a sly wink. He has tears streaming down his face, and he’s clutching his stomach. This might be the best thing I’ve ever seen. Ever.
“Can we get on the road, please?”
“Hold your horses, Drew. I was just getting ready to tell
you all the dirty things I was going to do with your sister. First, I was thinking about…”
“No!” Drew cuts me off, and my smile widens. “We’re not talking about Emma for at least a week. I’m grabbing your suitcase, and I swear, if a dildo pops out, I’m putting it on your mother’s bed with a note about how disturbed her daughter is.”
“You can if you want, but she already knows. And you never know, my mum’s always been into younger guys. She might get a kick out of you leaving a sex toy on her bed,” Max adds to the roast session.
“I can’t win with either of you. There should be a warning sign before you enter this house. ‘CAUTION: The Rosewood siblings are absolute wankers and can’t be trusted.’”
Drew doesn’t wait for either of us to respond before he hauls ass to my room for the suitcase and heads down the stairs. Laughing with Max, I grab his suitcase, and he assures me he doesn’t need any help. I stay by his side, just in case, as he slowly descends the staircase. Together, we get into Drew’s car—me in the front and Max in the back so he can stretch out.
As the car pulls further away from the neighbourhood we all grew up in, it’s a strange feeling. Australia was home to me for so long, but I never really explored. I spent time at the University with my dad and went to restaurants in the city, but that was the extent of my travels. A nervous excitement settles over me as I realise the fear I had when I got into town about not ever seeing Max in his natural habitat—his apartment, on his own—is no longer a fear. I peek in the backseat to tell him how happy I am to get to see his place, but he’s already asleep. The meds the doctors have him on really do a number on the amount of time he’s actually awake. I know it’s for the best, to keep him out of pain. I’ll just have to remember to cherish the moments, like the one from earlier in his bedroom. They might come few and far between as his illness progresses.
When I turn back around, Drew’s watching the road, but periodically, I notice him looking down at my bare legs. Has he never seen a girl in a skirt before? Geeze.
Slow Grind (Men of Mornington Book 1) Page 6