by Alison Mello
Once I have the movie started, I sit back down in my spot and Brooke lies down at the other end of the couch with a blanket. She covers us both up and I press “Play” on the remote.
We’re only a few minutes into the movie, and I can already feel my eyes getting heavy. That’s how boring this movie is to me.
Suddenly, I hear Brooke say, “Shh, Daddy, don’t wake Rem.” I have no idea how long I’ve been sleeping, but I can hear them talking. I just continue to rest with my eyes closed while I try to figure out how much is left of the movie.
“Sorry,” my father says. “You got him to watch this movie with you again?”
“He watched two minutes of it before he started snoring.” She pulls the blanket up.
“Can you blame him? You’ve only made him watch it a million times.” He laughs, and I hear his footsteps as he leaves the room.
“Yeah, well, this time doesn’t count because he didn’t watch it.”
I start laughing, hearing the whine in my sister’s voice. “Sorry, Sis, I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you. I guess I’m just tired from packing and traveling.”
“You know I love you, so don’t worry about it.” She gets up from the couch to put the DVD away.
“Where’s your mother?” our father asks, entering the room.
“Hey, Dad!” I get up to give my dad a hug.
“Oh, you’re awake. Your sister was just telling me to keep it down because you were sleeping.”
“I was watching Twister. What do you expect?” I say jokingly.
“Hey, I heard that.” Brooke walks by, slapping me playfully. I pretend she hurt me, causing her to laugh.
“What did you hear?” Mama comes walking through the door with bags. I instantly walk over, taking them from her and carrying them into the kitchen before I run out to get what’s left in the car.
“Mama, I thought you were only picking up a few things? It looks like you bought half the market.” I put the last of the bags down and begin to help put them away.
“Well, I have a grown boy staying with me now. I wanted to make sure I had some of your favorites on hand.” Mama places two gallons of milk in the fridge, while I continue to put the remainder of the groceries away.
Brooke and Mama get to work on dinner while Dad and I take a seat in the living room watching the ball game. “How’s things at the office?” I ask my dad.
“Things are fine. Winter was a bit chilly here, causing quite a few illnesses but nothing too serious. I made a ton of house calls for our elderly patients while your brother worked at the office.”
“Nice, he told me Kayla’s having another baby. You guys must be thrilled.” I yawn.
“We are.” He smiles proudly. “When do you start your new job?”
“I have to report in on Monday. I have a folder upstairs with my commanding officer’s name. I’ve heard good things about the guy, so I’m hoping for an easy few years.”
“Do you know what you’ll be doing?”
“I’ll be working with the next generation of Military Intelligence Officers. They’ll do a rotation through here before heading off on assignment.”
“Really? How do you feel about going from field work to this?” My father sounds concerned.
“Actually, I’m excited. After my last mission, I’ve had enough of the field. I’d like to retire in one piece. These men and women have gone to school to learn all they need to know to do the job. Now I’m going to help them get their feet wet before they go out on real missions.”
“As long as you’re happy, son. That’s all that matters,” he says with a smile.
I nod, and we fall into a comfortable silence watching the game, but my mind wanders. Am I happy with this? I don’t want to take any more risks getting hurt but I’m not sure I was ready to come out of the field either.
My thoughts are interrupted when my brother puts my two-year-old niece, Becky, down and she comes running over to me. “Hey, baby girl.” I scoop her up and give her a big hug. I stand from the couch with Becky in my arms to give my sister-in-law, Kayla, a hug.
“Welcome home,” she says, squeezing me.
“Thanks, Sis. It’s good to be back.”
We all go into the kitchen so they can say hi to Brooke and Mama. We’re all laughing and joking when Mama starts to say, “Where is your—” She’s cut off by Keaton running through the door. “Boy, you’re late,” she says, giving him a dirty look.
“Sorry, Mama, I had to stop home to clean up first.” He gives her a kiss on the cheek and she softens. She’s a tough cookie, but she has a soft spot for her boys.
“Dinner is ready. Everyone make your plate and let’s get comfortable in the dining room.”
Once we’re all seated, Mama says grace and we begin to eat. I can’t help but smile at my family all being together again. Brooke is chatting with Kayla and rubbing her belly. Becky is sitting with her nana, and the boys are talking baseball. Yup, it’s good to be home.
Chapter 2
Kenzie
I tie my laces good and tight before I stand to stretch. I run three miles every morning before the sun has fully risen, because it’s way too hot out once it does. Opening up my music app and setting it to my favorite station, I place the phone in the band I have strapped to my arm, and then take off out the door of my new home. I jog down my steps and set off on my new route around the neighborhood.
I’ve only lived here for a short time, but one of the reasons I like this neighborhood is because I was able to pick a safe route to run without hitting any busy streets. This was one of the things I missed when I was up north living in Boston. It wasn’t safe to run outside. That meant I had to run in a stuffy gym, and yeah it was great to have other equipment to choose from, but I never used it. I always just ran. Running is my escape, and I’ve been doing it since middle school.
I came back to the south to help care for Nana, who lives in Birch Creek just two towns over. I grew up in a small town called Barronett which is where my best friend, Lillian, still lives, and she’s only a few miles away as well. My goal was to be in a nice neighborhood but still be close to my friends and family. My realtor was amazing. She found me the perfect house, which was up for short sale. The woman who lived in the home before me lived alone and had no family. She had fallen ill and could no longer pay or care for her home. I almost felt bad taking her home from her, but someone was going to buy it, and the three-bedroom house was perfect for me to grow into.
I’m running at a good clip this morning. I’m feeling strong, and I keep my breathing steady. I start into a turn when I spot this man running behind me. I felt like I was being followed but figured it was my imagination. He’s looking me up and down, and I can’t help but smile and nod. I want to be polite and honestly, the guy is hot. He’s wearing little running shorts with a tight tank top that shows off his sweaty, muscular chest. He shows me his gorgeous smile, running at my side for just a second before he runs past me. Damn, I thought I was going at a good pace but he’s flying. I try to stay close behind him but he’s just too fast. I stop to catch my breath, and as I do he turns around with a huge smile on his face. He winks at me and continues on his way.
I shake my head and check my watch. I have to get home so I can shower, since I have a tutoring session this morning. I start my running again and don’t stop until I’ve made it home. When I get to my front lawn I’m tired and panting, but it was a good run. I quickly stretch and hurry in to take my shower. Billy will be here in less than two hours for his math session.
***
Remy
I quietly slip out the front door for my morning run. It’s early, so the sun hasn’t fully risen yet. I don’t want to wake anyone, but I can’t break my routine either. When I get to the porch, I start the music app on my phone and slip it into my armband before securing it in place. I’ve set this station with all my favorite running music. Making my way down the steps, I take off in the direction of my old running route. It’s close to th
ree miles, but I’ve been running this route for years. I’ve used it to train for the service, as well as all the 5Ks and marathons I’ve run. It has a few small hills but nothing too major, perfect for staying in shape.
I take a deep breath of the clean, crisp air. It’s early so it’s not too warm yet, but I can tell today’s going to be a scorcher. As I’m running I glance around the neighborhood, checking out the changes since I’ve been away. There’s a house for sale and a few of our neighbors have painted their homes. I notice some have new porches, and I chuckle thinking about the many conversations with my mom about all the work my brother has been doing in the area.
I’m running at a good pace when I’m distracted by the sight in front of me. I see a tall, slim body with a long brown ponytail swaying from side-to-side. I smile as I draw closer to her. She’s got a body like a goddess. The leggings she’s wearing shows off her ass beautifully. I take a deep breath in preparation of showing off a little bit. I pick up my pace, slowing next to her for just a second before I kick it into high gear and pass her. I turn around to see she’s stopped with her hands on her hips and a gorgeous smile on her face. I wink at her and take off running. Damn, I don’t know what the hell got into me just now. I’m usually the shy guy in the family. Flirting with girls is not my thing, but dang, she’s beautiful and she’s a runner. I run all the way home at a solid pace. When I get there, I’m spent. Placing my hands on my knees, I bend over trying to catch my breath. I’m drenched in sweat and in need of a shower. I run into the house to find Mama in the kitchen whipping up breakfast. “Good morning, Mama.” I kiss her on the cheek and then grab a bottle of water from the fridge, chugging it down.
“Good morning, Remy. How was your run?”
“It was fine. I beat my run time.”
She shakes her head but says nothing. She’s always telling me I’m too hard on myself, but it’s who I am. I’m always determined to do better. Now if I could only be so confident with the hottie I ran past this morning, I’d be good to go.
“Go shower, your breakfast is almost ready,” Mama says, breaking into my thoughts.
“Yes, ma’am,” I run upstairs and straight into the shower.
I’m clean and back downstairs in ten minutes tops. I don’t dare keep Mama waiting. I’m taking my seat at the snack bar as she’s placing a plate of eggs, bacon, potatoes, and toast on the table. She adds a small bowl of grits and tells me to eat up. “Are you trying to fatten me up? I haven’t eaten this much in a long time.”
She gives me a look and says, “Eat what you can.” She walks out of the room. I dig into my breakfast trying to figure out what I’m going to do today. I glance out the sliding glass door, noticing my parents’ lawn needs to be mowed. I devour my breakfast, rinse my dishes, and place them in the dishwasher before peeling my shirt off and heading outside. Starting up the lawn mower I get busy taking care of the backyard. I’m halfway done when I stop to grab a drink. I’ve forgotten how hot it can get down here. I’m walking up to the deck when Mama appears with a pitcher of lemonade.
“Thanks.” I pour myself a cold glass.
“After you’re done with the backyard, I’d like for you to run up the street for me.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I quickly down my glass of lemonade. I jog back down the steps and get to work on finishing the lawn. Why I had to come during the summer when school’s out is beyond me. My mom has been a teacher for years, and as kids it was always great that she had time off from work, but now that means she’s going to get me to do all kinds of things. I love her dearly but this woman is going to keep me busy all summer.
As soon as I’m done, I shower once again so I’m clean and ready to help Mama with whatever she needs. When I get back downstairs she says, “Remy, I need you to go up the street. Here’s the address.” She hands me a piece of paper.
“What for?” I ask her, confused.
“Deliver these goodies and invite her to the annual block party planning dinner. Let her know that I would like her to be on the committee, and that it’s a good way to meet her neighbors.”
“You’re still doing your annual block party?”
“Yes, and this year I’m celebrating the return of my son, so it’ll be bigger than ever.” I roll my eyes. I hate that she makes a big deal over me being in the military. “Remington Scott Bennett, did you just roll your eyes at me?”
“I’m sorry, Mama, but you know I don’t like attention, and if you start bragging that this is to celebrate my return everyone in town will be here.”
“That’s the plan. Now move along, before you get the same smack your brother got yesterday.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I walk out the door. I really need to get my own place.
***
Kenzie
I’m set up and ready for Billy when he gets here. He is such a smart boy, but his mom was concerned he would fall behind if he didn’t get tutoring over the summer. I almost feel for the kids whose parents force them to attend summer classes. This is supposed to be their time to run free and play, but most kids these days are so wrapped up in video games that I think this is their parents’ way of making them take a break.
There’s a knock on the door. “Come on in.”
“Hello, Ms. McCormick,” Marybeth says as she walks through the door wearing her prim and proper outfit. The woman has money and it shows. She’s always dressed in these really nice outfits, with her nails perfectly manicured. I’ve learned she’s also the town’s gossip queen. I often wonder if she brings Billy here so she can have an hour to herself to do all of her gossiping without a child.
“Hello, Marybeth. Billy, how are you?” I say, looking down at Billy.
“I’m well, Ms. McCormick,” he says in a well-mannered tone.
“Well, I’ll leave you two to your work and I’ll be back in an hour,” his mother says, tapping him on the head and walking out the door.
“Come on, Billy, let’s get started.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He sits in the chair I pull out for him.
I place a few worksheets in front of him and ask him to answer the questions, telling him we’ll go over it as soon as he’s done. I get busy fixing us a snack while he works. It takes him about thirty minutes to go through them before I hear, “Ms. McCormick, I’m done.”
I take the seat next to him to look over his work. He’s done an excellent job. He only got one wrong, and when I asked him to look it over again he figured out his error all by himself. “Great job, Billy. As promised, I have cookies, milk, and a tablet all ready for you to play on.”
I hand him my tablet set up to a math game he likes to play and place the milk and cookies on the table. His smile grows. “Thank you, Ms. McCormick,” he says cheerfully. It makes me smile to see him so happy. I’m wiping down the counter while Billy giggles at my kitchen table over his game.
Billy’s mother finally gets back to pick him up. “What are you doing, Billy?” she questions when she sees my tablet in his hand.
“He’s playing a math game. He finished all of his work and he did an amazing job,” I say proudly.
“I pay you to tutor him, not to let him play games on your tablet.”
My brows furrow. “I did tutor him, and he’s playing a math game that has him ahead of where he’ll start fifth-grade math.” I’m aggravated that this woman is giving me a hard time.
She closes her eyes, trying to rein in her temper. “Fine, we’ll see you next week.” She turns to her son. “Billy, let’s go.”
“Thank you, Ms. McCormick,” Billy says before he leaves the house. I wave as he walks down my walkway, smiling as he waves back.
I go about getting some house chores done before I must leave to go to Nana’s for dinner, when there’s a knock at my door. I walk over, and I stop dead in my tracks when I see the man from this morning standing on my porch. It’s the guy from this morning’s run. There’s no way I could forget those eyes.
“Can I help you?” I finally manage to ask.
“Um, yeah, sorry to disturb you, my mama made this plate of goodies for you and she asked that I bring them by. She wants to invite you to be a part of the annual block party committee.”
I open the door to let him in. “The annual block party committee?” I question.
“Yes, my mom started doing a block party back when we were small. They do one every year, and she thought that with you being new to the neighborhood you might want to be a part of it so you can get to know the neighbors.”
I nod. “What about you? This morning’s the first time I’ve seen you around since I’ve been back.” I’ve only been back a few months now, but still, this is the first I’ve seen him.
“Well, I guess you haven’t heard.”
“Heard what?”
“Do you know who my mom is?” He grins at me.
“I’m sorry I don’t.” I shake my head.
“Mrs. Bennett?” he says with his brows raised like I’m supposed to know who he’s talking about and I actually do.
“Mrs. Bennett as in the fifth-grade teacher at the elementary school?” I question with a giggle. “I know your mom.”
“Well, then you’ll soon know why you haven’t seen me. The meeting is Sunday evening at the Bennetts’, six p.m. sharp.” He hands me the platter and starts to back out the door and down my porch, giving me a glimpse of his tight ass. I bite my lip watching him jog up the street toward his parents’. Yeah, I know who your mom is and you may just see me Sunday evening, I think to myself as I realize he didn’t tell me his name. I shake off my thoughts, place the platter on the counter, and head off to visit Nana.
When I pull up to Nana’s house I find my aunt’s car is already here.
“Hello?” I call out as I walk through the door.
“In the kitchen,” Aunt Kenderly calls out.
I run in to give her a hug. “Hi, Auntie Kenderly. How’s Nana?”
“She’s doing okay. She’s slept quite a bit today, but Dr. Bennett came by to check on her and said she’s doing just fine.”