by Casey Peeler
Drake Brothers #1
By Casey Peeler
Edited by Chelly Peeler at Ink It Out Editing Services
Copyright © 2017 Casey Peeler
All rights reserved.
This book is a written act of fiction. Any places, characters, or similarities are purely coincidence. If certain places or characters are referenced it is for entertainment purposes only. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
The author recognizes all copyright and trademarks that are mentioned within this work of fiction.
ALSO BY CASEY PEELER
FULL CIRCLE SERIES
Losing Charley
Finding Charley
Loving Charley
TUTUS & COWBOY BOOTS SERIES
Tutus & Cowboy Boots Part 1
Tutus &Cowboy Boots Part 2
STANDALONE NOVELS
Crashing Tides
Southern Perfection
Boondocks
Lion Eyes
Worth the Ride
Chapter 1
Everett
Taking my duffle bag and what little bit I own, I walk off the aircraft and look at the world around me. It’s quiet, peaceful, the skies are Carolina blue, but everything inside me tells me that this isn’t the life for me. My life belongs on a base, floating out in the water, keeping this country safe, but there’s no hope. My time is done and now it’s time to find some piss ass job that will pay the bills and kill the time.
Looking to my left, I see Beckett standing there in Carhartts and a Ridge Volunteer Firefighter t-shirt. Damn, some things never change.
“What’s up, bro?” he says as I approach him.
“Hell, you didn’t have to dress up to come and get me,” I laugh as he gives me a firm pat on my shoulder. Beckett is my oldest brother, but if you were to see us out, you’d never guess it. We’re both over six feet tall, dark hair and emerald eyes. However, there’s one major difference—our fathers. Let’s just say he’s the bastard out of the four of us. He’s got skin that looks black as the ace of spades and his hair is coarse and kinky. I know why he keeps it cut short. That shit used to be as wild as we were back in the day. “Couldn’t talk the other shitheads into coming to get me?”
“You know. Colby’s got to run that damn hardware store and Jeremiah is working overtime while Mr. Mayes is in the hospital. He’s in real bad shape. Guess you’re stuck with me.”
“Yeah, guess nothin’s changed. So, what’s been going on at the station?”
“Nothing too exciting. I’ve had to go over to Molly Simpson’s once a week to rescue her damn cat. I swear I really think she just likes to look at my ass when I climb that ladder up the tree.”
“Dude, don’t count on it.”
“Oh, I’m counting on it. She’s hot as hell and have you seen those tits?”
Looking at him, I’m completely lost. I’ve been gone for six years. The day that I could enlist and quit being his responsibility, I did. I haven’t been back and hadn’t planned on it this soon, except for a damn honorable discharge that I believe is a complete crock of shit. Taking his phone, he punches a few keys and then flashes a picture of her to me. Damn is right. She’s no longer a mousy girl with a chest flat as a brick wall. She’s a fucking bombshell.
“She had to have bought those,” I say, stating the obvious.
“Probably, but I’m not ashamed to look.” Climbing in the truck, we roll the windows down and drive toward Ridge. It’s a town so small that if you blink you’ll miss it, but it’s home, or it has been since we were adopted by our parents, Carol and Paul Drake, when I was five years old. “There’s an opening with Bell Distribution and it’s got your name on it. All you gotta do is tell Jason you want it.”
“Sounds good.”
“Go see him tomorrow. I know the route near the house is open and hell, maybe that will score us some free beer.”
“Let’s hope so.”
Arriving in town, it doesn’t take long for us to arrive at the old farm house. It looks like it did the day I left, but it’s got a new paint job.
Stepping out of the truck, I grab my bag off the back and walk toward the front porch. Looking around, it’s like going back in time and right now, I’d give anything for my mom to meet me inside with a smile. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about them and wish it had been me instead of them in that accident. It was my fault they were on the road that day. I was the one that started the fight at the basketball game, and if it weren’t for that they’d have never had that head-on collision. That day changed all of our lives forever.
“Dude, you all right?” Beckett asks.
“Yeah, so what’s the deal? The other shitheads coming by or what?” He starts to laugh. “Somethin’ funny?”
“Oh, they’ll be by. In fact, we’re hitting up Barger’s tonight.”
“You mean they still let y’all in there?”
“Hell yeah, they do. Actually, James has been getting Colby to fix shit around there. He’s getting old and not able to keep the place up. He’s got a grandson, Seth, that helps, but he’s lazy as hell and on the first train outta here when given the chance. It wouldn’t surprise me if Seth put a for sale sign on it the moment he got a green light from his granddad.”
“Damn, that sucks. Wonder what will happen to it?”
“Word on the street is that there’s a new owner, or prospective owner in the works. Someone not from here.”
“Well, what in the hell would make them want to come to this piece of shit town?”
“Who knows.”
Walking to my old room, it looks exactly the same. I toss my bag on the bed and begin to unpack when I hear the door open and the hooting and hollering begins. Looks like it’s closing time at the store and shop. Leaving everything on the bed, I walk down the stairs and into the kitchen to see the other rascals. Jeremiah is standing there covered in greasy jeans and a Mayes Auto Body Shop shirt and Colby looks like he stepped out of a Field and Stream magazine.
“Colby, what the fuck happened? You look like a damn boy scout,” we all burst out laughing, including him.
“Gotta look the part, asshole. Plus, the ladies dig it.”
“Oh, I bet they do. Let’s see who gets the most play tonight,” I challenge them.
“Shit. You know you’re scared shitless when it comes to women. Always have been,” Colby shoots back.
Shaking it off, I grab a beer, twist off the top and take a long pull. “You keep tellin’ yourself that.”
“So what’s the plan?” Jeremiah changes the subject.
“Barger’s.”
“Sounds good. Let me get cleaned up and let’s roll.”
Looking at my watch, I realize that it’s time to forget about what brought me here and pick up where we left off because not one thing has changed between the four of us.
Chapter 2
Everett
Walking into Barger’s, I see that nothing has changed there either. The floor is still worn, the jukebox is still playing classic country music and the smell of stale beer and french fries fill the air. Noticing a young guy behind the bar, he gives my brothers a wave as we walk up. I’m betting that is Seth. He sticks out like a sore thumb in this place with a polo and khaki shorts. No wonder he wants out.
“What can I get ya?” he asks.
“Keep the whiskey coming all night, Seth.”
“Gotcha. Food?”
“Th
e usual, and this is Everett, the long lost Drake brother,” Jeremiah chimes in.
“Shut up,” I say as I take the shot glass and we all turn them up without a toast. Who needs that shit?
Taking a seat at a round table, we shoot the shit while we eat and drink when others start to fill the room. Glancing over my shoulder, I notice Jason walking in and know that I’m too drunk to ask for a job at this point, but it’s too late when he walks over to welcome me home. I swear that’s all I’ve heard tonight. I wish they’d just forget I ever left.
“You coming by the office tomorrow?” Jason asks.
“Planned on it.”
“You seriously want that route?”
“I’ve got to have something. I’m not going to be at Beckett’s beck and call on the farm. That’s for damn sure.”
“Hell, you’ll still be doing that do. Don’t kid yourself,” Beckett chimes in.
“Well, it’s yours. Stop by tomorrow to get the paperwork completed and learn your route. You start once that is done.”
“Sounds good. See you tomorrow,” I say as I shake his hand, and then turn one more shot back. I’ve not even been home twelve hours and my brother is at it again. I’m almost thirty years old, I don’t need a dad. I had one I never knew, one that passed, and one that was my damn older brother. Fighting for the good old US of A will make you grow up quickly. I should have told Jason to fuck off, but I need a job because if not, I’ll go crazy on that damn farm.
As the night progresses, shot after shot, I can barely see straight. Standing to walk toward the pool table, Jeremiah racks them and it’s on. We talk shit and laugh. As much as I hate this small as fuck town, being with these three make it feel like home, but there’s no way I’m telling them that.
“So did they give you full retirement when they let you go?” Jeremiah asks out of nowhere.
Turning, I look at him, “Does it even fuckin’ matter?”
“Dude, I was just wondering. You’d think that they would considering it’s their fuckin’ fault anyways.”
Uneasiness settles in my stomach. This isn’t something I talk about ever. The day I called them to say I was coming home, or rather that the doctor called saying I was sick as hell and not sure if I was going to make it, was the day that I knew I’d never be back on the water in my element. Instead, I’m landlocked with something that will never go away.
“Drop it, asshat. I can’t change it,” I say as I take another shot and at some point, I forget where I am, what I’m doing here, and it’s fucking fabulous.
Chapter 3
Everett
What the hell is wrong with my head? It feels like a sledgehammer is beating against it. Closing my eyes, I try to remember last night, and the last scene that comes into play is Jason offering me a job. Shit. I glance at the clock and realize I’ve got to get moving, but as I stand everything continues to spin. Falling back on the bed, I doze back off for what feels like only a few moments when suddenly the bed is rocking worse than a damn boat and the queasiness peaks. Jumping out of bed, I sprint to the bathroom as the remnants spew from my stomach.
“Damn, you better get your shit together. I let you sleep off morning duty here, but you’ve got thirty minutes to be at Bell Distribution.
Flipping him off, he leaves me alone and I take the coldest shower known to man to try and wake up. Walking to my room, I pop open the medicine bottle and take the pills that will keep me afloat for the rest of my life, not even bothering to check my levels. I know they are high and honestly, today I don’t care. It’s impressive I woke up this morning with that much alcohol.
Arriving at Bell distribution, I walk into Jason’s office. He looks at his watch, “Well, you’re earlier than I expected. Fill this out and I’ll show you around.”
Once the paperwork is filled out, he shows me around, then takes me to my truck. He gives me the low down on my route, owners, and what to expect. Hopping into the driver’s side, he tells me to grab the passenger seat and we take off for deliveries.
By five o’clock, I’ve learned the ins and outs of how this works and realize that my routes are different each and every day. I will have the Ridge route twice a week and go toward the South Carolina border the other three days. As we park the truck, he gives me a few uniforms and a handshake.
“See you tomorrow at five,” he says.
“Yes, sir.”
“You can knock that shit off, Drake. You’re home. Just call me Bell.”
Nodding, I walk toward the worn out Ford and drive to the farm.
Chapter 4
Everett
It’s been one week since I’ve been home and I’ve literally worked my ass off moving beer and helping Beckett on the farm. It’s the same thing day in and out and personally, it works for me. The busier I am, the less time I have to think about anything else. Pulling into Barger’s, I park my beer truck, grab the hand trucks and load them up to deliver around back.
Walking inside, I’m met by Seth and his pretty boy self. Giving him the invoice, he signs and I stack them in the hallway like I did last week.
“Hey, Everett, I don’t know if you heard but Grandpa’s finally decided to sell this place.”
“You kiddin’?” Knowing he’s the one behind it. This bar has been in his family forever. “You takin’ over?”
“Nope. I’m getting the hell outta this place and moving to Raleigh.” I nod but don’t say anything.
“I understand wanting to get out of here, but doesn’t the fact this is family make you want to sell it to someone that understands the history?”
“Why, you wanna buy it?” he questions and I burst out laughing.
“There’s no way he’d sell it to a Drake. We used to make his life a living hell back in the day.”
Seth starts to laugh, “Nothin’s changed there. I swear, I was waiting for a fight to break out the night y’all all came in.” Stopping, I look to him. “Don’t think things have changed. Your brothers might have respectable jobs, but they are still Drakes.” I don’t say anything but it makes me feel good that they are still the same, and a good fight is good for the soul every now and then.
“I might be interested if he’s willing to sell to a Drake,” I say as I take the hand trucks and walk out the back door without waiting for a reply.
Stella
For the past three years, I’ve saved every dime I’ve earned to get away from the town that believes they know everything about my life in order to find a place of my own and start fresh. Today is that day. Looking at my apartment, I hug my best friend Dixie goodbye.
“Don’t cry. You can totally come visit,” I tell her.
“Oh yeah. It’s a hop, skip and a jump away.”
“Ridge isn’t that far,” she looks at me with her hands on her hips. “Okay, fine. Maybe it’s six hours across the state. Heck, if things go like I hope, maybe you can open up your own beauty salon there as well.”
The tears stop and she smiles. “Girl, I don’t know about that because from what Google tells me, there ain’t shit there.”
“Maybe not, but I’ve got to get away from here and the ghost that continues to follow me. I don’t want to be known as poor Jack’s almost wife. I want to start fresh where no one knows my story. I’m tired of living in Jack’s shadow.”
“I get it, but it doesn’t make it any easier.”
“I know. Why don’t you come with me?” Leaving Dixie has been the hardest part of this move. She’s been there since we were in first grade.
“You know I can’t leave right now. I’ve finally got a client list and that took years to build.”
“I know, but promise me you’ll come visit as soon as I get things going.”
“Absolutely.”
Hugging her once more, I open the door to my Dodge truck, wipe the tears from eyes, and don’t look back in the rearview. It’s time to start fresh with only one thing in mind—make something of myself and my bar. It’s time to prove that a woman can do anything she
puts her mind to.
Driving across the state of North Carolina, I’m amazed at how truly beautiful one state can be. From the beautiful beaches where I’m from to the piedmont that is full of lush, green grass, fields of flowers, and the same blue skies. I’m amazed at how it’s the same but different. Driving down Interstate 40, the hills begin to roll as I get closer to Ridge. It’s a speck on the map, but I’m lucky for my cousin, Seth. He’s finally called in the favor I’ve been waiting on my entire life. I’ve always had a dream to move to this little place, take over Barger’s and make it my own. A bad ass girl with her own bar.
Pulling into Ridge, I notice that not one thing has changed since I visited as a kid. Seth is my cousin on my mom’s side and his dad’s family owns the bar. Papa James has always been like a grandfather to me, and sometimes I wonder how Seth even fits in this town.
Pulling into Barger’s, the sun is shining and so is Seth’s brand new Camaro. Shaking my head, I put the Dodge in park and step toward my future as a beer truck comes barreling out the back entrance, almost running me over. Turning to see who’s driving, I put my hands on my hips and see dark hair and a set of emerald green eyes on the sexiest man I’ve ever seen and when he smiles my way, I try to act mad but it’s no use. Mental note—stay away from whoever that is.
“Sorry about that, ma’am,” he hollers out the window.
“Damn right, you better be,” I say firmly as he laughs, gives a wave and takes off down the two-lane road.
Walking inside Barger’s takes me back to the best summer nights of my life. I’d come to visit Seth, but he was all about the latest trend and plotting to get out of Ridge. Me, I would soak this place up. Papa James would show us how to take orders, stock shelves, and even taught me how to make his signature drinks before I was eighteen years old. However, my parents made me go to college, I got engaged to Jack, and when he cheated on me two weeks before our wedding, I moved on and so did he. The folks in our town did not and I’ve been poor little old Stella for the past five years. I’ve worked my ass off to save up and buy a bar, but when Seth called a month ago, I knew that this is where I was destined to go. Somewhere I know, but yet no one knows me at all except for Papa James and Seth.