Maybe most would consider where we lived a condo rather than an apartment, but since I’d grown up in the equivalent to a mansion in Chicago, it was all the same to me. Not that our place was terrible.
It was relatively modern, clean, and updated with high-end materials.
It was a complex in a college town, so it was the best we could get without dropping cash to actually buy a house. And since there was no way any of us planned to live here longer than graduation, there was no need.
“I’m home,” I called as I entered our place.
I’d started announcing my presence when I’d learned the hard way by walking in after class to find Wes and Trixie going at it on the couch in the living room.
Not only had I seen parts of my brother I’d never needed to see, and didn’t want to see again, but that incident had necessitated the don’t have sex anywhere Brody sits, eats, sleeps, or may one day come into contact with rule.
I still refused to sit on the couch.
Instead I’d bought a state-of-the-art massage and recline chair and forbade Wes from going anywhere near it.
“In the kitchen,” Wes replied.
I walked in to find not only Wes and Trixie, but Ridge and Karrie as well. Wes, Trixie, and Karrie were seated at the counter, while Ridge stood. They were all focused on the laptop in front of him.
“What’s up?” I asked as I sauntered over to stand by Ridge.
“Not much, Mister Rogers, what’s up with you?” Wes joked, his eyes on my cardigan.
“Uh-uh,” I replied with a shake of my head. “You don’t get to weigh in on my wardrobe.”
He was currently wearing a baby Yoda T-shirt and sweatpants.
Wes shrugged good-naturedly and said, “You know you love him.”
I did, but didn’t need to feed his geeky heart, so I ignored him and asked Ridge, “What are you all looking at?”
“I think I found the perfect house,” he said, spinning the laptop toward me.
We’d been tossing around the idea to go in on a vacation home together. Somewhere we could start building memories with not only us, but our sisters and their families.
About two years ago, I’d learned of my father’s secret family during a fight he was having with my mother. Turned out, not only had he been married before, but had three daughters who he’d left behind when he married our mom.
Our father was a major asshole, who ended up divorcing our mom and leaving us the same way he had his first family, but, luckily, we’d gained three sisters, three brothers-in-law, some nephews, and a niece in the process.
“Where is it?” I asked.
“A lake in Colorado.”
I’d campaigned for a vacation home in Italy or Belize, but we wanted it to be a place everyone could get to easily. And with our sisters’ growing families, it would be much easier for them if they could drive.
So Ridge had started searching different places in the US.
“It’s huge … nine bedrooms,” Karrie said.
“On thirty acres,” Trixie added, her tone full of awe.
“It’s really perfect,” Wes agreed. “Plenty of room for everyone. On a lake, plus all the land. I think you’ll like it.”
I scrolled through the pictures and they were right, it was a stellar property.
“Wow, Millie could do some damage in that kitchen,” I muttered, imagining her face when she saw it.
Millie, Dru, and Tasha, our sisters, ran a catering business together. Millie was the chef and baker.
“And can you see the kids playing outside? We can get four wheelers and maybe put up a swing set or something,” Wes said happily.
“Maybe build a treehouse,” Ridge added. “And, if we put in an offer soon, we could plan to have everyone out Memorial weekend. Break it in right.”
“Ridge and I can go out there this weekend to see it,” Karrie said, and when she moved her hand, the light reflected off the diamond on her finger.
She and Ridge had gotten engaged in Chicago on New Year’s Eve.
Some may think they were kinda young to be thinking about marriage already, but Karrie and Ridge were great together, and my oldest brother deserved the happiness she brought him. So I, for one, was ecstatic for them.
“I’m in,” I said, sliding the laptop back.
“Me, too,” Wes agreed.
“Then as long as everything goes the way I hope this weekend, we’ll soon be homeowners,” Ridge said. “And we can start building memories that don’t include the rotten people who raised us.”
This probably wasn’t a good time to tell Ridge I had two more missed calls from our father today.
Three
Emma
Rosie had been typically adorable in her play.
She’d been a slice of pizza in the school’s production of Aladdin and had one line … “That’s a spicy pepperoni!”
Everyone had laughed. Probably both because she was cute, and because not only had a slice popped up randomly in the play, but she talked.
Rosie had talked excitedly all the way back to her duplex on the east side. Her mom was working late, and it was already dark out, so I’d splurged on an Uber to ensure I got her home safely.
“Did you see everyone stand up and clap at the end?” she’d asked excitedly.
“Yes, a standing ovation. Congratulations!”
“I can’t believe it’s over. It went by so fast … like a blur. I don’t even remember saying my line.”
“Well, you said it perfectly. I recorded it on my phone and already sent it to your mom so she could see,” I assured her.
“Oh, I can’t wait to see it,” Rosie said, clapping her hands together before deflating slightly and adding, “I wish Mama could have gotten off work.”
“I know, Rosie,” I said, putting my arm around her shoulder. “You know she wishes she could have been there, too.”
“At least you came,” she said, brightening back up, the way only a child could.
“Of course I came. I wouldn’t miss your stage debut.”
I’d made sure she was in her house with the door locked, before I’d walked to the bus stop and gone home.
I was more of a morning person than a night owl, so I was dragging this morning.
Still, I made it to the garage on time as usual and clocked in cognizant of the fact that it was payday and I was sorely in need of funds.
“Morning,” I said, moving from the time clock to the coffee machine in the corner.
“Morning, Em,” Johnny replied, barely glancing up from the computer. “Boy, am I glad to see you. This spreadsheet is acting up on me again.”
I sighed and looked over my shoulder to see him hunched over the keyboard, picking at the keys with his pointer fingers, his jet-black hair falling down over his eyes.
Johnny was twenty-eight and had taken over the garage for his father, who’d decided it was time to retire just over a year ago. He was a good guy. Fair and hard-working, and devilishly handsome.
Benny had started working for Johnny’s father a few years ago, just before he’d started college, and he and Johnny had been friends ever since. I’m positive their shared history is the only reason Johnny hadn’t, justifiably, fired his ass.
I’d started working here helping out in the office soon after Benny had been kicked out of the frat house and moved back in with me.
“You know you’re not supposed to touch the spreadsheets,” I told him.
He always messed up the formulas.
“I have to on the days you’re off, Em. Or else the paperwork will get backed up,” Johnny said, using the same argument he always did.
“Since I always have to fix what you did when I come back, you may as well let it pile up and I’ll get to it when I return.”
I put some of the vanilla creamer in my coffee and turned to see him grinning at me.
“You look good, Em.”
My blood hummed a bit at the look. We’d dated briefly eight months ago, but things hadn
’t worked out and we’d agreed to remain friends. So although there was definitely an attraction there, I already knew we didn’t suit.
“Thanks,” I replied politely, before crossing to the desk and saying, “Now get up and let me fix the spreadsheet.”
Johnny got up and brushed past me, his six-two frame making the room seem to shrink.
I set my mug down and took the seat he’d just vacated.
When I realized he hadn’t walked out of the office and headed toward the bay, I glanced up.
“Do you think Crush will be in today?” he asked, and I could see the worry in his eyes.
God, my brother needs to get his act together.
“I hope so,” I said, not wanting to give him false hope. “Thanks for being so patient with him, Johnny, we both really appreciate it.”
“Is he doing better at least?” Johnny asked, proving once again he’s a stand-up guy.
I nodded.
“He really is … but, I think he still has a ways to go before he’ll be completely back to himself.”
Johnny moved closer and placed his hand on my shoulder before saying gently, “You know there’s a chance he’ll never be the same, right, Em?”
I swallowed a lump in my throat and said, “I refuse to believe that. He’s already put in the work, and given a little more time to heal, he’ll be Benny again.”
He watched me quietly for a minute, then lifted his chin and left me alone.
I sat there for a moment, thinking about what he said, and about my brother. I picked up my phone and shot a text to Bennet telling him to come by the garage today and put in some hours, then I glanced at the clock on the computer and sighed.
I only had an hour and a half to get some work done before my first class of the day.
Johnny wasn’t only a good boss to my brother, but to me as well. He let me split my shifts to work around not only my class schedule and Rosie, but my volunteer hours as well.
Really, if I could have fallen in love with him my life would probably be a lot easier, but he was too good of a guy to not have a woman who was one-hundred percent nuts for him and put him up on a pedestal.
Since I was not that woman, I’d figured the best thing for me to do for him was step back and be a good friend.
It wasn’t the easier road, but it was the right one.
Four
Brody
“Hey, bro,” Ridge said when I answered the phone.
I was driving, so his voice filled the car as it came through the speakers.
“Hey, what’s up?” I replied as I slowed to turn.
“I wanted to let you know I just came back from a council meeting and you’ve been selected to head the Community Chair, which means you’ll be in charge of organizing our Habitat for Humanity Build as well as any other charity events that come up.”
“Oh, cool, I didn’t realize that was happening today.”
“I had no idea you were even interested. I was floored when they read off your name,” Ridge said.
“Yeah. It was something Papi suggested and I thought it sounded fun.”
“Well, I’m proud of you, Brody, I know you’ll be great in the position.”
My heart warmed at his words, but of course I’d never tell him that.
When I didn’t say anything else, my brother asked, “What are you doing now? Want to grab a beer and celebrate?”
“I’m actually heading to meet Papi’s friend at the Big Brothers Big Sisters office building right now, but I’m definitely down for later,” I replied.
His surprise was almost palpable, even through the phone.
“Are you going to join?”
“Yeah, I think I will. I’ll see what Juan has to say and hopefully I’m a good fit.”
“Wow look at you,” Ridge said, his tone once more tinged with pride. “I’m sure you’ll be a big help and a great big brother to a deserving kid.”
“It’ll be nice to be able to boss someone around for once,” I joked. “I always wanted to be the big brother instead of the youngest.”
“It’s not all it’s cracked up to be … believe me,” he said dryly, and I knew he was thinking about how much he endured simply because he was the oldest.
“Well, I’m pulling in the lot now, but I’ll get with you later when I’m done. Want me to come by your place?” I asked.
Ridge and Karrie actually had an apartment in our complex, so it was easy for us to pop in and out of each other’s homes.
“Yeah, I’ll hit the store and make sure we’re stocked up.”
“Perfect … later.”
“Bye.”
I parked my Tesla in the space farthest away from every other car and winked at the kids who’d stopped what they were doing on the playground to stare at my sweet ride, mouths hanging open.
Once inside, I walked up to the desk and said, “I have a meeting with Juan.”
“Take a seat and we’ll let him know you’re here.”
I’d barely sat my ass in the chair when a tall dude with curly hair came over, his arm outstretched.
“Hey, Brody? I’m Juan, Hector’s friend.”
Hector was Papi’s real name.
“Hey, man, good to meet you. Thanks for making time for me,” I said, standing and shaking his offered hand.
“Come on back,” Juan said, walking slowly so I could fall into step with him.
We went into a modest office about three quarters of the way down the hallway. There were two small desks and shelves filled with binders lining the walls.
“Have a seat,” he said, gesturing to the small chair in front of the desk on the right, as he rounded the desk and sat behind it. “So, Brody, have you ever volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters before?”
I shook my head.
“That’s okay,” he assured me. “Today we’ll talk about what it means to be a big brother. Then, if you’re interested in going further, there are some tests, a background check, an interview, and other measures in place to ensure the safety of our kids. Once you’ve been vetted, you’ll be matched with a Little.”
“Oh,” I said lamely.
I don’t know why I thought I’d get to hang out with a kid right away. It made sense they’d need to make sure the people volunteering to be Bigs were legit.
“Yeah, it’s a process,” Juan said with an easy laugh. “But I promise, it’s all worth it. There’s nothing quite like mentoring these kids.”
I nodded, a little bummed I wouldn’t be throwing the football at the park later this afternoon, but not at all dissuaded by having to go through the process and wait.
“Great, let’s get started…”
After Juan explained about the program, I was able to get some paperwork filled out and find out where I needed to go for fingerprinting. So, although I knew it would take some time, I was excited to have gotten something accomplished today.
When I was a few feet away from my car, I heard a voice asked, “Hey, is that your ride?”
I glanced over to see a little boy, I’m guessing around ten or so, walking toward me wearing a school uniform, his black backpack slung over one shoulder.
“Yeah, it’s mine,” I replied with a grin.
“Whoa…”
“You like it?” I asked.
“Shit, yeah,” he replied, and I chuckled in response. “But, if you wanna keep it, I wouldn’t go bringing it around here. Unless you wanna walk back out to find it gone.”
I blinked at him in surprise.
“You think someone would take it?” I asked, looking around the area.
It looked harmless enough. Certainly not as bad as some of the streets in Chicago I’d been on.
“I know it,” he said.
He walked over to the Tesla and reached out like he couldn’t keep himself from touching it, but snatched his hand back before making contact.
“It’s okay. You can’t hurt it,” I assured him.
He looked at me closely, as if to make sure I wasn�
�t messing with him, before he placed his hand lovingly on the bumper.
“Antoine … get inside.”
Antoine dropped his hand like he’d been scalded and looked over at the woman standing outside the building with a guilty expression on his face.
“Nice to meet you, Antoine,” I said, but he was already hurrying across the parking lot.
I stayed to make sure he made it safely to the woman and then I slid behind the wheel and headed toward home.
Five
Emma
I marched into the coffee shop with a purpose.
Yes, I knew spending money on fancy coffee when I had a perfectly good pot at home was an expense I didn’t need to make. But, I figured every once in a while I deserved a treat, especially after the day I’d had.
Some days my workload was evenly distributed, and I felt like I had everything handled. Others, like today, I wondered if I was a glutton for punishment.
I’d had another split shift in the garage, sandwiched by classes and a shift at the food bank.
I was going for my undergrad in Social Work and hoped to one day continue on for my Master’s, so I spent a lot of my free time volunteering, working in the community, and doing whatever I could to prepare myself for graduation.
Next semester I’d begin my field education and I wanted to be a great candidate for internships, so I could hopefully slide right into a paid position after college.
“Emma?”
I turned, silently cursing the interruption, which was sure to keep me from my goal, and smiled when I saw Karrie coming toward me.
“I thought that was you,” she added before I could say hello. “I’m glad I’m not the only person who craves coffee at night.”
I gave a light laugh and replied, “I pretty much crave coffee twenty-four seven.”
“Me too,” she said, nodding and making her blonde curls bounce. “How have you been?”
We both stepped up to the counter as I replied, “Busy. But good … you?”
“We’ve been busy too,” Karrie replied, speaking of her and her boyfriend, Ridge.
Frat House Confessions: Brody Page 2