His words hit me in the solar plexus. I vividly remember him as a little boy. I’ll always see him as a boy. Which is probably why I snap, “Yeah, and your bones are as breakable as any other grown man’s. The answer is no.”
He finds the list on the fridge as I carry our plates to the sink. “Well, am I allowed to pull a box out of the attic for you?” He holds up the paper. “And change the batteries in the smoke detectors?”
“Both of those require a ladder.” I gnaw on my bottom lip, aware I’m being ridiculous.
“Worst-case scenario, I sprain something. Besides, weren’t you going to be the one up on the ladder? How’s that safe?”
I hate when he makes a good point.
“Promise me you won’t climb on top of the roof,” I say as he folds the list and tucks it into his pocket.
He makes a scout’s honor sign while rolling his eyes.
I shouldn’t smile, but I can’t help myself. My brother is an adult. And he’s taking care of me for a change. He’s grown into such a good person, I’m tempted to get misty-eyed over it, but I resist.
As I gather my purse and keys, I can’t help thanking him. He shrugs off my gratitude, but I can feel how much he appreciates it when he hugs me goodbye.
* * *
Benji
At a somewhat spontaneous Owen family gathering, on the balcony at the back of our parents’ house, I admire the trees and the lush green grass in the backyard. Mom’s roses have started blooming. Soon the entire garden will be filled with their sweet, unique fragrance.
“Thinking of a special someone you’d like to make a bouquet for?” Vivian lowers onto a cushioned chair next to mine. “Your dad and Nate sent me to inform you they’re smoking a cigar in celebration of Nate’s latest project.”
“I thought you were Nate’s latest project.” I slide her a smile.
“You have that backwards, buddy.”
“You don’t have to tell me. I grew up with him.” I’d ask her if she gave Archer this much crap about the mysterious woman he met at the fundraiser, but I was witness at the dinner table tonight where she did just that.
So, tell us more about the feisty brunette who wants you to make her famous.
Archer, predictably, was not rattled by her prodding. He sipped his scotch and answered, “I know about the bet, and I’m not giving you anything.”
Our money’s held up until he lets down his guard.
William and Nate asked a few follow-up questions, but they were business related. Arch ducked and dodged like a practiced politician.
“Before you smoke with them, will you level with me?” The teasing quality is gone, and now I’m facing a sterner version of Vivian. “About Cris, I mean. How is she?”
“I thought you two talked all the time,” I hedge, not sure what she’s asking.
“I’m trying to be respectful and mind my own business.”
“Present moment excluded?”
“I like you, Benji. Don’t make me change my mind.”
I laugh at her signature sass, but she doesn’t laugh with me. Her mouth is tight at the corners like she’s legitimately concerned.
I lean forward in the chair and prop my elbows on my knees, considering her question. “How is Cris? She’s…Cris.”
“So she’s adorable, accommodating, reliable.”
“And a lot of other adjectives I won’t share aloud.” Like hot. Sexy. Sensual. Insatiable. Surprising.
“And how are you with everything?”