What the fuck, Dylan? Where did that come from?
“I think she’s great and obviously in love with Joel, so why would I worry?” Gemma pauses and then adds, “Should I be worried?”
I can hear her trying to hide the panic in her voice.Why am I putting her through this when it’s not really an issue?
“Of course not; like you said, she’s in love with Joel.”
She’s silent for too long, and I realize my mistake.Shit, wrong answer. Try again.
“But more importantly, I don’t look at her that way.”But, according to Joel…nope, I don’t.“She’s like a sister.”She’s definitely NOT like a sister.
Gemma breathes a sigh of relief as I inwardly curse myself. I have issues. I had an easy opening to correct a simple lapse in judgment, and instead, I dug a massive hole.Good one, Dylan.I’m being stupid. I have a great girl who likes me, who I like. I shouldn’t,couldn’t,screw it up because someone else suddenly piqued my interest. It was a fun night, but that’s it.
Gemma moves our discussion to other topics, helping me to remember how easy it is between us. When we eventually make plans to see each other the following day, I know that forgetting Summer is the best andonlyoption for me.
Chapter Five
Dylan
Practiceisbrutaloverthe next few weeks, and with studying on top of it, I’m a walking zombie. For some stupid reason, I decided to load myself up with subjects this summer term, and boy am I feeling it now. I want to enjoy some free time and sunshine, and that’s not happening enough at the moment.
My frustration carries over, unfortunately, and I’m slow in the locker room today, making me the last one on the field. In my rush to catch up, I don’t notice the familiar face in the crowd until I’m hot, sweaty, and ready to pass out.
“You missed an easy catch out there,” Lucy yells from the stands. “You suck, Mathers.”
I laugh, jumping the fence to meet my sister and engulf her in the biggest, sweatiest hug I can. “Ew, gross. Get off me,” she shrieks and pushes me away, running her fingers through the long, thick, dark-brown hair that she got from our mom. It’s the only thing that differentiates us; our eyes and skin tone are the same.
“Luce, we’ve missed you,” Luke yells up from the grass. “Please tell me you’ve dumped that grumpy bastard, and you’re single?”
“Never going to happen for you, Luke!” I yell back, not waiting for Lucy to respond. In truth, though, Luke is actually a much better option than her boyfriend, and that’s saying a lot. And he isn’t wrong; her man is grumpy. If I ever find out he’s even so much as raised his voice to Lucy I’ll…I don’t know, I’m not a fighter. But I’ll do something. No one messes with my big sis.
“Listen to Dylan, Luke. Even if I was single, I’m too good for you,” Lucy jokes. She’s actually telling the truth, but it’s all in good fun. And if we were to sit and assess all of Lucy’s past boyfriends, I’d say that “not good enough” is exactly her type.
Lucy waits for me as I change, and then we head out for brunch before I have to get back for my afternoon class.
We’re sitting in a candy-striped booth at our favorite diner. I don’t even bother picking up a menu, already knowing what I’ll order. Pancakes and bacon, an after-practice treat. I normally don’t eat anything that unhealthy, but the smell of bacon wafting from the kitchen is too good to resist.
“What brings you to campus?” I ask, not that I’m unhappy to see her, but she usually lets me know before she visits.
“Can’t a gal just visit her little bro because she misses him?”
“Sure, a gal can do that, but you don’t,” I call her on her bullshit.
“You got me there. I’m too busy for that shit.”
“That shit being to visit because you miss me?” I deadpan, making sure she knows I’m joking. She’s not lying about being busy. I shouldn’t be giving her a rough time, but what can I say—I’m her brother; it’s what I do.
“Exactly,” she says, making me laugh. “But the real reason I’m here is because we need to plan Mom’s birthday. She’s the big five-oh this year.” She smiles apologetically when I cringe at her words, and my smile drops from my face.
I love my mom. I do. We’ve just had less of a relationship since Dad died. I completely understand why; I look exactly like him, I play football, and I’m a part of the reason he died, so…I’d hate me too. In fact, we have that in common. But Luce tells me that her relationship with Mom isn’t all sunshine and roses either, so maybe I’m wrong. Whatever the case may be, I am not looking forward to planning her party.
The waitress arrives then, interrupting my internal whine, and once we’ve ordered, Lucy fills me in on all of my duties for the party, which thankfully isn’t much.
“How’s Nicole?” she suddenly asks, shifting the conversation, and I almost spit out the drink I’d just sipped.
What the fuck?I stare at her in horror until she bursts out laughing at my expression.
“I’m kidding. Come on, you’re too easy to tease. How’s Gemma?” she asks, her focus on me as she rests her elbow on the table, her chin poised on the palm of her hand. Lucy is the picture of casual as she dives into my personal life like it’s nothing.