Chapter 5 #2
He grins just a bit. “I am. Never been happier, actually. When I think back over my time with Whitney, I can see a difference. Not just in the relationship itself, but how I feel. I’d like to think a part of the demise in my first big relationship was the distance.
I know it wasn’t easy on either of us. The miles and the separation took a toll.
But that doesn’t warrant cheating. If you’re unhappy, then break up.
I wouldn’t even have cared if it was in a fucking email, you know?
But don’t go on with your life with someone else, all while stringing me along and letting me think we were still happily together. ”
He wipes his mouth with a bar napkin. “Anyway, now, I just feel…settled. I guess that’s the only way to describe it.
I’m relaxed, and you know that’s huge for me.
I’m never relaxed,” he says with a snicker.
“But everything with Lizzie feels right. Easy. Like we’ve been together for years, not months.
She’s the best part of my day, man. The best part.
I can’t wait to get back to town after a shift, and not because I’m anxious to get to bed.
I can’t wait to see her, even if just for a bit. ”
I find my own smile spread across my face. “I’m happy for you, Collin. Truly. I like Lizzie, and if you were to take the next step, I know our entire family would be behind you.”
“Thanks,” he says softly. “I don’t know if we’re there yet, but it feels like it’s moving in that direction. I stay with her upstairs on nights either of us work, and if we’re off, we’re at my place.”
“Sounds like you’re practically already living together,” I state, taking another slice of pizza.
“Pretty much, but I guess it’s considered unofficial. Making it official would be…big.”
“It would be,” I confirm. “But if anyone is ready for that next step, it’s you.”
He nods, seeming to consider my words. After a bit of silence, where we both turn our attention to the car show playing on the TV, he asks, “Did Wyatt call you about Saturday?”
“I got a text from him earlier this morning. Sounds like a good time.”
Collin nods.
“You gonna be able to go?”
“For a little bit. Lizzie and I are both working Saturday night, so we’ll go for a bit in the afternoon for the fish fry part. We’ll have to skip the bonfire.”
I nod. “I hope we’re done by noon this Saturday, but it might be midafternoon before I can get there.”
“Take the overtime while you can,” Collin says, and the conversation quickly turns to work.
Before I know it, the pizza’s gone and the owner of this fine establishment is returning from her little lunch and shopping soiree. “Hey,” she hollers when she enters through the back entrance and sees us both.
“Hey, baby,” my brother coos, his entire demeanor changing at the drop of a hat. He instantly smiles and moves toward her, taking the bag from her hand and pressing his lips to hers.
A ping of something I don’t like swirls in my gut.
I’ve never been a jealous man, but watching my brother—my twin—with Lizzie causes the ugly green monster to stir.
Not because I want Lizzie, mind you. Because he has something special, something I’ve secretly longed for my entire life.
Ever since I was old enough to notice the relationship my parents have.
The kisses hello when he’d get home from work, the way he’d touch her hand when he was helping her in the kitchen, him watching her walk away with a hint of a smile on his lips, as if he still couldn’t believe she was his after all these years.
“Hi, Cade,” Lizzie says as she approaches, a warm smile on her face.
“Lizard. What’d you buy me?” I ask, referring to the large bag my brother sets on the bar.
“Books!” she proclaims, her green eyes sparkling with excitement and energy.
“Eww,” I grumble, fake shivering to punctuate my point.
She rolls her eyes and dives into the bag, pulling out book after book.
“Jeez, Lizard, did you leave any books at the store?”
“Nope,” she smarts off, placing them in stacks in front of her. “I got my top five Tbrs in each of three categories I enjoy reading.”
I glance at my twin. “Tbrs?” I mutter, earning a shrug from him.
“To be read. Stay with me, Cade. Anyway, I picked out my top five in contemporary romance, autobiography, and true crime.”
My eyebrows shoot up. “That’s quite the variety. Romance and true crime? Remind me to always stay on your good side.”
With a pointed look, she replies, “You’d do well to remember that, mister.”
“What did I miss?” Charli asks, slipping out of the restroom and joining us at the bar. “I had to pee so dang bad. Oh, I can’t wait to hear which one you read first.” She jumps from topic to topic so effortlessly, it’s hard to keep up with our sister at times.
“I think I’m going with this one,” Lizzie announces, handing over the hardback book she plans to read. “I think it’ll be perfect for the next book club.”
“Definitely! And I love the fact Vivian is going to make sure she has plenty of copies in stock of whichever book you want to read and discuss next.”
“I don’t understand. Why do you need a club to read books?” I ask, reaching for the closest stack and checking out the covers.
“Wouldn’t you like a group to share and talk about your favorite hobby?” Charli asks.
I shrug and slide the romance books back toward them. “Believe it or not, guys over the age of twenty don’t usually sit around and talk about sex.”
That comment earns me two sets of eye rolls and a snicker from my brother.
“You’re gross,” my sister argues.
“Why? Because sex is my favorite hobby? Sister, if it isn’t yours, they’re doing it wrong.” Realization hits me. “You know what? Never mind. You’re not allowed to have sex.”
“Oh my God,” she grumbles. “I’m not sixteen.”
“Still. Let’s just pretend you don’t have sex. Ever,” I mutter, taking a drink of my Pepsi with a splash of cherry and suddenly wishing it had some Jack in it.
“Oh, I have sex,” she sings.
“All right, friends, let’s change the subject before this turns into some family brawl worthy of The Jerry Springer Show. I’m gonna run these books upstairs, and then I’ll be back,” Lizzie informs us, placing another kiss on my twin’s lips before rebagging the books and taking them away.
“How was lunch?” I ask when my sister plops down beside me.
“Good,” she states, lifting the lid on the empty pizza box. “How was yours?”
“Mario makes the best pies,” I confirm.
“He does.”
Before I can even stop myself, I casually ask, “So, just you and Lizzie go?”
She slowly turns my way, and the look on her face lets me know she’s not buying what I’m selling. “Just ask instead of beating around the bush.”
“Just making conversation,” I mumble, taking another drink of my Pepsi.
Charli huffs out a deep breath. “You know Allison and Oaklee were there too or you wouldn’t be asking.
“How are they?”
My sister laughs. She actually laughs in my face. “What you really want to know is how Oaklee is doing, and I’m not going to give it to you. If you want to know, ask her.”
“Maybe I will.”
“Good,” she counters.
I don’t say anything else, just turn my attention to the TV.
Cade gets Charli a drink, and before we know it, the regulars are showing up for their afternoon of hanging out, enjoying a drink, and watching TV.
Of course, there’s a lot of gossiping going on down on that end of the bar, but I don’t pay them much attention.
My mind is focused on Oaklee.
On the fact there was something in my sister’s tone I can’t quite put my finger on.
I’m not sure what it means, but I do hope I run into the beautiful Oaklee sometime again soon.
Turns out, it’s the best part of my day.