Chapter 20 We Make A Good Team #2
“Yeah,” Tanner says, his face twisting with a little confusion as he looks back over his shoulder. “Are you good?”
“Yeah, great,” I say, trying to slow down so it doesn’t look like I’m running away uncomfortably as I make a beeline for the hall bathroom.
Closing the door behind me, I begin to pace the small space. I need to get it together. I’m living with this man. Just because he’s absolutely incredible with my brother doesn’t mean I need to melt for him. Plenty of people are great with Cody, and I’m not swooning over them.
A couple months ago, I could barely tolerate him. Nothing has changed. Just because he’s a little nerdy and sweet doesn’t mean he’s not a fuck boy. I’m being blinded by my love for my brother…that’s what this is. I take a few deep breaths, calm myself, and then pull my hair up into a ponytail.
Feeling a little less crazy, I walk out of the bathroom, and my eyes immediately land on Tanner. He’s leaning over my brother, and they’re looking at something on his iPad.
I clear my throat, “Y’all ready to start the movie?” I ask, sitting down on the sofa.
“Let’s do it,” Tanner says. His eyes shift between the leather recliner and the cushion next to me.
Please pick the recliner. For the love of god, please do not sit next to me.
He struts over and plops down to my left.
Shit.
I start the movie and try to relax, but I can’t. He’s sitting so close that I can smell his cologne. He laughs at something in the movie, and my stomach bottoms out again. It’s official. These feelings are insane, and I should be committed.
He shifts, spreading his legs a little, and his thigh touches mine. My gaze shifts toward him, and he’s locked in on the movie. This is all in my head. That was an accident. I move over a cushion and curl my legs up underneath me, trying to focus on the movie and my brother.
After thirty minutes, Cody looks like he’s beginning to nod off. “You ready for bed, bud?” I ask.
He begins swiping on the screen, and then after a few seconds a “Yes” comes through the device speakers.
“I’m just going to get him ready for bed, and then I’ll be back,” I say, pausing the movie.
“Do you need help?” Tanner asks.
“Maybe when I’m ready to get him into bed, but I can handle the rest.”
“Just holler,” Tanner says.
Cody begins to type again, and I wait for him to finish before helping him move his wheelchair towards his room.
“I like you you should date my sister,” he says as I press down on his chair’s joystick to move him forward. Tanner coughs out a laugh, and I groan.
“Seriously, dude?” I mutter.
His shoulders shake as a loud cackle erupts from him, and if I didn’t love him so much, I’d kill him.
I help my brother through his night routine, and when we’re finished, and he’s safely sitting in his chair, I call for Tanner.
“I’ve never lifted anyone,” he says, walking into Cody’s room.
“It’s okay. I’ll walk you through it.”
His eyes scan the space and land on Cody’s Funko Pop! collection. “Are these all yours?” he asks.
Cody nods.
“These are sick dude.” He explores the collection for a few minutes. “There’s not a Thor one,” he points out.
“Oh. Is there not?” I ask, shrugging. “I’ve never noticed.”
“I don’t see one.”
He continues to peruse the collection and then pauses in front of a canvas hanging on the wall. “This is a cool painting,” he says. I swallow hard as he studies it.
“Is that you?” he asks while looking over his shoulder toward my brother and pointing at a redheaded boy in the middle of the painting dressed like a superhero.
Cody nods.
I feel myself blush. Tanner doesn’t know I painted it, but it’s my favorite thing I’ve ever created.
“So then that must be me,” Tanner says, pointing to Thor.
Cody begins laughing, and I can’t help but join in.
“Alright, that’s enough, you two. It’s time for bed,” I say. Tanner joins me next to Cody, and with his help and my instructions, we lift my brother safely into his bed. I tuck the covers tight around him the way I know he likes and place a kiss on his forehead.
“Night, Cody. It was nice to meet you, man,” Tanner says, walking towards the door.
“Night, bud. I love you.”
Cody signs, “I love you,” with his left hand and then closes his eyes.
“Thanks for your help,” I say as we walk out of the room, turning off the lights and closing the door softly.
“I keep trying to tell you we make a good team,” he says. “Just wish you’d believe me.”
I stop in my tracks, not sure how to respond. My eyes find his, and then we both begin to move down the hall.
“Do your parents lift him?” he asks.
“Yeah. Well them or one of his caregivers. He had a lift, but it’s broken, and last I heard, the insurance company denied the claim for a new one.”
“That’s terrible.”
“Yeah, well. That’s insurance for you.” I shake my head. Tanner’s eyes dance with an idea. “What’s that look?”
“Nothing,” he says. “How much do lifts cost?”
“I’m not answering that question because the only reason you would need to know that is if you were going to purchase one.”
He chuckles, and the butterflies swoop. Something deep down tells me he’s not going to listen to me, and while I would never expect him to help, I know a new lift would be life-changing for my family.