kaceyburnvillerp-blog - Tumblr blog

kaceyburnvillerp-blog · 8 years ago

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oh brother...

“Jane! Enough!,” I scooched her out of my office for what I hoped was the last time before my brother Kevin arrived. She was trying to be helpful, but I wasn't entirely sure Kevin would want to get lunch, or dinner, or whatever when he arrived - and I definitely didn't know when he would arrive - he'd said “11:00” but that could mean anytime between then and 2:00. Her constant asking about our plans only made me more anxious as I waited.

Kevin had called a couple days before to ask if I'd want to “grab a bite” while he was in town. He'd been away so often recently with his new work since graduation - his internship with New Orleans Petroleum. Now he had a junior engineering position after he finished his graduate degree last spring and my mom couldn't stop talking about his trips to Dubai, to “Sow-dee”, and “even Canada!”. I wasn't exactly sure what Kevin did but I'm sure it was important and he sounded happy. Mike only asked me if I needed reservations made anywhere - but when I told him about Kevin’s lack of planning when it came to running on time...well, he narrowly missed the pillow I tossed at him when he asked something about whether it was “genetic”. Kevin knew I'd moved in with Mike - he got that much from my mother, of course. But I'm pretty sure he didn't know much else. And by “much else,” I meant the 26 other “else's” separating Mike and me. Kevin was only 6 years younger than me, but he'd spent the last few “looking after” me like only a good, young southern man would towards his sister. Or so that's what he told my mother. The truth was - from what I could tell - was that he spent a lot of his time giving me a hard time about not getting him a brother-in-law to hang out with with Dad and Paul (Kevin’s best friend since high school). Kevin didn't go hunting with Dad, that was something only Uncle Bill did, but he, Paul, and Dad did enjoy watching football or baseball - or anything else they could drink beer and yell at all together. Adding another leading man into the mix seemed only logical by most southern social standards. In my opinion, I thought Kevin needed his own partner to keep him in line and to worry way less about me. But southern women were never in a hurry to marry off their sons. Just their daughters. Sigh. Reason enough to elope in my opinion. But I had plenty of time to worry about that.

The truth though, was that I was crazy excited to see Kevin. I missed him. I miss the mess we made together and the trouble we always seemed to get into and how we could drive our mother crazy in ways only we knew how - and only our Dad could reign in. I wanted him to meet Mike. I wanted Mike to love him and him to love Mike. I really just wanted him to be happy for me - and I knew he would once he got to know Mike. But mostly...I just wanted his ass to show up on time!

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I hadn't seen Kace since before Christmas. It wasn't my fault or hers - just work. I loved it though. But the time passed by so fast and I always felt like I was missing something. Which is exactly why I was happy to have the next few weeks back in town to see my family and meet up with Paul and some of the other guys. Watching the Super Bowl in Canada was bull shit - let me tell you.

But apparently I'd really missed something because Mom wouldn't shut up about Kacey and some guy named Mike. Well, yeah, she would, but only after Dad gave her the “Beth…” we all knew meant “shut up unless you have something nice to say”. At which point Mom would usually say something like, “Well I'm sure she's happy, that's what matters.” and I knew damn well that was not what mattered to Mom. As much as I found it hilarious that something Kacey was up to was driving Mom crazy - it was about time it wasn't me - I was, despite Dad’s shrug of “she knows what she's doing,” worried for my sis. I didn't want some guy giving her hell or taking advantage of her. She was smart but could be pretty naive when it came to men. We weren't exactly the most...considerate...things, if you know what I mean. And she'd already moved in with this guy. I mean, if she had nothing to hide, she'd have told me more about him herself, right? Oh well. I'd meet his ass soon enough.

Truth? Half of me wanted to be the tough brother who made his life hell if he didn't seem up to the job of taking care of her like she deserved. The other half was hoping I might soon have a brother-in-law to be proud of and I just wanted to see she was happy. Although that last bit was getting less likely...it was already 12:30 and she didn't even know I'd be staying with her tonight. Yet.

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Kacey hadn’t really mentioned her brother too often. At least not before we reconnected and she moved in with me. It was fun seeing her get so excited when she found out that he was coming to town though. I had the feeling that they were quite a force to be reckoned with when they were growing up and wished I had known to ask her Dad about him when we got together.

Now, I was on my way to meet Kacey at her office so we could go to lunch with Kevin. She was nervous about when he might actually show up, so I made a point of taking a half day and heading over early. I wanted to hopefully keep her from losing her mind as she waited. I also had a feeling that Kevin had no clue about our age difference. Better to see his face and his honest opinion than show up later after Kacey filled him in. No sense in giving him a chance to mask how he felt, right?

The drive wasn’t too long and, before I knew it, I was pulling up at her school. Since I figured I might be “on display” for some of her coworkers as well as her brother, I made sure to dress accordingly. One of her favorite shirts and my darkest jeans. At least when she saw me, I knew I’d get a smile.

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I had to shut the door so I could cry alone. One of our students who’d been waiting for a kidney had gotten a call early this morning and was rushed to the hospital hoping for a transplant - and we all were so excited for her and with her family - only to learn just now that it didn't go through. She'd been placed back on the list. Amazing kid. Years ahead in her ability - and a good thing too because she missed so much school going to dialysis so frequently. She'd spent many afternoons in my office or with the nurse just resting while reading or trying to finish her class work. I wanted to take her home and fix everything. I wanted to give her mom a hug. Some things we just can't fix.

It was right around this time Mike arrived. What a mess to walk into. Jane was a mess, Kelli in attendance was a mess, even the school nurse was out of her office just trying to hold it together with Jane out front. It wasn't even that it was so awful to be honest - I mean it was - obviously - but it was the high of the morning coupled with the loss this afternoon and knowing how dear Maya was to all of us and how tired she was of fighting this.

There was a soft knock at my door and Jane stuck her head in. She'd stopped crying, but it was clear in her eyes it was just waiting to roll down again. “There's someone here for you,” she said quietly, and handed me a tissue just before walking out again. Oh god...in the buzz of everything in the last hour I'd totally forgotten! And I wasn't sure if she meant Kevin or Mike...what a mess.

I walked out and saw Mike’s face filled with concern and coupled with a bit of confusion. I couldn't help it. I didn't have the words at the moment, so I just walked up and wrapped my arms around his waist while he held me tight and stroked my hair. “Darlin’, what's wrong?,” he asked quietly. I didn't want him over worried, so I started to explain. Just as I told him about Maya losing the kidney, Jane came up with more tissues for me and asked if she could get “you and your friend” anything. Leave it to Jane to make herself helpful and nosey all at the same time. I laughed, slightly, and for the first time in the last couple of hours. I stood up on my toes and gave Mike a kiss before taking his hand and walking him through the office to introduce him to everyone. Most knew I'd recently moved. Jane knew I was living with Mike, and she was convinced we’d have a summer wedding followed by a summer baby - typical for teachers. I had to remind her I worked year-round on more than one occasion - to which she always replied, “then even sooner!”

Mike was, well, handsome...calm, perfect - as expected. He was quiet, genuinely concerned and conciliatory, and happy to just listen as I shared everything with him while the others offered their own support and stories. Soon we were all smiling and quietly enjoying the friendly company together. That’s when Kevin finally showed up.

As bright as day and as loud as a whip - he walked in and before I could turn to see what Jane was making that face for, I was already being picked up and spun around. To his credit, as soon as Kevin saw my eyes...and face...and finally picked up on the tone of the room, he knocked it down a notch and just went with “Hi, everyone. Hey, Kace. What's wrong? D’you miss me that much?” - always trying to get a smile. And he did. Slightly. “Not quite. I’ll explain later.” Kevin just nodded and waved slightly in the direction of the office staff as he hung back a bit and stepped out in the hall. I took Mike’s hand and let him know I wanted to grab my things and freshen up - but before I walked away...well, I had an introduction to make. I hoped Mike could see in my face how wrung out I was though. I just squeezed his hand tightly and looked up to him for his leading as we walked out of the office and up to Kevin. “Kevin?,” I called, waiting for him to turn around from whatever poster he was busy “reading.”

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Well, fuck. I had no clue I was walking into some sort of funeral - and shit, it may have been one for all I knew. I was just so excited to see her that I couldn't help it. And I've only seen her in her office maybe once or twice - and not really since she took this job. She was totally in her element though. It was funny - if you asked most people who she grew up around - Kacey hated little kids. She was great with them. But she just hated being around them. Maybe that's ‘cause the ones we were often around were our little cousins and they were little shits. I mean, so were we, but…

I turned when I heard my name and there she was. When I saw her, I always saw her as the sister who made me put on mud pie parades and who taught me to climb the fence but then blamed me when we got caught. I loved her. But who was this? Nah…this couldn't be - but there he was, walking out holding her hand, his arm around her and guiding her out the door. Holy shit…

“Hey Kace, man, I’m sorry,” I started, then turned and held my hand out to the guy she walked out with, “Hey, how are you?”

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The last thing I expected to walk into was an office in tears. Yet another reason I was glad I got there early. They seemed to be a close knit group which helped as they comforted one another. Brandee would have been much more helpful here than I was. My focus was on Kacey of course. I suspected tonight would be another pampering session and an early night. Not that I would complain. Making her happy made me happy. Who knew?

Then her brother arrived like a sudden summer storm. Luckily, like those storms, he simmered down quickly once he realized what he walked into. He looked like her. Same twinkle in his eye. Same smile. Until he got a better look at me. He recovered quickly, and I had a feeling Kacey was still out of sorts enough not to notice.

I smiled and extended my hand. “Nice to finally meet you. I'm Mike.” I shook his hand. Nice firm grip. He might have been younger, but I could pick up on how protective he was. I appreciated it.

“Sweetheart, why don't you get your things? Kevin and I will wait for you here.” I turned and kissed her on the forehead before giving her a reassuring smile. “Take your time.”

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Well hell.

Honest to god, my first thought was that I could literally get away with anything now and still not piss our mom off as much as this must. But that was fleeting because he was legit. You know how sometimes you can just tell? Yeah. Like that. He focused on her like...honest it made me wonder what that was like. No woman had ever caught me like whatever Kacey had done to Mike. (And yeah, I am a little proud of that...for now.)

“Hey Mike, yeah, nice to meet you.” I watched as Kace went back in her office and the other women peeked out through the blinds at us in the hallway. Nah, let me correct that...as the other women peeked out at Mike in the hallway. You could hear the metal blinds snap against the window when one of them noticed me and got caught staring for a second. To be fair, I waved and that must have scared the crap out of her. Mike turned, I’m assuming he expected Kacey back already - either he hadn't been around to see how long she could take or she somehow had gotten better at getting her shit together - but nope, it was whichever one of them seemed most interested in Mike. “I think you have a fan club,” I said as I nodded towards the office. He just turned away from them and shook his head. “So, you guys have any idea what you want to do for lunch?” Straight to the point, right? I mean, what else did I have to work with?

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Once my face was slightly less a mess and I'd managed to get some of the redness out of my eyes, I grabbed my laptop and bag, headed out for the day, and told Jane to keep me posted on Maya should anything change. I warned her I might not be in tomorrow - and may work from home. Or come in late at the very least. I wanted to drop in on Maya at the hospital and see her mother and I wanted to take some time off with my brother and Mike.

I caught them through the window and could see Kevin was lost. He had the same look on his face as when he'd come home from school and mom or dad would ask him about his classes - no clue what to say because he had nothing to work with. While I loved seeing him squirm awkwardly, nothing about that moment must have been comfortable for Mike. Ugh. Of all days...this was the sort where I just wanted to have Mike drop me by the hospital with some flowers and then take me home and put me to bed. Maybe curl up with an old movie together.

Not happening. But it was for the best, I think. It can't always be easy. What would be easy would be choosing somewhere to eat though - I had one thing in mind…

“Hey guys,” I said as I walked out and slipped my hand back in Mike’s with a squeeze, “how about we just pick something up and bring it back to our place? I'm in the mood for something simple. That ok?”

I looked to Kevin then to Mike, both seemed to look at the other, neither wanting to overstep. I ran my thumb along the inside of Mike’s palm, knowing he'd understand I wanted him to decide.

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Shaking my head at the thought of Kacey's coworkers being any sort of fan club, I chose not to acknowledge or possibly embarrass the women peeking through the blinds. Curiosity was a perfectly natural response to...visitors. And Kevin had caused a bit of a commotion with his boisterous entrance. So he shared the responsibility for the “fan club” as much as I did.

Before I could answer him, Kacey was back at my side, her hand fitting perfectly in mine. I squeezed back and tugged her even closer. What I really wanted to do was pulled her into my arms and just hold her. Then carry her out to the car and take her home. That wasn't in the cards unfortunately. But her suggestion about picking up food and bringing it home worked.

“Takeout sounds like a great idea. Do you want your favorite tortilla soup from the Mexican place or should we grab Chinese?” I didn't mean to ignore what Kevin might want, not really. I was more concerned with getting something that would make Kacey feel better instead of worse. I still needed to figure out her go to comfort foods.

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“Soup. Soup and tamales.” I was tired, and I knew he knew it. I couldn’t be more thankful for this man. I slipped my arm around his waist and looked up at him, “Would you mind going to pick it up? I think I’m going to head home first and take a quick shower,” I looked over to Kevin and asked, “Do you want to go with Mike and pick something out? Or?” I figured he was old enough to figure out what he wanted - and I didn’t feel rude expecting him to give me a bit of time to myself to sort my thoughts after the up and down of the last few hours. I wanted to be fresh - physically, mentally, and emotionally. I knew Mike understood me well enough to sense it.

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“Sure, no problem.” Man, she looked terrible for a moment. No, not terrible. Tired. It made me miss her a hundred times more than I knew I did. It was always so easy to give her a hard time, but now that we were adults, it was harder to “forget” how wonderful she was as a person. I could tell from the way he looked after her just in the minutes we stood there that Mike knew what he had with her.

He was old as shit, though.

I mean, not in a bad way. But he had to be as old as our Dad. No wonder Mom flipped...shit Kace, I’m impressed. But he seemed younger in just how he was with her. Maybe she just made him look young. I don’t know. I decided then that I liked the guy. He was good to her, I could tell. And he must be used to putting up with her shit, so kudos to him. I don’t know, he just seemed sort of like the older guys I worked with who I could still give a hard time and have a beer with but who knew way more shit about the work than I did but didn’t act like it, you know? At least he didn’t dress like those assholes though. I could have a beer with Mike and not be embarrassed by his bull shit pleated pants.

“Mike, you want to drive - or should I follow you? Kacey can take herself home,” I caught myself and looked to her, “unless you want one of us to drop you off? Y’all tell me.” This wasn’t my circus.

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I hugged her to me.”Darlin’, did you forget I dropped you off? Since we were going out to lunch with Kevin we decided it made more sense.” Her eyes widened briefly and she gave me that “please forget whatever I just said since I clearly lost my mind or wasn’t thinking” look. I kissed her forehead and handed her my keys. “As long as you feel like you can drive, you can take my car. Let me have your keys so I can let us in after we pick up the food. I’m sure Kevin won’t mind driving, right?” I looked to her brother with a smile. “Course. No problem.” Kacey dug her keys out of her purse and handed them to me with a whispered “thank you” only I could hear. After saying our goodbyes to the so-called fan club, we walked Kacey over to my car. I held the door open and leaned in to kiss her before closing the driver’s side door. “I love you, darlin’. See you in a little bit.” We stood there and watched her pull away before I turned to Kevin. “The restaurant’s not far.”

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I shut the door behind me and leaned against it. I hadn’t realised how tired I was until the day had come to an end...and it wasn’t even over yet. Debating what to do first, I decided to leave things as they were around the house because everything looked fine. I didn’t need to worry what Kevin thought. This is a guy who spent nights sharing apartments with men whose idea of “decor” included a BBQ pit for a kitchen and a stack of pallets for a coffee table.

I slipped my heels off and rather than leave them at the door, I picked them up and headed to the bedroom. Mike would be proud. I actually stood them up on one of the shelves he installed for all my shoes in the closet. I needed to just pull my hair back and touch up my cheeks and lip gloss after changing into a cute pair of sweats and a tank with a hoodie - something I knew Mike likes to see me in because he knows I’m comfortable.

After quickly checking the fridge and being glad I’d already stocked it with Mike’s favorite beer last weekend, I laid out some plates and cups. No ice. Yet. Now I just had to wait. The mirror in the hall gave me a chance to fluff my hair into a messy bun and pinch my cheeks before collapsing on the couch in the living room. I sent Mike a quick text, “Thank you. I’m comfy and all is ready. Love you.”

A passing thought of Maya popped in my head and I said a quick prayer for her and her family. I was so blessed. We all were. You just never know it. I picked my phone back up and distracted myself with looking at our pics from our getaway...Mike was right, I know it was just a couple weekends ago, but I wanted to run away with him again. It couldn’t come too soon.

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“So do we need to grab anything for drinks? Dessert?,” I asked after handing over the bags of dinner to Mike to hold onto while I drove. I put in the address he gave me and waited for an answer one way or the other. “No, your sister helps us stay well stocked on drinks and ice cream. We’re good.” Of course she did... I laughed, “Sounds right. Alright, let’s go.”

As we drove around towards their place, I pointed out some of the old places I used to know from when I got my undergrad. The Chimes was still there. Still looked like shit, probably still smelled like it too. Canes, too. Only it didn’t smell like shit. I guess. I hadn’t been there in a long time. Mike was easy to talk to, I appreciated that. Asked about work and seemed to know enough about the oil industry just from the area to understand what I did. Before I knew it, we were already at their place. It wasn’t until I saw it that I realised what the hell was really going on, you know? Until I saw him opening the door and the house and her stuff, his stuff - not some nice but small first apartment you know - but like a real house? My sister was all grown and settled. I liked that. I wonder if she invited Mom and Dad over yet? I may have to suggest that...to them. Ah shit, she would die. I loved it.

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Her text made me feel a little better about letting her go home alone.

Kevin was an entertaining tour guide as we headed home. Reminded me of one of my students. Not a bad thing. The look on his face when we pulled up was priceless. Not sure what she told him or what he expected. I was guessing our house wasn't it.

I couldn't help but smile when I saw her unfold herself from the couch. “Hey, Darlin’. Got your soup.” I stopped to steal a kiss and a whispered “I love you” before taking the food to the kitchen. “Why don't you give Kevin a tour while I set the food up?” I had a feeling he’d want a few minutes alone with her for some third degree now that we’d talked a bit.

She had everything set out for us. We worked well as a team. I figured Kevin and I would have beer, but I didn't want to assume she would. I wasn't sure how she was feeling. If she was as tired as I thought, beer might be the last thing she'd want. I got everything else ready and waited for them to return.

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I fought the urge to follow the smell of dinner into the kitchen. But I knew Mike would already have my bowl ready by the time we got back in a few minutes. In fact, knowing him, he was giving me a second alone with Kevin just so he could set things up for us. I only hoped he knew how much I appreciated all those little things. They added up.

I put my arm through Kevin’s and dragged him through the living room before he had a chance to grab the remote and park himself in front of our ridiculously large tv. I still have no idea why Mike has that thing considering how little tv we watch. I’m the only one who watched football when it was on. But he said it was nice for movies and I couldn’t disagree. I suppose it was nice for the few minutes I actually managed to stay awake on the couch with him.

“I want to show you the view from Mike’s office.” Besides our view from our bedroom, it was my favorite. “You can see the lake through the oaks. Mike’s promised me there are baby ducks out there each spring,” and before he could say anything - because I know Kevin, “and no, you don’t get to have any.” He couldn’t even hold his incredulous look longer than a second before his grin broke through and he laughed. “See? I know you.”

We wandered through a couple of the rooms upstairs, mostly Mike and I didn’t use them. The house was much bigger than we needed for the time being, but as Mike repeatedly told me: They don’t sell small homes in this area. Kevin and I were standing in one of the larger, more open rooms upstairs which for now, functioned mostly as a storage area for the furniture I hadn’t yet sold or passed along since moving in. I reached up above the french doors and found the key I knew would be there and led Kevin outside to the porch that wrapped around and connected to one of the upstairs bedrooms. Seeing his reaction to the sunset made me smile. It didn’t matter how old he was. He was always my baby brother. I joined him as he leaned over the railing and slipped his arm around my shoulders. He might be my baby brother, but he was definitely my “big” brother. When had he gotten so tall?

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“This place is gorgeous, Kace.” I wouldn’t tell her, but I was only a little more than jealous at the view. I knew the view from the other side of the lake, further away where the greek houses were, but they were nothing like this. Well, maybe some of the sorority houses. The ones with nice landscaping and those damn uncomfortable white painted iron benches - I was still convinced those existed only to keep us from sitting on them longer than the house mothers wanted us to. But I’d never been inside any of those. I also doubt Mike had a foosball table.

We enjoyed the quiet for a minute as we watched the sun drop down below the tree line across the lake - a rare quiet moment between us until I had to break it, of course, “So this is what being an adult is like, huh?”

She just laughed. But she had no idea. I think I was half-genuine. She seemed to have it figured out. I know as hell I didn't.

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While they wandered around, I plated up our food and put everyone’s plates on trays. I figured casual was best, and we’d probably end up in the living room anyway. Why not make everyone comfortable from the get go? It also meant I could sit closer to her and make sure she was really okay. I know she was happy to have Kevin here, but his timing was not the most ideal. Not his fault. I just wanted their visit to go well.

I was just placing the last of our trays on the coffee table when I heard them coming back from the porch. My tray and Kevin’s held beers. I hadn’t gotten her a drink yet. “How did the tour go? Have you decided that it’s acceptable for your sister to be here?” I laughed while trying to pick up on the current mood. I took his “It’ll do” for a yes when he grinned. “Glad to hear it. I kinda like having her around. I got us beers,” I said as I gestured to the trays. “Thought we’d be more comfortable in here. What would you like to drink, darlin’? Wasn’t sure if you’d want me to make you some tea or something else.”

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Kevin leaned in and took one of the beers and then pulled his keys out, bottle-opener at the ready. “Really, Kev?”, I said as I rolled my eyes just before I caught Mike smirking out of the corner of them.

“Hey, you never know, right? Came in handy,” he chuckled as he offered to open Mike’s beer. After a nod and a “thanks,” Mike looked back to me expectantly. “Oh! Um...water is fine. No ice, please. Thank you,” I smiled his way and leaned in for quick kiss.

Kevin had already made himself comfortable and was grabbing his food. I watched two of my favorite men as they went about being exactly who they were and sat back on the couch with a very satisfied smile. Perfect timing, Mike walked back in and picked up a throw off the chair next to me as he handed me my water and laid the blanket next to me on the couch.

The water was exactly what I needed - I was starting to have the inkling of a headache I knew now was because I was hungry and thirsty. I picked at my tamale a bit and took a small bite. Kevin was nearly finished his tamales already, and I could tell Mike was still waiting on me to dig in. I smiled as I held up my fork to him and he gave me a quick wink before he started on his own plate.

Once Kevin slowed down a bit, which only took a minute as he was nearly done already, I asked, “So, where are you staying for now? You're not driving back to New Orleans tonight are you?” I knew he had some friends to catch up with - but I couldn't imagine him crashing on a couch for a week while he got settled on his own. I've seen his friends’ places. They don't have the sort of couches you want to sleep on. I don't even know if I'd sit on some of them.

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Kace was pushing half a tamale my way and there's no way I was taking it. She hadn't even touched her soup and by the way Mike was looking after her, I wasn't going to be her reason for not eating enough. I admired the guy. You could see it in how he looked at her. He loved her. Genuinely. I'd gone from wanting to hold him to a standard to realizing he may be one himself. I don't know, though. I not only had very little time with work to date, the sort of girls I ran into...well let's just say they aren't the sort you look after except to maybe make sure they get home safe the next morning. I couldn't even remember the last real date I'd been on. High school? Do people even date anymore? I wasn't as bad as some of the guys picking up chicks on tinder and bringing them by for the night after meeting late at the bar, but I wasn't exactly meeting decent girls while I was out at the bar with ‘em. Did it matter how you met the girl if you both knew you were in it for only a night?

Mike did not strike me as that sort of guy. And definitely not with Kace. And I liked only imagining she'd only been with Mike anyway. I wasn't about to wonder about her dating habits. Ugh.

“Nah, I'm staying here in town. I ain't driving. It's too late and I know if I did I'd just be driving back so why? I already got in touch with Paul and a couple others out here - did you know Paul was still at LSU? I mean he ain't attending anymore, but I think he still hangs around. Still works nearby. He’s still living off Highland. The apartments passed the university - not the new ones, the ones way back…” I had been peeling the paper off my beer as I talked and looked up to catch Kace and Mike looking at each other. “What?”

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I was constantly surprised at how in sync Kacey and I were. When we exchanged looks just now, no words were necessary. I gave her a smile and nodded slightly before turning to Kevin. “You can say no, but I think Kacey and I would be much happier if you would stay here with us. I’m sure you saw that we have plenty of room. I don't think today was exactly the reunion you or Kacey were hoping for.”

I looked from Kacey to Kevin as they exchanged looks this time. “As far as I’m concerned, you’re welcome to come and go as you please, Kevin. We can give you a spare key. And if you and your sister want some time alone, I can make myself scarce.”

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Thank goodness he understood. I'd explain later, but there was no way I wanted Kevin back in some apartment that probably still had the same sheets and ratty towels in it from 2005. For one, he was a grown man now whether he knew it or not. For two...just...no.

“Kevin, you already know I'm going to win so you may as well not argue. You're staying. You already saw we have plenty of room upstairs. You'd have your own space. We’ll figure the rest out. I know you're looking for a place of your own - mom already told me she wants you down in New Orleans - but take your time. Figure out what works for you…” I smiled and tried catching his eye. He’d run out of paper on his beer and I knew when he was blushing even when no one else could. He was. “Kev, say ‘ok’, please?”

I looked over to Mike who gave me an eyebrow and a smile as he shook his head slightly. I knew the look. It was the “watch it,” but still pleased look. “Kevin,” Mike said as he stood up and started picking up our trays, “I think you know as well as I do she won't quit.” He was right. I wouldn't.

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Mike didn't have to say anything, I knew once she started I had to agree, otherwise I wouldn't hear the end of it. “Alright, alright,” I stood to hand Mike some of the food still out in front of her before sitting back down next to her. “I’ll stay - for a few days until I figure out a place out here. That's all I'll agree to for now. Fair?” I leaned back against the couch and she plopped her feet in my lap.

“Really?” She never changed. Gross. I shook my head and left her feet alone. “You've got someone to rub your feet for you. I should be getting you to do that for me.” At least I’d have my own bathroom here. I can't lie, the idea of sharing a bathroom with any of the guys sounded more disgusting than rubbing her feet.

“Ok, look, before it's late, let me get my stuff and get situated. I don't have much. Just a suitcase and my gym bag. Do me a favor - don't call mom until I do. She thinks I’m with Paul; Paul won't even noticed I haven't come by yet. If she hears I’m staying with you - I can promise you she’ll be here by Sunday to visit,” I caught her eye - yeah, you read me.

I stood and shook Mike’s hand as he walked back in and I mentioned a quick “thanks” before I headed outside to grab my things. When I got to the car, I turned back and saw Mike through the window as he reached over the back of the couch and wrapped his arms around Kacey. She and mom were going to have to figure this -whatever this was- between them both eventually because Mike was legit. He loved her. He was in for the long haul. I could tell. Mom may be convinced this was some sort of “nonsense” for Kacey, but I think Dad was right - this was serious.

Looks like I might soon have that brother-in-law I’ve been giving her a hard time about after all.

#kevin #mike #roommate #new

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