***
"Sis!" Rhys walked into the baggage area at the airport and spread his arms wide. "You look too thin."
"Hush." I moved into his arms and pressed my cheek to his strong chest as I closed my eyes. He was a huge part of my life growing up and had been my biggest supporter in my decision to move from Illinois, where our parents relocated too just after Rhys left for the Air Force. Mom and Dad were still down the road from him, but I'd made the call to move back to my childhood home in New Hampshire.
Funny how no one I grew up with was there anymore, but the places were familiar. It was home to me, and always would be.
"I'm serious." He moved back and gripped my shoulders. His strong jaw was locked, and his icy blue eyes moved around my face as if assessing me. "Are you eating?"
"Nope. Liquid diet." I popped him in the stomach and walked toward the exit. "Did you check anything?"
"Hell no. That's a waste of time." He wrapped his large arm over my shoulders and moved us to the exit. "I'm almost surprised Jer didn't come with you."
"I didn't invite him." I shrugged and pulled my coat tighter. "We've seen each other a few times over the last month or so, but nothing too regular."
"You still have the hots for him?" Rhys released me and laughed as I gave him a warning look.
"I was a young girl, and he was your best friend." I popped the trunk on the car.
Rhys shut it and put his bag in the backseat instead. "And your point is? All that shit is still the case."
I smiled and got into the car. "How are Mom and Dad doing?"
He got in and buckled up. "They're great, but they miss you. You sure you don't want me to pack you up in my duffle bag and take you back with me?"
"Not a chance." I buckled, started the car and pulled out of the parking lot. "I love it here. I hated it when we moved after you left for the Air Force."
"I know you did, but it worked out well for me and you." He reached over and squeezed my forearm. He was right. The whole family moved to stay close to him, which allowed most of my late teens and early twenties to be supported by my big brother.
"That's true." I patted his hand. "So I should warn you about my best friend, Ellen."
"She hot?" He tugged at his seatbelt and growled. The poor guy was huge. His head almost hit the top of my tiny Toyota, and his knees were pressed against the glove box.
"She's my best friend. Hands off." I gave him a quick glare and turned back to focus on the road.
"Okay. I'll stay away from her. You stay away from Jer." He leaned back and smiled. "Deal?"
"I don't want anything to do with Jeremy."
"Really?" He leaned forward, bumping his big egg-head. "Look at me and tell me that without smiling."
Fuck.
I pulled my lips down into a slight frown and turned my face, but kept my eyes on the road. "I don't want-"
"You're smiling. Liar." He leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest. "Ellen is mine. Period."
"What?! You haven't even seen her." I reached over and popped him in the chest as the warmth between us brought me back to life. I missed him so damn much. I missed relationships in general.
"You wouldn't have warned me about her if she wasn't a good looking woman. I know you, Sis." He turned and looked out the passenger window. "Have you and Jeremy slept together?"
"No! We barely talk. Jeez." I gripped the steering wheel tighter. "Just stop asking questions. I'm not dating or seeing anyone."
"But you want to."
"Maybe, but it's irrelevant. He's still torn to pieces over Laila, and he should be. They were perfect for each other." The lump in my throat was thick. A part of me hated just how perfect they were for each other. It was something that no woman would likely overcome with Jer. It just seemed impossible.
"And she's dead, Bailey." He turned his attention back to me. "And she's been dead for two years. He needs to move on."
"Well, his mom is trying to help with that," I said very matter of factly.
He laughed loudly, the sound not friendly. "By setting him up on random ass dates? No. She's hurting more than she's helping. I'm going to tell her that too when I see her."
"Don't start anything this week, Rhys. It's Thanksgiving, and we're guests."
"I know." He nodded and pulled out his phone. "I'm not going to be ugly or rude. You know me better than that. I'm going to talk with Nina and see what she can do."
"Jer's sister?"
"Yeah." He pulled the phone to his ear. "What are the plans? We going home tonight or eating or what?"
"Home. I was going to make you dinner."
"Invite your friend over. I'm going to invite Jer over. I want to see him."
"What? The house is a fucking mess. You can't just-"
My brother's voice cut me off. "Jeremy! Hey man. I'm in town." Brief pause. "Yeah, man. Flight was great. Hey, I'm headed over to Bailey's place. I'll text you the address. Get your ass over there. We'll grill out or some shit." Another brief pause where I could hear Jeremy responding. "No, man. Cancel that shit. Tell her you have diarrhea from eating your own cooking. Get creative, dude. What's the matter with you? Just lie and get your ass over to my sister’s. See you in an hour. Later!"
"Really?" I groaned and pulled off the freeway. "The house is a mess and-"
"We'll clean it."
"I look like shit."
"Put on a new shirt and some jeans and chill. You're not interested in Jer anyway, remember?"
"I hate you."
"Lies."
"True." I sighed and pulled up to the apartment. "You start cleaning, and I'll find something to cook."
"Call Ellen. I'm not playing the third wheel."
"This isn't a date," I called after my brother as he bounded out of the car the minute I pulled it to a stop.
"I know... it's a double date," he called back.
Ugh. Fuck my life.