Leah

 

Thin, early morning sunlight beats down on me as I near my brother Derek’s house. I’m tempted to take another lap around the neighborhood when I see his car in the driveway, but my body isn’t having it. Five miles of jogging in the heat seems to be my limit.

Don’t get me wrong. I love my brother more than anyone else in this world. He has done things for me I’ll never be able to repay him for. How do you repay someone who gave up three years of their life for you?

I would do anything for him, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have my own life to lead, and he just can’t seem to accept that I’m an adult with the right to make my own choices. Which is why I’ve been staying with him and his wife, Ayda, instead of in the perfectly reasonable apartment I rented that he deemed unsafe. I’ll be twenty-three years old tomorrow and he still treats me like a little kid.

As I climb the front steps, I can hear baby Oliver screaming for his breakfast. My nephew has a set of lungs for a three month old. “Hey, need some help?” I offer Ayda, when I see her stripping Oliver’s sleeper off.

Ayda looks up at me and shakes her head. “I’ve got him, thanks. He just peed through his pajamas again.”

Ayda and Derek’s first few months with Ollie were hard. Her milk failed to keep up with his needs, and he screamed all the time until they put him on formula. I know they were glad to have me here to help, but now they have things pretty well under control, and I sometimes feel like I’m in the way.

I know I’m family, but they are their own little family too, and they should have time to themselves, which is why I’m determined to move out no matter what Derek says.

Leaving Ayda feeding and cooing over Ollie, I head to the kitchen and start a pot of coffee. The smell lures Derek to the kitchen and he peeks over my shoulder to the stove where I have bacon and eggs frying. “Looks good,” he grunts.

“It’ll be done in a minute if you want to let Ayda know.”

Our mornings have become routine. When I get back from my jog, I make breakfast before heading to my part time job at a small grocery store. A grocery store that is going out of business this week, which means I have to find something else.

It was temporary anyway. I have a degree in social work, and I was going to school to be a psychiatrist. I thought it was what I wanted to do, but the deeper into the classes I got, the more I realized it wasn’t the career for me. Derek gives me constant grief about withdrawing, but I’m not going to go back just to please him.

The grocery store job was supposed to provide me with a little money to live on until I find a job in social work. Derek tries to give me money, but I have some savings, and I want to show him I can take care of myself.

A few minutes later, we’re seated around the table, eating and chatting about our day. “Ollie has to get his vaccinations today,” Ayda says, glancing at her sleeping baby in his infant seat. “I thought I’d meet Zoe and Sadie for lunch if he isn’t too fussy afterward.”

“I’ll bring him home after so you can meet the girls,” Derek offers, and she rewards him with a wide smile. I swear these two together are so sweet they make me want to puke a little.

“I’ve got to get to work,” I tell them, getting to my feet. Ollie snuffles in his sleep when I kiss his soft little cheek. “See you later.”

“Don’t forget your party tonight at Tucker’s,” Ayda reminds me.

“A bonfire and beer. I’m looking forward to it,” I reply, grabbing my car keys and shutting the door behind me.

Tucker is one of the guys Derek works with, along with Landon, Justus, and Jeremy. They run an organization called In Safe Hands that tracks online predators and child molesters.

There’s a closed sign on the door of the grocery store when I get there, and my manager, Vince, unlocks it when I tap on the glass.

“Good morning,” he greets.

“Good morning. I thought you weren’t closing until the end of the week?”

He frowns. “We had five customers yesterday. It’s not worth the overhead to stay open. I’m sorry, but today is your last day.”

“I understand.” I feel sorry for Vince. His grandparents opened this little mom and pop grocery and it has been passed down to him. “What can I do?”

“Can you call around and find a shelter or food bank that will take the inventory?”

“Absolutely.”

I know Zoe, Landon’s wife, helps out at a homeless shelter, so I call her first. She’s thrilled to help, and promises to bring the shelter owner to get the food. Whatever is left, I’ll give to the food bank.

Zoe shows up with a man in tow. “Hey, girl. Thanks for thinking of me,” she says.

“Yes, we can always use donations,” the man alongside her says. She introduces him as the owner of a shelter for gay homeless youth.

“No problem. There may be too much here for one shelter though. We just got a shipment of produce.”

After considering it for a moment, she says, “Why don’t you call Tucker? He’s been helping out at Striking Back. You know, the domestic violence shelter? They could probably use it.”

My heart leaps a little at the thought of talking to Tucker. I don’t know why I react the way I do around him. Okay, so maybe he’s hot as fuck and has that whole broody smoldering thing going on, but he’s also about ten years older than me. He calls me kid, for hell’s sake. I’m not around him a whole lot since he lives ninety minutes away. I was surprised when Derek told me they were throwing me a birthday party at Tucker’s, but I guess since he lives on a farm outside the city, it’s a good place to get together.

“Thanks, I’ll give him a call.” Derek, being the overprotective brute that he is, programmed all the ISH guys’ numbers into my phone in case I need something and can’t reach him.

Vince greets Zoe and instructs the shelter owner to back his box truck up to the back dock while I slip off to the storeroom to call Tucker. He answers right away.

“What’s wrong?” His voice is gruff.

Wow, not even a hello. “Nothing’s wrong. Does something have to be wrong for me to call you?” I tease. All I receive in return is a grunt. Okay, then.

“The grocery store I work for is closing down and we’re trying to find charities to take the stock. Zoe suggested I call you since you work with Striking Back sometimes. Maybe they could use the food at the shelter.”

After a pause, he replies. “Text me the address. I’ll pass it along to Mason. I’m sure they’ll take it off your hands.”

“Okay, thanks.”

“Welcome,” he grumbles, hanging up.

Zoe grins at me when I return and grab a pallet jack to help them load the truck. “That was fast.”

“You know Tucker. He talks your ear off.”

Zoe laughs and continues splitting up the inventory, leaving half for Striking Back. “I’m meeting the girls for lunch at one. Why don’t you join us?”

Since I moved back, Zoe, Ayda, and Sadie have gone out of their way to include me and make me feel like a part of the group. They don’t seem to mind I’m Derek’s sister, or that I’m a few years younger than them. “Sounds good. Where?”

“Maurice’s.”

“I’ll be there.”

My phone beeps with a text from Tucker.

 

Tucker: Mason is sending his brother, Alex. He’s on his way.

 

After considering it for a moment, I reply.

 

Me: K

 

“Mason’s brother is coming for the rest,” I tell Zoe.

“Good, I’ll see you at one, then.”

Hopping into the passenger seat of the truck, she waves before they take off.

I’ve met Alex before, but never really talked to him. It doesn’t take him long to show up, and I return his contagious smile. Damn, he’s cute. I’m pretty sure Ayda mentioned he’s married, though.

After he leaves with a truckload of food, Vince walks up and hands me my paycheck. “I paid you for the full day today, but there’s no reason for you to come back after lunch. I’m taking off too.”

“Thanks for everything, Vince,” I tell him, and his face turns red when I give him a quick hug. “Good luck.”

“You too,” he mumbles.

Yeah, I might be a little overly affectionate sometimes. My ex used to complain that I was overly everything. Overly excitable, overly enthusiastic, overly optimistic. I used to try to tone it down, but screw it. It’s who I am.

And right now, I’m eager to get to lunch and catch up with the girls.

Ayda, Sadie, and Zoe are already seated around a table on the patio when I arrive at the little Mexican restaurant. “Hey! Happy birthday!” Sadie exclaims. “We ordered you a margarita.”

Laughing, I take a seat. “Thank you. I guess we’re starting early.”

“Just a little warm up for tonight,” Zoe replies with a grin.

“Well, I’m officially unemployed, so why not?”

A highly sexual drawn out moan draws the attention of everyone seated around us. “Um…did your ass just have an orgasm?” I ask Sadie.

With an exasperated sigh, she pulls her phone from her back pocket. “Fucking Justus keeps changing my ringtone.” It goes off again and she turns the phone to vibrate, but a small smile inches across her face when she reads the text.

“Is he sexting you?” Ayda chuckles.

“Yeah, he never really stops.”

Sipping my overly sweet alcoholic drink, I ask Zoe, “How is Landon doing?” Her husband has a genetic disease that prevents him from being out in the sun. I’ve only seen him outside once when we all went to play paintball, and he had to wear a bulky suit that looked like it was stolen from the Outbreak movie.

“He’s good. He just got a new protective suit that doesn’t make him look like a Teletubby. It looks kind of sexy, actually, like an aviator jumpsuit…until he puts the hood and faceplate on.” She leans back in her seat.

“What about you?” Sadie asks, grinning at me. “Any guys on your radar?”

“No, but I swear I’m going to find a fuck buddy or something because it has been too damn long.”

Ayda snorts. “I can just see Dare’s reaction now.”

“Which is why I have to move. You know I love you guys, but I can’t have a life with my brother breathing down my neck.”

Ayda nods, her gaze filled with sympathy. “He means well, but you’re right. I’ll try to talk some sense into him.”

Sighing, I down the rest of my drink. “I know he does, and I don’t want to sound ungrateful after all he’s done for me, but I can’t live under his thumb forever.” I hesitate before adding. “He’s not going to like it when he finds out I’m not looking for a career in social work just yet.”

“You have other plans?” Sadie asks.

“I’m writing a book,” I blurt. I was going to keep it to myself for a while, but I really wanted to tell someone. And hopefully have one of my friends tell me it’s not completely crazy.

All three women share a look of surprise, but Zoe is the first to speak up. “What’s it about?”

“Overcoming abuse and going on to lead a normal life. When I was in therapy, writing is what really helped me sort through everything. I have a ton of journals to draw from.”

“I think that’s an amazing idea,” Ayda exclaims.

“I have a friend who is in publishing if you’d like me to introduce you when it’s finished,” Sadie offers.

God, I love these girls. I’ve never really had close girlfriends before. “That would be great, but I have a long way to go before I get to that point.”

We spend the next hour laughing and talking until Justus pulls up to pick up Sadie. He leans down to peer at me from the car window. “Happy Birthday, Leah! I’m bringing some friends, so don’t worry. There will totally be strippers at your party tonight.”

“Sadie…”

Sadie holds up her hand. “I’ve got it handled. No strippers. See you tonight,” she laughs, hopping in the car. I hear him grumble something like no fun, and then they’re off.

Zoe, Ayda, and I say our goodbyes and head our separate ways.

 

* * * *

 

“Happy birthday, critter.” Derek hooks an arm around my neck and walks me toward the roaring fire. “What’s this Ayda is telling me about you writing a book?”

Here we go. If he thought my dropping out of college was a bad idea, I can’t imagine what he’ll say to my next plan.

“I’ve been thinking about it for a while. I think it could help…me and others who were abused.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“You haven’t been exactly thrilled with my choices lately,” I point out.

“I just want you to be happy.”

“I know. And I am, but I need some time to figure out what I want to do in life. I know I’ll put my social work degree to good use eventually, but right now…it just doesn’t feel right.”

“But writing does?”

“Yes.”

Derek grins down at me. “Am I going to be able to read it?”

“When it’s finished,” I laugh.

“Fair enough. I’ll get off your back about school, but I want you to know you can always go back. I know you don’t want money, but…”

“I can take care of myself.”

“I’m not doubting you, but Leah, the money I have is taken from men like your abuser. They fucking owe it. To you and every other woman who has been hurt by their behavior. I set up an account for Hannah as well.”

Hannah is Justus’s sister, who was rescued from a human trafficking ring after years of enslavement. “And I know you’ll be there if I need something, but right now I promise I’m fine.”

“Stubborn ass,” he mumbles.

“Happy Birthday!” Everyone shouts as we arrive at the bonfire where people are milling around.

The Reed brothers are here, along with their significant others. And of course, Ayda, Justus, Sadie, Landon, Zoe, and Jeremy are present as well. There are a couple of people I don’t recognize though. I’m bombarded by hugs and birthday wishes, and a drink is shoved into my hand by Ayda.

“Drink up, bitch. You only turn twenty-three once.”

Lawn chairs are scattered around the fire and someone has also rolled two large logs near it to sit on. “Wow, I love these chairs,” I remark, taking a seat between Zoe and Sadie.

“Tucker makes them,” Ayda points out.

He makes furniture? My eyes are drawn to the solemn form standing with the Reed brothers. As if he feels my gaze, he turns and acknowledges me with a small nod before returning his attention to whatever Parker Reed is talking about.

“So, what’s up with that?” Sadie asks, gesturing to the skinny blonde hanging on Jeremy’s arm.

“Those two,” Zoe groans. “I swear, Frannie is my best friend, but sometimes I want to smack her and Jeremy’s heads together. I’ve never met two more stubborn people. Jeremy heard Frannie went out with an old friend and jumped to conclusions, so now they’re both trying to get back at the other.”

A car pulls in and we watch as Frannie gets out, accompanied by a tall, well-built man. “Well, I think they’re even,” I reply, nodding toward them as they approach.

Jeremy glares as the guy slides an arm around her waist, and Frannie flashes him a grin, as if the little blonde doesn’t bother her. His lips pressed together, Jeremy turns his back and goes back to his conversation with the other guys.

“Hey, Leah. Happy birthday!” Frannie says, and introduces her date to the rest of us.

“Thank you.”

Despite the obvious tension between Jeremy and Frannie, the next few hours are fun. Landon brings out a speaker and the air fills with rock music. Everyone is busy drinking, laughing, and talking.

At one point, Alex Reed wanders over and sits beside me. Maybe the alcohol has gone to my head, but he looks so damn adorable I don’t even notice I’m flirting with him until a snort of laughter comes from behind me.

“You’re barking up the wrong tree, kid,” Tucker scoffs. When the hell did he show up?

My face heats instantly and I turn to Alex, mortified. “I’m sorry. You’re married aren’t you? I didn’t mean to—

Alex laughs and squeezes my knee. “Don’t apologize. Yes, I’m married. Ian just got here.” He waves over a dark headed guy who definitely fits right in with this group. It’s like hot guys are drawn to each other or something because I swear I’m surrounded by them.

Tucker’s remark makes sense when Ian smacks Alex on the ass. “Are you over here causing trouble?”

“Leah, this is my husband, Ian. Ian, Leah.”

Ian’s eyes sweep over me and his lips tilt up in a smile. “Well, where have they been hiding you?”

Good god, why do they have to be gay? These two would make any woman surrender her panties and whatever else they asked.

“Away at college.”

Ian slides up beside me on the log. “Educated and beautiful. Just like me. I think I’m in love.”

Alex laughs, shaking his head. “Sorry, I should’ve warned you. His arrogance goes through the roof when he’s drinking.”

“Are you seriously hitting on me in front of your husband?” I laugh.

“Well, we like to involve a beautiful woman every now and then, and—

He doesn’t get a chance to finish his statement because he’s pulled backward off the log.

“She’s Dare’s sister, asshole,” Tucker growls. “Hands off.”

It draws everyone’s attention, especially when Ian just continues to lie on his back in the grass, laughing. “Told you so,” he says to Alex.

I’m not sure what that was about, but everyone is laughing, so I just chalk it up to the alcohol. “Something tells me you and Justus would get along really well,” I tell Ian as Alex grabs his arm and hauls him to his feet.

The party dies down as most of the guests leave or crash in one of the farmhouse’s guest rooms. It’s late and I’m lying in a lounger by the fire staring up at the stars. It’s so beautiful and peaceful out here. Maybe I shouldn’t be looking for an apartment in the city.

“You aren’t going to pass out, are you?” Ayda teases.

“Nah, I’m just buzzed, not drunk.”

Tucker, Justus, and Derek are deep in a conversation I’ve been ignoring up to this point until I hear Tucker say, “I don’t need someone to pay rent, just be willing to keep up the place and look after the animals.”

Sitting up, I focus on him. “What are you talking about?”

Derek shakes his head. “Tucker is looking for a house sitter for the next six months. Maybe one of your school friends?”

“Me!” I jump to my feet and grab the back of the chair as the world sways before righting itself. “I’ll do it. It’s gorgeous here and I could use the peace and quiet to write.”

Derek frowns. “I don’t want you out here alone, so far away.”

“Too bad you don’t get to make that decision.” The look on Tucker’s face pisses me off. He obviously isn’t going to go against Derek. “I’m twenty-three years old for hell’s sake!”

Ayda squeezes my shoulder and pulls Derek and Tucker aside. They murmur back and forth for a few moments before Derek speaks again. “Fine. I’ll make a deal with you. You can move out here to BFE as long as you promise to always set the alarm, and keep in touch with me or Ayda.”

Really? That was easy.

“You also have to let me put some money in your account since you won’t be getting a paycheck.”

Tucker watches my reaction as my cheeks heat up. I hate being treated like a child. “Fine,” I growl. “When can I move in?”

“The sooner the better,” Tucker replies.

“How about tomorrow?”

Tucker shrugs. “Fine by me. You can take the spare bedroom.”

Joy and excitement rush through me at the prospect of having this beautiful place all to myself for six whole months.

“I’ll help you get packed up in the morning,” Ayda promises.

 

* * * *

 

Whatever Ayda said to convince Derek to be cool with my moving out has faded by morning.

“It’s almost winter,” he argues. “What are you going to do if it snows and the power goes out?”

With a snort, I shake my head. “I’ll run out and play in it until I get frostbite.”

Derek shoots Ayda a look when she giggles. “It’s not funny.”

Ayda throws her arms around him and drops a kiss on his lips. I’m kind of fascinated by the way my huge, scary brother just melts at her actions. I hope I find someone to love me like that someday.

“She’s a grown woman, babe. I’m sure she could start a fire in the fireplace. Now, grab that last box and let’s go.”

Through a lot of grumbling and protests, Derek helps me get all my stuff moved into Tucker’s place—my place for the winter.

Tucker has his truck loaded with a couple of suitcases when we arrive. He walks me through what needs to be done for the animals on a daily basis, with Derek following along behind us.

After he pulls away a few minutes later, I practically have to shove Derek out the door as he keeps giving me warnings you’d give a teenager left home alone for the first time.

“I’ll be fine. Now, let me enjoy my solitude and go be with Ayda and Ollie,” I tell him, giving him a hug. “Love you.”

“Love you too, critter.”

Finally, he’s gone and I’m alone for the first time in a long time.

My first night alone, I plan to eat junk food and veg out watching television. I can start writing tomorrow. After all, I have six months and it feels like an eternity right now.