Page 16 of The Summer Intern

"Simon, that's enough.Why don't you return the truck?Your car is at the U-Haul office, anyway.Casey and I will carry the last few boxes down.We need to get on the road to Washington."He paused, his tone softening, as if he felt guilty for snapping."And thanks for everything, Si, really.Casey, say thank you to our big brother."

“Thank you to our big brother,” I said, sticking my tongue out at Simon.He and I had never gotten along — he was 24 years old and already working a big job in finance, and was too wrapped up in money and the trappings of success to really get me.But he was always available to help when I needed it, so I supposed there was something to appreciate about him.So I gave him a hug.“Love you, big brother.”

My mom poked her head into the garage, beaming at the three of us.“You all done?Don’t worry about those boxes, Dad will handle them later!You’d better get on the road before it gets dark.”

My dad walked up behind her, frowning down at his watch.“Dark?It’s 11 a.m.”

I turned to my parents, giving them both a big hug."Thanks for letting us use the garage.And for not yelling at me about my fabulous new hair color."

Dad chuckled, ruffling my pastel purple locks."It's...certainly eye-catching, son."

"That's the idea," I winked, giving them one last squeeze before bouncing towards our packed Prius.

As Oliver and I settled into the car, a comfortable silence fell between us.The familiar streets of Portland began to blur past, and I found myself lost in thought, absently fiddling with my phone.

After a while, Oliver cleared his throat."You know, Casey, you don't have to listen to Simon.It's okay if you're not comfortable driving."

I glanced at my younger brother, a wave of appreciation washing over me."Thanks, Ollie," I said softly, offering him a genuine smile."I know I can be a bit...much sometimes."

"A bit?Try a lot."Oliver snorted, but his eyes were kind behind his glasses.He reached out and ruffled my hair."But that's what makes you so fun to be around.Stop stressing; clearly, the guys at Eagle Ridge must like you, or they wouldn’t have hired you.You have good ideas, and you’re bold enough to change things that need to be changed.Embrace that.”

My phone vibrated again, and I pulled it out, smiling down at it.

“More emails from the boss man?”Casey asked.

"Even better.Sutton sent the updated schedule," I explained, my eyes scanning the detailed plan."And I hate to admit it, but...it's kind of perfect?Like, the kids get to explore their interests sometimes, but they’re also being pushed to try new things.Sutton is brilliant.”I sighed, thinking about how handsome he was.

“I thought you and Matt made that schedule?”

“But Sutton put on the finishing touches.”

Oliver rolled his eyes so hard I thought they might get stuck."Seriously, Casey?Why do you always go for guys who are taken?"

I gasped, clutching my chest in mock offense."That's not true!"But even as the words left my mouth, I felt a creeping sense of doubt."I mean...is it?"

“James Tsung.10th grade.And Armand Lacroix in the freshman dorms?”

My mind raced through my romantic history, and realization dawned."Oh shit," I muttered, slumping in my seat."And there was that math TA, remember?The one with the wedding ring I conveniently ignored?How did I never notice this before?"

Oliver nodded, a knowing smirk on his face.

"And...fuck, what about Jake?The high school football player?"I groaned, covering my face with my hands."He had a boyfriend of like, three years!"

"Bingo," Oliver said, reaching over to pat my knee consolingly.

I peeked through my fingers at the passing scenery, my mind whirling.Had I been subconsciously sabotaging my own love life all this time?

"What the hell is wrong with me?"I wondered aloud, my usual bravado faltering."I mean, I'm Casey fucking Kim.I'm an activist.I'm bold.I'm...I'm..."

"Terrified of actually connecting with someone?"Oliver supplied, his voice gentle.

I shot him a glare, but it lacked heat."Shut up, I connect with plenty of people."

"Sure, but how many of them actually get to know the real you?The one behind all the glitter and righteous anger?"

I shook my head vigorously, my hair flopping into my eyes."No, that's ridiculous," I declared, my voice regaining its usual pep."I'm not afraid of anything, especially not love.That's just...that's just stupid."

Oliver glanced at me, his eyebrow raised skeptically behind his black-rimmed glasses."If you say so, Casey."

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