Page 65 of The Other Brother
no worries I’m pretty enough don’t need beauty sleep. what’s up?
parked outside. come for drive?
My heart starts a frantic whirling, like it’s one of those windup toys you just need to pull the string to start.
be out in 3
I glance at my clock. It’s after midnight.
Chucking on jeans and a sweater, I flick a glance in the mirror as I leave my bedroom. Shit, my hair looks like someone with a rampaging lawnmower has spent the evening getting creative with it.
I do a quick finger comb as I head down the stairs, keeping my steps light and avoiding the squeaky step so I don’t wake Mum and Dad. I really don’t need a parental inquisition right now.
Cody’s car is waiting for me on the street.
“Didn’t realize you’re such a night owl,” I say as I open the car door. I’m trying to hide my happiness that’s rising inside me, but I’m sure my grin needs its own zip code as I jump in and clip my seatbelt.
“I’m not usually. But I find it hard to relax after a concert.”
Cody’s dressed formally, wearing a buttoned-up blue shirt with black pants. It must be what he changed into after the tux, his post-concert outfit. His curls are springing loose from their hair gel prison.
“It’s nice of you to share your insomnia with me. Sharing is caring and all that,” I say.
He slides me a smile as he starts the car. “You’re right, sharing is caring.”
Silence settles between us. On the radio, Adam Levine croons about the toll that love is taking on him.
I stare at Cody’s profile as we drive.
He’s got that slight crease between his forehead like he often does when he’s concentrating. His fingers tap out the rhythm of the song on the steering wheel. When he pauses at the lights, he glances at me and seems surprised to find me watching him.
His lips curve into a hesitant smile.
Mine move automatically to match his.
Cody drives us to the lookout. On Friday and Saturday nights so many cars park here it turns into a pop-up party. At this time on a Sunday night though, it’s deserted.
“You want to get out?” he suggests.
“Sure.”
We jump onto the hood of his car. The city is laid out like a sparkly picnic blanket in front of us. It’s chilly, but the warmth of the engine soaks through my jeans. The streetlight nearby provides a dull orange glow.
“How was the restaurant?” I ask.
“It was good.” He glances at me. “I wish you’d come.”
“Yeah,” I manage. I play with the edge of his windshield wipers, running my fingers carefully along the smooth blades.
Cody huffs out a deep breath. “I’m so glad you called me. I don’t think anyone else could have talked me back from the ledge like that.”
I swallow, keeping my eyes on the wipers. “Just doing my usual thing. You know, being a superhero, channeling Peter Parker.”
“Don’t joke about it. Seriously, Ryan, I think that was one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me.”
I meet his gaze. “Anytime.”
The silence hangs between us.
