Page 25 of Make You Love Me
“No.” She goes back to stirring the vegetables, but she’s grinning. “You’re my baby brother—”
“We’re two years apart.”
“Irrelevant,” she quips with a shrug. “I’ve taken care of you since you were five years old.”
“I know, and I love you for it, but you don’t have to do everything anymore. Well, at least you don’t have topayfor everything.”
“Thank you, but I’ll go grocery shopping before I leave.”
I let out my frustration as sharp pains stab at my temples. “Josie.”
“Mmm hmm?” The cooking vegetables and the remnant emotions of our debate have her attention, and she pays me no mind.
“Jo…” My head wobbles while the room converges into a kaleidoscope. Bile rises into my throat, and I fall forward,helpless to hold myself up. Footsteps on the hardwood floors echo in my ears. Overhead lights seem to dim and flicker until it all vanishes.
???
When my brain reactivates, I’m sitting in a red Mustang. The black leather steering wheel is warm in my hands from the mid-day sun shining through the windshield. The open driver’s side window rustles my shirt, and I’m content—happy to be free.
I have several hundred dollars and the bucket list I scribbled on the back of a jewelry store flier burning a hole in my wallet. Both have me excited for the days and weeks ahead. The only problem is, I don’t know which activity to check off the list first.
Cliff diving and wine tasting in Italy? Mountain climbing in Switzerland? Camel riding to the pyramids in Egypt? Skiing in Vale will have to wait until winter. Gambling away some of my savings in Las Vegas? Swimming with dolphins in the Caribbean? Feeling the mist on my face from Niagara Falls? White water rafting, cave exploring, skydiving? The world is waiting for me, and I can’t wait to go…somewhere, anywhere.
Then again, restoring my parents’ house is something I’ve been looking forward to for years. The sheer amount of manual labor needed to bring the old shack back to life isn’t overwhelming. It’s exciting. I’ve got the entire plan laid out in my mind. Marble countertops and a farmer’s sink in the kitchen. Sanded and restained hardwood floors throughout. New electrical and plumbing. A coat of paint and a major cleaning will go a long way in transforming it into my new bachelor pad.
Wait…
Bachelor pad? Freedom to roam the world? What about Nora? What about my service? Forcing open my eyes, I see Josie pacing by the patio doors. It takes a bit to realize I’m no longersitting in the sports car I’ve wanted since I was eight years old. Since Josie bought me a similar Matchbox car with the few dollars she earned selling her paintings to the neighbors.
She chews her fingernail with frantic abandon, lost in thought. The itching that never stops inside my cast registers with the realization that the car and my freedom were only a dream.
“Jo Jo,” I manage, and she drops to kneel in front of me.
“Hi. How are you feeling?”
“Groggy. How long was I out?”
She twisted to check the clock on the microwave. “Long enough for the vegetables to get cold, but not long enough to miss Nora calling.”
“That’s good, I guess.”
“I was about to contact Jackson and cancel guys’ night.”
“No. I want to go.”
“Jordan.” She rises and props her fists on her hips, disapproval scrunching her expression. “That’s a terrible idea.”
“I know you’re protective, but I need to get out of here.” I swallow the sour taste in my mouth. “I’ll only be in the way and a distraction.” I turn my hand over and prop it up with my elbow on the armrest. She reluctantly takes it. “You and Grant can join us after you finish packing, and we can celebrate your big break.”
“I’d like that. But if you feel woozy even for one second…”
“I’ll say something.”
“Thank you.”
“And thank you for all you’re doing for me. I love you.”
“Oh, Jordie. I love you, too.”
