Page 15 of Hot for Her
I’d never thought of it that way. “We aren’t super communicative. He knew some college scouts came, but he needed me here, to work and help pay the bills.”
“That seems so unfair for both of you. I’ve never lost a parent, but my dad did move to California a few months ago.”
My own troubles forgotten, I scooted closer to her on the bench. “Even with your mom sick? That’s harsh.”
She sipped her hot chocolate before speaking. “I think they fell out of love long before that, but my mom’s temper has gotten worse this past year. My dad ran a successful real estate business in Charlotte and fell in love with his assistant. When she moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting and modeling career, he went with her.”
I whistled low. “That’s some made for TV movie stuff right there.”
She nodded. “Tell me about it. Part of me is super pissed that he did something so selfish and part of me is just jealous that he got out of there and left us behind.”
I reached out and placed my hand on hers. “That’s understandable.”
“I guess that’s the thing about me no one knows. I want out. Out of that house, out from under the mountain of responsibility. A chance to live my own life instead of constantly picking up the broken pieces someone else left behind.”
I know exactly what she means and for a moment, I stare into her ocean-colored eyes and wonder if there really is such a thing as soulmates.
“You’ll get there, one day.”
She averted her gaze. “Ethan is only twelve. I won’t abandon him the way our dad did. I’ve got a good six more years to go.”
“I’d say that it’s not your responsibility, but after what my brother did for me, I know it’s not that simple.”
“No, it’s not,” she began, but she was interrupted by my brother. Speak of the devil.
“Yo, Aiden,” he hollered, banging on the camper door. “Open up.”
Reluctantly, I removed my hand from hers and stood. “Sorry in advance for whatever might come out of his mouth. He’s a good guy but when he’s drinking…”
She waved my concern away, motioning for me to open the door already. I stepped over and opened it.
“Heyyy,” he slurred before catching sight of Emersyn. “Oh. Shit. Sorry. I thought you were out here alone.”
“What can I do for you, Axel?”
He stepped inside, wet either from the rain or beer, I wasn’t sure. He reeked of booze.
“We’re low on beer and groceries. The guys got some cash together for pizza, but the only place that delivers said it would be an hour or more. People are starving in there.”
“And no one is sober enough to drive?”
He nodded. “We’re just trying to be responsible. Help us out?”
“Right. Okay.” I glanced at Emersyn. “Feel like taking a ride with me?”
She scooted off the seat and stood. “Sure.”
I turned back to my brother and practically growled under my breath. “You owe me.”
“Got it. Here. Just get whatever you can with this.” He placed a wad of crumpled up bills in my hand. Looked like somewhere around two hundred bucks. Construction workers partied hard, but they always had cash on hand it seemed. “Thanks, Brother.”
Once he was gone, I pocketed the money. “Sorry about that. I would’ve introduced you, but he’s not going to remember anyways.”
“It’s okay. You go on a lot of beer and pizza runs for him?”
I shrugged. “Sometimes. I figure that’s better than him or one of his buddies getting out on the roads intoxicated.”
She followed me out as I locked the camper. I helped her inside the Jeep, pausing when she gave me a strange look.
