Page 24 of My Best Friend's Brother
Because it was a facade. His looks. He’d grown into and shaped a better body, and he finally looked as handsome as people said his father did at his age, but it wasn’t enough. He didn’t know what to do with any of the good genes he’d thought he didn’t inherit. And Keke knew that.
“But okay. You have to tell me yours first.”
“Alright,” Pete agreed with a nod. “I’m thinking of not going to college. I want to go into business for myself or go right into the workforce.”
Keke crossed her arms. “Doing what?”
“Making apps.”
“Apps?”
“Yeah, phone apps. Games.”
Her head jerked back. “Huh. Are you any good?”
Pete smiled. “I got a call from a major game company. They love an app I created. They want to meet me, probably next week. Talk about acquisition, and maybe give me a job.”
Keke’s jaw dropped. “Petey! That’s amazing!”
She flung herself into his arms, giving him a sensation he’d never felt before—being hugged by Keighly Kaye. One of the prettiest girls that ever wore the homecoming queen crown at their high school. She felt warm and strong in his arms, her dancer body fitting nicely against him.
This time, Pete interrupted their physical connection and stepped back. He couldn’t think about how it felt to hold her because she would never be his. He was only nineteen. She was twenty-two and a college graduate, with way more life experience. What could he possibly have to offer her?
“Aren’t you excited?” Keke asked. Her face fell. “You don’t look excited at all. This would be perfect for you, right? You’re always playing games. Now you can get paid to, or is that not how it works?”
Pete nodded. “That’s pretty close. It would be for design. Game design.”
Keke shuddered. “Sounds like a lot of work.”
“Like a lot of things that are complicated.”
Keke smirked. “Okay. Yes, games can be complicated. I wouldn’t know, so forgive my ignorance.”
“Forgiven.”
“Then? Why aren’t you going for it? At least you’d be able to get out of here.” Her eyes rolled to the ceiling. “Oh! No offense,” she rushed to say.
“None taken. Every word is true.” Working for his dad at the family campground never entered his mind as an option for his career. Something that infuriated Titus Headley, who worked nearly all his life to acquire the place and then keep it running.
She took a seat on the desk, waiting for him to explain.
“Well…my dad…”
“Ah.” A knowing look crossed her features. “He doesn’t approve.”
“I haven’t told him.”
“What are you waiting for?”
Pete sat on the edge of the desk beside her. He thought for a moment about his father and the expectations he had for their kids. Neither of them was meeting his standards, and Pete believed it was only a matter of time before their father exploded. Even at the start of camp, he seemed tense and agitated. Often, Pete had seen their mother rub their father’s back and speak to him in low tones.
Or maybe he was just sensitive and it had nothing to do with him.
“Courage,” Pete answered softly.
“Hmm…” Keke sighed loudly. “You and me both.”
“What do you need courage for?” Pete looked at her. “Keighly…” He chuckled. “You’re one of the bravest persons I know. The way you got out of town and became a dancer?”
