Step-Lover

Double oh god! He’s like this because . . . of me?

I don’t understand. He’s pushed me away so much, he’s been a jerk, and he’s played games. Why the hell would he be like that because of me, yet he’s refusing to play nice? Is it purely because our parents are married now, and he doesn’t want to screw with that, or is it because he’s still pretending he doesn’t want a girl in his life?

“That seems a bit extreme,” I mutter. “I mean if he wanted this chick, why didn’t he just say?”

“Because he’s a fool and thinks he fuckin’ knows everything. He doesn’t. He’s so scared of relationships that he pushes anything good away.”

That makes more sense.

“Is that because of Jack and your mom?”

He nods. “They were married a long time, but she cheated on him.”

I gasp. “I didn’t . . . I didn’t know that.”

“He doesn’t make it known. He walked and we were left with her. Blade, being the oldest, watched what she went through as well as what Dad went through. He was angry; he was bitter because they took away our family. He didn’t understand it, and I don’t think he does even now.”

“That’s sucky. I’m sorry.”

He shrugs. “Mom is a spoiled bitch. Dad is lucky to have found Nancy.”

My heart swells and I smile at him. His lip quirks and I realize just how beautiful Brody could be if he smiled.

“Did you go to the army?”

His brow shoots up. “Why do you ask?”

“You were wearing cargo pants when you got here? And you just have . . . an army look.”

He nods. “I looked at joining, went for a few weeks. I still haven’t decided if I’ll continue.”

“You should. You’re smart and you’ll do great in that field.”

“I’m twenty-two; I don’t know what I want. It’s a big commitment.”

“Yeah, you’re right, it is.”

“What about you? Medicine is a big thing.”

I nod. “Yeah, it is. I want to help people. After my sister . . . those men saved Mom and my lives that night. They couldn’t help my sister and dad because it was too late, but if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be here. After that I just wanted to save lives.”

“You’d be great in the ER then.”

I blink. “You know . . . I never even thought of that.”

He shrugs one shoulder. “It’s a hardcore job to be in, but I reckon you’d do really good.”

I smile. “You know, I think I’m going to like having you as a brother, Brody.”

He gives me a half-smile and I was right; he’s beautiful when he smiles.

“Let’s go hire a jet ski,” he says.

“Oh!” I squeal, leaping up. “Yes.”

We run like loons towards the hire building. Brody pulls it together as if he’s not pissed and manages to get the young dude behind the counter to let us hire some jet skis. How they didn’t smell him, I’ll never know. We get our life jackets and run down to the water where they’re tied.

“Whoever can get to the other side of the lake first, wins,” Brody says, jumping onto one.

“Oh, I’m going to kick your ass!”

We get on one each and the guy unties them for us. Then we take off. I’m drunk, and I should know better, but when you’re drunk you don’t know better. That’s why drinking can be so dangerous. I hear my name being called when I’m zooming and turn to see Jack, Blade and Ripley standing by the water, waving their hands.

I ignore them.

Instead I squeal with laughter as I zoom towards the other side of the lake with Brody. He’s laughing so loud it swells my heart with joy. I’m right there with him. We make it to the other side and spin around quickly, gunning the engines to bring us back towards Jack and the guys. I’m nearly there when I turn to the side too quickly. I don’t see it coming—I’m just flying through the air before I can stop myself.

I soar and fear squeezes my chest as I land in the lake so hard pain shoots up my spine. I scream and flail. I’m afloat, but I’m drunk and I’m in agony. My head keeps plunging forward, dunking my face in the water. There’s blood coming from my forehead, and dripping into my mouth. I gasp for air and my lungs burn as I keep bobbing up and down.

I can hear shouting and yelling, but I’m so drunk I can’t even begin to process that I need to swim towards the shore. Before I have the chance to think about it, hard arms wrap around my body, hauling me up. I gasp for air as I see Blade holding onto me. His eyes are frantic, and he looks completely freaked out. He pulls me towards the shoreline, just as Brody comes to a screaming stop beside me, staring down with wide, panicked eyes.

“I’m okay,” I yell.

“You’re fucking bleeding.”

I press my hand to my forehead as Blade swims us to the surface. When we make it, Brody leaps off his jet ski and runs towards me. I flop down onto my back, panting. Blade unbuckles my lifejacket and pulls it off, then sits me up, rubbing my back furiously as I cough. Brody has his lifejacket and shirt off, and he’s pressing the shirt against my head.

“Are you . . .?” Blade stops rubbing my back and leans down close. “You’re drunk.”

“So?” I fire at him.

“Jesus, what the fuck were you two doing on jet skis when you’re drunk?” he barks, turning to Brody.