by the shoulders. I see the hurt in his eyes and feel bad for what I said. “Hey, I know I’ve hurt you plenty, especially after he hurt me. Even though we were babies, I know it hurt you that Dad left and never came back.
“I can’t predict the future, but I can promise you that no matter what happens, I’ll be there for you. I’ll do a better job of being your big brother. I love you very much and don’t want to see you run from something that could possibly be life changing for you.” He wraps me in his arms and hugs me tight. This is why I can never stay mad at him. “Now, no more sappy shit. I’m here to take you to lunch.”
I tell him to give me a few minutes so I can change my clothes. I go across the hall to my room and pull a sundress out of my closet and slip it on. I put on a simple platinum chain and some flip-flops. Jordan is in the kitchen eating a cupcake when I enter.
“Those are for Saturday, ass face.” He grins at me sheepishly before he stuffs the rest of the cake into his mouth.
“Okay, okay. Dig those panties out of your ass,” he mutters with a mouthful of cake. I roll my eyes and grab my purse.
***
Jordan and I ended up spending the whole evening just hanging out like we used to. We ate junk food, laughed, and cried while we watched some of our favorite movies. Jordan even brought a joint with him and we proceeded to get high, which caused us to laugh and cry harder. I hadn’t smoked in a long time, but it was a kind of fun thing to do to celebrate my new job.
We went into my room and took pictures of each other in various hats. I sent a picture to Gabe while I was wearing my big floppy hat. I was blowing kisses at the camera as Jordan snapped away. We went through the pictures together and sent him our favorites. Gabe responded with a warning of what he was going to do to me for punishment since he said I was teasing him. Thinking about what he’s going to do to me sends shivers down my spine.
After I say bye to Jordan, I strip down to my bra and panties. I check my hair in the mirror and take a sexy selfie. When I hit send, I cringe in embarrassment. “What did I just do?” I whine to myself.
I power down my phone so I don’t have to see his reply. I throw on my robe and flop down on my bed. I had no business doing that. “Ughh, just pick up your phone and turn it on,” I tell myself.
As soon as it’s powered back up, my text notification goes off several times. They’re all from Gabe.
Damn baby!
Are you trying to tempt me? It’s working.
Why aren’t you answering me?
Is this your form of torture? I want to come to you right now and rip those right off of your body. If you don’t answer me I’m going to drive over there and paddle your ass and I’ll miss the call I’ve been waiting for.
I look at the time of the last text. It was five minutes ago. I quickly shoot off a text to him.
No need to spank me. I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures.
He responds back almost instantly.
Oh baby I did. I wish I wasn’t waiting for this call. Otherwise I’d be ripping those panties off you in seconds.
Oh yeah? Can I tell you a secret?
Always.
I wish you were here right now too.
They’re calling me now, but I’ll see you tomorrow.
I tell him bye and then toss my phone on my nightstand.
***
While the car cools down, I get the boxes of cupcakes together and ready to go. My mom has already called me five times to remind to me to bring the cupcakes, wear ‘those cute jean shorts,’ bring Jordan, and introduce her to Gabe. I’m nervous about him coming. What if he can’t handle my mom or her housemates? I guess it’s better to learn now than down the road.
I take a quick peek at myself in the mirror. My hair is in a low ponytail. I’ve given myself a healthy glow with a little makeup. I’m wearing a fitted Cubs jersey and the jean shorts Mom wanted me to wear. I run into my room and shove a
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