Page 3 of Brodie

“Work.”

She scrunches her nose. “You need to live a little, Reese.Work is good, but you’re young. You need to enjoy yourself and your life. Maybehang by the pool or go to the beach. You could even find a handsome man tospend some time with.” Her eyes wander over my face. “You’re so beautiful, soyoung. You shouldn’t let that go to waste.”

“Maybe.” I lie because the only thing I plan on doing in theweeks she’ll be gone is catching up on all the books I’ve missed out on whilestudying for finals, and vegging out in front of the TV when I’m not working.

“At least agree to go to the pool. Get some sun and freshair.”

“I can do that,” I give in, taking my bowl and coffee to thecounter and pulling out a stool. “What time is Marco getting here?” Marco isIleana’s boyfriend, or her partner as she refers to him. They’ve been togetherfor fifteen years, have never lived together, and she says they never will. Shewas married in her early twenties, and her husband was a jerk. Not only was hecontrolling, but he was also abusive, and none of that abuse started untilafter they were married and living together. By that time, their lives were sotangled it was difficult for her to just walk away. Years after she finallydivorced him, she met Marco, and before things ever got serious, she let himknow that she never wanted to get married or live with a man again. And sincethey’re still together fifteen years later and one of the happiest couples Ihave ever seen, I have to assume their arrangement works for them.

“He should be here any minute now,” she says, right as Ihear the front door open. I lean back in my chair to watch Marco walk inwearing a dress shirt and slacks with a single piece of luggage I know, atleast from the print covering it, is very expensive. While he sets it next tothe door, I take him in. He’s pretty. Not handsome or beautiful, but prettywith his pitch-black hair, darker complexion from his Dominican heritage,bright sea-green eyes, thick lashes, strong jaw, and perfect facial hair. Literallyperfect. Like he takes time to style it.

“Good morning, princess,” he greets me with a smile as hewalks toward the kitchen.

“Morning.” I grin and tip my head to the side to accept thecheek kiss I know is coming.

“Morning, mi amor.” Aunt Ileana smiles when hecomes out of his bend and walks toward her. Then, with the two of them lookinglike a clip from a movie, he wraps his arm around her waist, bends her over it,and kisses her. Smiling to myself, I shove a spoonful of cereal into my mouth.

“Are you packed?” he asks her, taking the cup from her handto take a sip of her coffee.

“Yes, my bags are in my room.”

“How many?” he asks with a grin.

She rolls her eyes. “Only three.”

“Only three.” His smile widens. “I’m going to need to rent aplane just for your luggage.”

“We’re away for almost two months.”

“Yes, and in that time, you’ll shop every day, and I’ll haveto buy you two more pieces of luggage for all your new stuff.”

“Are you complaining?” She rests her hand on her hip.

“Never.” He kisses her cheek and then looks at me. “What areyour plans while we are gone?”

“Work,” I repeat, sticking to my earlier statement and thenglancing at my aunt when she makes a noise. I roll my eyes. “And the pool.”Marco grins, probably knowing my aunt already talked to me. I look between thetwo of them. “Are you sure you don’t want me to drive you to the airport?”

“The driver is already downstairs waiting,” Marco tells me,stepping away from my aunt after handing back her mug. “I should go grab yourthings.”

She watches him leave and then looks at me as she walks tothe sink to rinse her cup. “Remember, Rosie will be here Tuesdays and Fridaysto clean and pick up any groceries you need.”

“I remember.” I don’t even bother telling her I can clean upand shop for myself while she is out of town. I offered to do those things whenI moved in, and she explained that with the work she does for my aunt and a fewother families in the building, Rosie takes care of her daughter, who needsextra care, and depends on every penny she makes.

“Ready, my love?” Marco calls from the door, and I slide offmy stool to stand and give my aunt a hug.

“I love you.” She wraps her arms around me. “Make sure youdon’t spend all your time inside.”

“I won’t.”

She leans back to look me in the eye. “If you hear that yougot accepted into the program, I expect a call.”

“You’ll be the first,” I assure her, giving her one last hugbefore walking with her to the door to say goodbye to Marco. Once they’re goneand the door is closed behind them, I walk back to the kitchen to clean up.When I’m done, I carry my coffee out to the balcony and take a seat on one ofthe loungers. I look down at the ocean and the people beginning to gather onthe beach. Even from up here, I can hear the buzz of happiness in the air. Whendid I last have fun or step outside my comfort zone? Never wouldprobably be the truthful answer. I let out a sigh. Maybe my aunt was right.Maybe I do need to live a little.

Chapter 2

Brodie

Lounging at the pool’s edge with my shades on and earbudsin, I listen to my agent drone on about some projects I have coming up with afew brands. Years ago, I would have been thrilled by the idea of representingsome sports drink or clothing brand. Now, I despise every second of the extrashit I need to do to stay relevant. Relevant is a term Doug uses, notme. I’d say my ability to score while on the ice keeps me pretty fuckingrelevant. He’d disagree. And does so regularly.

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