Page 17 of Shattered Dreams

Richard

I walked in the side door from the garage so I could kick off my greasy shoes in the mudroom of mom’s house. Since dad died, she made this place over and did it how she wanted to for years.

I gotta say, it’s nice to come home and feel at home.

Across into the kitchen Ma held onto the counter, crying. I ran over and pulled her into my arms. “What is it? Who made you cry? Who do I need to kill?”

“Cooper.” She shuddered out and dread filled me.

“Oh, god. He’s not …”

“Oh, no.” She pulled back and laughed. “He’s not dead. He’s home. Rich, he’s home for good.”

I squeezed ma tight, then let her go so she could breathe before grabbing a cup of coffee and taking a seat at the table. I couldn’t help but smile.

“My baby brother is home.”

“We need to feast tonight!” She did a little dance.

Laughing, I knew that was coming. Ma loved to cook and would find any reason to try out new recipes and make a feast. My brothers were laughing as they came into the kitchen.

Ma was making a list of groceries, and my youngest brother, Cooper, stood in the doorway looking at me. Even though he’s the youngest, he was the tallest of all three of us at six-four. I was the shortest, six foot even.

“Oh, good, you’re here. Saves me a phone call.” Jeremy sat down next to me. “Ma tasked me with calling to let you know the prodigal son returned and she wants to kill the fatted calf to celebrate. So, you needed to come home so you can go to the store.”

I scoffed. “Yeah. I’m sure she said I have to go to the store.”

Jeremy smiled. “You’re the oldest. The wisest. Mom trusts you.”

Everyone laughed as ma spoke, “Shush now.”

“About time you came home.” I nodded towards Cooper.

“Eh, thought I’d see the world on Uncle Sam’s dime.” He shrugged.

“Ma said you’re home for good.”

“That’s the plan.”

I watched him get a cup of coffee before sitting across from me. Ma could probably host the unit he was part of for dinner and still have room.

Memories of our childhood flooded back of us and all our friends around the table, playing games and eating.

“You still know anything about cars?” I lifted my cup at him.

“Duh, like I would ever forget that.”

“You got plans to work, or you thinkin’ ‘bout being a bum?’ I asked before taking a drink of my coffee.

“There’s a new garage on the scene. Word is they do good work, and stay busy.” Jeremy tossed out. “I hear they might have an opening.”

“Eh, thought I’d give the porn industry a go. Maybe some escorting. Swing my dick at some pretty ladies. Collect a paycheck.”

“Cooper Lee!” Mom snapped him with a towel. “You’ll collect more than a paycheck.”

Laughing, he asked, “Who owns the new garage?”

“Well, that’s the thing, runt.” I looked over at Jeremy before looking back at Coop. “We do.”

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