Page 12 of Embody

“Huh?”

“Beer in your hand. You’re twenty-one, help yourself, but you’re not driving away from the house tonight.”

“Yes sir,” I say. I’ve had one sip, but I understand his loving concern. We lost my Uncle Tate, his only sibling, in his second of two car wrecks. Neither of which involved him drinking, but it’s still a very serious matter to my father. Honestly, I think he’s a little afraid anytime we’re on the road and he certainly won’t tolerate other factors adding to the risk. “You need any help here?”

“Got it under control. Go say hello to your family, and make sure your mom doesn’t need anything.”

“Just came from her, she’s good.”

“Alright, then like I said, go greet your family. And for God’s sake, check on Sawyer.”

“Okay,” I laugh. “Anything else?”

“Ryder. Watch his ass too, your sister’s in a bathing suit,” he grumbles, flipping a burger clean off the grill and into the yard.

Little does he know, that won’t be a problem anymore, but I simply agree and turn to go play babysitter.

I’m stopped by several of my father’s employees, shaking hands and thanking them for coming before I finally reach the table my Uncle Sawyer has chosen.

“There’s the pretty boy! Sit down and have a beer with your favorite guy in the world!” He smiles and kicks out a chair for me. “Look at you, old enough to drink. I remember when you used to shit your pants and cry anytime your mom’s tit wasn’t in your mouth.”

“Dear God,” my Aunt Emmett slaps a hand over his mouth. “Honey, drink slower and talk less. And quieter. The whole party doesn’t want to hear about Laney’s, um, mammary glands. Hi, JT, how are you, sweetie?”

“Good.” I rise and lean over to hug her. “How are you?”

“Just fine, angel. You about ready for school to start back up?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” I shrug. “Where’s Presley?”

I look around for her… and my eyes land on someone else instead. I must breathe too loud or stare too long, ‘cause Sawyer picks up on it, immediately whipping his head around to scope out what’s snagged my attention.

“No shit,” he laughs. “Good eye boy, but trouble. Look elsewhere. Best advice I can give ya.”

“What are you talking about?” I play dumb, staring at my beer rather than her, or him. He’s like my mother—absolute, AKC registered bloodhound.

“I’m gonna go find the girls.” Emmett stands. “JT, keep an eye on him,please.”

“Will do,” I assure her.

“Zach!” Sawyer screams across the yard. “Cart your big ass over here!”

I just love when we have parties. Everyone on their best behavior and all.

My Uncle Zach comes over, already grinning…‘cause he knows whatever it is he’s been invited into will no doubt be entertaining. Even I have to admit—my Uncle Sawyer’s the shit.

“Hey JT,” he claps my shoulder and takes a seat. “Beckett, you rang?”

“Hell yeah I did. Our boy here has himself a dilemma.”

I look to my sane uncle and shake my head. “No, I really don’t. No clue what he’s talking about.”

“Bullshit!” Sawyer scoffs, slamming his beer on the table. “I can’t believe after all this time you’d underestimate my powers. Zach, tell him about my powers.”

“He has powers,” Zach confirms in a patronizing tone, while shaking his head no. “Beckett, you’re drunk. What are you torturing the kid about?”

“Want to tell him, or shall I?” Saw raises his brows and gives me that ‘I know everything’ smug ass smile of his. “And actually, I’m not drunk. Yet. Good thing too, or I may have missed all the signs.”

“You’re gonna have to tell him because I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I take a long swig of my beer, dreading what’s coming…he knows. He always knows.

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