Page 19 of Stirred Up

“Rise and shine, Mocifus,” he chirps. “You free for lunch today?”

My unsteady breath trips up my words. “W-what?”

“Lunch? You, me, whadda ya say?”

“Dylan, it’s seven in the morning! Who’s dead? What’s on fire?”

He chuckles annoyingly in my ear. “Not a damn thing’s wrong, everything’s right. Can you meet me? I have big news I wanna tell you about in person.”

Oh hell, he knocked someone up. I blanch. As scary as the thought is, maybe it’s the kick in the ass he needs to learn some responsibility. Please let the girl be someone I can tolerate for the next twenty years.

“You there?” he asks, full of excitement.

Shame on you, Addison. I shake off my pessimism. “Yeah, ok, lunch is good. When and where?”

We make plans to meet at McAllister’s Sports Bar at noon. I love their wingsandit means I won’t be eating in the break room. Ricky joined me there on Friday to “endthings” because he and Pat “mesh.”Longest conversation without rolling my eyes and gut laughing ever.Today’s venue is all the motivation I need to drag myself to the coffee pot.

As I get ready for work, random scenarios run through my mind of what Dylan’s news could be. I adore my big brother, but he tends to be...flighty. An announcement from him could literally be anything from “I joined the circus” to “I’m getting a sex change.”

So yeah, to say I’m a bit on edge would be an understatement.

Nevertheless, when I walk in the pub at noon on the dot, I sport a big, optimistic smile of support.

He waves from his perch at a high-top, beckoning me over, dressed in slacks anda tie. The fabric strips men wear around their neck, knot at the top—yeah, that kind of tie.

So maybe not the circus then. So far so good.

“Hey.” He stands and hugs me. “Thanks for coming. I ordered those cheese bits you like to start. Here.” He pulls out my chair. “Take a load off.”

“T-thank you.” I glance around, trying to spot thePunk’dcrew, wherever they’re hiding. Never once has Dylan been a gentleman! I’m antsy and my patience iswaning, but I try to hold firm waiting for the big news. No way would he dress up to declare he’s about to become a father, so I’m at a panicky loss. “Out with it, you’re scaring me.”

“Ah, ye of little faith.” He shakes his head and clicks his tongue. “Ok, are you sitting down?”

“Um, you pulled out my chair,” I deadpan. “Guess.”

“Right, ok sorry, lil’ nervous.” His face lights up, eyes brightening as he rubs his hands together furiously. “Here goes. Moe, I’m opening my own company. Game software.”

I try for a speedy recovery, schooling my bulging, shocked eyes, snapping my agape mouth closed. “How? I mean, I know you’re very passionate about those games,” I lay my hand over his, hopefully it softens my words of skepticism, “and you’re good at them. But Dylan, it takes a lot more thanPac-Manprowess and obsession to own a company.”

He pulls his hand away from mine, defensive and hurt, scowling. I hate making him feel that way and I’d love nothing more than to see him succeed at something he enjoys, but I’ve lent him money and helped him move toomany times to not saysomething.

“Dyl, you need a business plan, collateral, a building, equipment, employees to whom you can offer benefit packages.” I sigh, my chest tight, taking in the disappointment in his features. “Not to mention customers.”

There’s fifty more things I could rattle off but it’s then that our waitress arrives with drinks and appetizer in tow. I’m grateful for the moment of reprieve.

“Thank you.” I look at her, snagging an extra dressing off her tray. “I’m ready to order if…” I turn to Dylan. “You know what you want?”

“Let’s wait,” he says directly to our waitress. “We’re expecting one more.”

She nods and retreats as I ask, “Who’s joining us?”

“The investor who took care of the building and equipment when I showed him my business plan.” He fires back smugly.

“Who would—”

“Hey, sorry I’m late. You guys been here long?”

My head’s down, sipping my drink, when the familiar voice hits us. Of course...savior Brady.

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