Page 17 of Reckless

“Nothing, if you have fun every once in a while.”

“Reading is fun,” I argued.

“Going out dancing is fun. Getting drunk in the middle of the day is fun. Bungee jumping, kayaking, even cursing total strangers on the street while they pass you by is fun.”

“Why would I curse strangers?” I frowned, not sure why I was engaging in that conversation.

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because doing something wild and out of your comfort zone is liberating like nothing else is.”

“Or you get all beaten up,” I pointed at his face. “Is that how you got these? You cursed the wrong guy.”

The smile that formed on his lips was so charming, so boyish, that the words that came out of his mouth sounded completely inappropriate.

“I am the wrong guy, little Spencer. I thought you knew that already.”

My nickname always sounded like a tease on his lips. Like an older brother would tease his little sister, or her annoying best friend in my case.

This time though it came out loaded with something else.

But he was right. He was the wrong guy. I should just finish up what I came here for and leave. So, I steered the conversation back to his sister.

“Is that why you didn’t take Clem out for coffee like you promised? Because you got into a fight and wanted to hide it?”

“First of all, it was a suggestion, not a promise. Second of all, no one likes a know-it-all.”

So he did try to hide his current state.

“Fine. Let’s talk about the camping trip then.”

“We already agreed it’s stupid. I have nothing more to say.”

“It’s not that big of a deal. All you have to do is fly to California and spend three days walking around in the mountains.” He tried to cut me off but I lifted my palm up to signal him I wasn’t finished. “You can drink all you want up there. I can guarantee that Chase won’t go without booze. Remember him?”

Chase was Lucas’s best friend from high school and also the twin brother of the biggest bitch I had ever met. That wasn’t his only flaw. He was a troublemaker of the worst kind. The type that didn’t acknowledge authority in any form.

Tyler looked at me for a moment like I was an idiot, then he slowly turned around pointing at his surroundings.

“I’m not an alcoholic, but even if I were, I work in a bar. I’m not sure why you decided that bringing booze would win me over.”

“What would win you over then?”

“Is anything on the table?” he asked with a suggestive smile. I rolled my eyes.

“I have a boyfriend.”

“Oh, I remember Dr. Boring. You are the perfect couple. Your idea of having fun is staying home reading, so no wonder you decided to tie yourself up with a doctor. I see lots of lonely nights in your future. It’s a good thing you have low expectations.”

“Nick is not boring,” I defended him, but I felt like I was defending myself and my choice.

“He’s boring and you’re predictable. And the path from predictable to boring is pretty short, so you better be careful now.”

“I didn’t come here to talk with you about my personal life.”

“No. You came here to talk aboutmypersonal life. Aboutmyrelationship withmysister.”

“She is my best friend. I want to help her. And because of some reason that is unknown to me, right now she needs you. You have to step up and act like a decent older brother would.”

“To obey her whims, you mean. Isn’t that the job of the baby daddy? I have a life, you know. I have a job.”

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