Page 4 of The Neighbor's Son

“Someone looking for a keg?”

The deep voice belongs to one of the beer bros. I smirk because Kevin and his brother Tyler are the kings of beer. While they’re older than me and way more social, I do like them. I’meven more grateful at least someone other than my dad will be here.

“Wow, a keg?” I smirk at Kevin. “You seriously overestimate my ability to draw a crowd.”

Kevin saunters in, flip flops smacking the linoleum, dragging a keg on a dolly behind him. He’s wearing a pink shirt that says, “I’m a Barbie girl,” that’s a few sizes too small. My guess is one of the chicks he parties with left it at his house on the floor and he put it on, far too lazy to hunt for something in his own closet. It amazes me how the beer bros have a steady stream of women. Still working out that mystery in my head.

Dad abandons the food table where he’s been obsessively fanning out cheese slices to greet Kevin. “Thanks, man. I owe you one.”

“Remember that when rent is late again.” Kevin flashes his most charming grin.

Dad must be nervous because he nods in agreement before stalking back over to the food table.

I love my dad. He’s a great parent, but he’s more than that. When Mom left to pursue having a new family, he filled in the void, sometimes going overboard with attention and interaction with me. As a result, I think of him as my best friend. Which, in turn, makes me feel like a loser. Again.

Maybe I should take Kevin and Tyler up on their numerous offers and actually go to one of their parties. I could connect with people on my own, without needing Dad to facilitate for me.

Tyler drags in a few minutes later. I’m pretty sure he has vomit on his shirt and probably didn’t shower. I think the beer bros are enrolled in college, but no one really knows for sure if they actually attend or not.

Cole and Travis show up next. Travis still wears his electrician uniform, having not changed after work, and grins when he sees me. Cole, a serious cop and my dad’s best friend—who he’s not related to—is stoic as he follows. The two of them are dating Savvy. At the same time. If I knew her better, I would ask more questions about their relationship dynamics. It’s intriguing, but if I’m being honest, would seem overwhelming if you were in it.

I can barely make friends, much less satisfy two people at the same time.

Do they have sex together all at once?

Cole extends his hand, and I shake it, face burning hot. He’s used to seeing right through people’s crap because of his job. I wonder if he knows what I was just thinking about.

Think about anything else, man.

Anything else.

“Happy birthday, kid,” Cole says, expression giving nothing away. “Savvy felt horrible she couldn’t come. She said she’ll take you to lunch one day soon to make up for it.”

“No problem,” I assure him.

Is my face still red as a tomato?

As people arrive, I’m forced to mingle and talk. Since most of the guests are tenants at Moonlit Gables, I know these people. At least talking about Gordon’s death and the updates needed for his unit keep me from thinking about sex positions that Cole and Travis partake in.

People have brought presents which makes me uncomfortable. I don’t need or want anything. Do I open them in front of them or do I take them home to look at later? What’s the protocol?

I’m fidgeting, wondering about the gift situation, when two women arrive. I immediately recognize them. Clara and Casey. Clara, our neighborhood gossip, flits around like a butterfly to each group, hugging and laughing with people. Casey hangs back.

Casey is my next-door neighbor.

I feel guilty that I was glad to learn Derek moved out. Their fighting got worse and worse as time went on, penetrating through their walls and into my room. It was maddening to listen to.

But now they’ve split, and Casey is…lost.

She bites on her glossy bottom lip, shifting from foot to foot. Lately, I’ve only seen her outside wearing a T-shirt and leggings. Today, she looks great in a pair of fitted jeans and a mauve-colored off-the-shoulder top that accentuates her nice breasts. Her blond hair has been curled in loose waves and pulled over one shoulder.

Derek really lost out on a beautiful woman.

I have the overwhelming urge to go talk to her—like maybe I could make her smile. It’s strange when my legs start moving on their own accord. My heart hammers in my chest as I worry about looking like a damn fool in front of this woman.

What if she laughs at me for striking up a conversation?

I stop when I’m close enough to reach out and touch her. I don’t. Instead, I inhale her sweet, perfumed scent. It’s a lovely smell—like the tiger lilies that grow all around the complex ponds.

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