Page 178 of Love in Riverbend
“You’re not a shit brother. You’re busy. And I know you and Dad are worried about what to do with the farm.”
Ricky nods. “Yeah, there’s a lot of shit happening.” He leans back and his eyes scan me up and down. “Are you going somewhere?”
“Kandace Richards invited us to her house for lunch.”
“Meeting the family.”
“I’ve met the family, just not formally.” I shrug. “Kandace came up to me at the softball game Thursday night.”
“Have fun with that.” He pushes his chair back, but before he stands, he sighs. “Do you like him?”
“I do.”
My brother’s lips are in a straight line as he nods. “I’m trying to come to terms with it…”
I’m about to comment that he has no say in the matter, but before I do, Ricky goes on.
“…And I think what I’m trying to say is there aren’t many better guys out there than Justin.”
I smile as a lump forms in my throat.
“That said, if he makes some dick move or does anything to upset you, I’ve got your back.”
“Thank you.” I remember something. “So you and Marilyn really kissed?”
“Shit.” He shakes his head as he stands. “No.”
Pursing my lips, I tilt my head.
“Okay, once.”
“She’s a great person too.”
“She’s going to grad school in the fall?” he asks.
I nod. “Finance.”
His eyebrows raise. “Really? I didn’t know she was into numbers.”
I roll my eyes. “She’s a genius with boring stuff.”
Ricky stands. Switching the subject away from my friend to us, he asks, “Are we good?”
“Yeah. School doesn’t start for three more weeks. Let me know when you can come by, and I’ll show you the classroom.”
“I will.”
We both turn toward the window, hearing and seeing Justin’s truck.
“Looks like your ride is here,” Ricky says.
“He can still be your friend.”
“He is. Don’t make me choose because I don’t want to.”
“I don’t plan on it,” I say. When I look down at my top and shorts, I start to second-guess what I’m wearing.
As if he can read my mind, Ricky grins. “You look great. Have a good time.”
