Page 34 of Wildfire
I slump back on the bed and stare at the ceiling.
Am I a jerk?
All I want is to live my dream instead of taking care of my drunk and depressed father and marrying a guy who wants me barefoot and pregnant while my brothers stroll in and out of our lives without a care in the world.
No one ever asked me what I wanted, and no one cared to see if they could help with Dad’s care. And when my brother Brian and his girlfriend moved in with us to save money, I knew it was my only chance. He could take care of Dad and see how it felt. Michael ended up a casualty of my opportunity.
"I'll think about it."
"Good. Want to head into town and get a drink?"
I perk up. I haven't been 'out' in Owl Creek, and I must admit I am dying to see what the night offers. It would be fun to check out the local bar scene and let loose for an hour or so.
"Let me throw on something cute."
"So, clean Wranglers?"
"Ha! I have a cute dress I bought to wear when I get to L.A."
"Let's see it then!"
We quickly get ready and then pile into her car. I don't know where any fun hangouts are, so we pick the bar closest to the town center and try it.
When we arrive, the parking lot is full, which is crazy for a Monday night. When we walk in, there is music blasting from the stereo, a loud group of people playing foosball, and no empty tables.
"Damn, this place is crazy!"
"Let's grab a beer and see if something opens up."
Zoe pulls me toward the bar, and we squeeze between two guys drinking alone. I don't recognize the one on my left, but as I turn to the right, I see Caleb, the guy fixing my car.
"Caleb, hey."
A slow grin pulls at his lips, and I hear Zoe gasp. Yeah, Caleb is good-looking, but I’ll be damned if he is going to pull his Casanova shit with my bestie.
"This is my best friend, Zoe. She's staying with me at Cole's place."
He sticks out his hand to shake hers, and I watch their eyes meet. I'm not sure if I pick up on something, but I'm not about to stand around to figure it out.
"Zoe, that table opened up. Why don't you go grab it before someone else does?"
Caleb's eyes follow her to the table, and I know he will be a problem. I don't want him anywhere near Zoe if he is as much of a rascal as his family said. I order our beers and make small talk with him while waiting for the pour.
"How's it going with my car?"
"Great. Should be done by this weekend."
Even though I want to get to L.A., knowing I would leave so soon deflates me. I've grown fond of Cole and Callie, and despite the two gossips I overheard in the bathroom, I was starting to like being here.
"Fantastic, I can't wait to get behind the wheel again. Have a great night." I give him a friendly smile and walk over to our table.
"What the fuck, Renée?" I haven't even sat down, and Zoe is already starting. "Is this town full of hot men? First Cole, and now that guy?"
"You aren't going to believe this, but that's Cole's brother."
"Oh, I'd believe it. There's some good genes in that family."
"I'll drink to that!"
