Page 32 of Fear of Love
As Mateo continued talking, I looked him over, a pang going through my chest. It felt like just yesterday that I was teaching him how to ride a bike.
“I promise to let you know when we get there and what we’re doing and when we leave,” he said, a hopeful look in his eyes.
“Give me your phone.” I sighed, hand held out.
At my words, Mateo grinned. “Knew you were my favorite brother.”
“Uh huh.” A smile played on my lips as I grabbed his phone and started booking the cabin. He deserved to go and have fun. They won a hard game today, and he needed a break before the championships.
As I booked the cabin, Mateo turned around and gave his friends a thumbs-up, which earned a loud cheer and everyone’s attention.
“I expect you to let me know when you leave tomorrow and when you get there.” I shot him a firm look as I handed back his phone. No matter what, I was still going to worry about him and Wyatt.
“Thanks, Lan.” Mateo surprised me by pulling me into a tight hug. With a shake of my head, I hugged him back.
“You played great today. Go and have fun.”
His smile wobbled for a second before stretching wider. He slapped my arm before he turned on his heel and headed back to his friends.
As the boys talked, I looked back toward the living room, eyes immediately clashing with Lydia’s green ones. Hers lingered for half a second before she glanced away, but not before I saw the heat in her gaze.
Everyone’s words rang in my head. Maybe they were right. Maybe it was time I do something about Lydia and me.
“Out of everyone,I thought Wyatt would be the stripper,” my mom said a few hours later as we all sat around the dining room table. Mateo’s friends left a bit ago, so it was just our usual group left. “Never could keep his clothes on. You’d turn around, and there he was, running naked around the backyard.”
“Wasn’t me,” Wyatt muttered.
“Of course not, babe.” Josie rubbed his arm, her lips curled in as if holding back a laugh.
“You and Landon used to have naked picnics,” my mom continued, making me choke. Hitting my chest, I looked at my mom with wide eyes. “What?”
“Actual picnics?” Lydia asked, leaning forward with a gleam in her eye.
“Don’t,” I hissed, but I knew that would just make her want to know even more.
“The two of them would ask to go sit outside on a blanket and have snacks. They’d sit out there for hours, naked and happy.” I groaned at the same time as Wyatt. These were not stories either of us wanted our friends to know, or anyone else, for that matter.
“Always knew they had a tight bond,” Trevor teased.
“Naked buddies,” Bryton added cackling.
“Please tell me you have pictures,” Lydia said, beaming so brightly her face could hardly contain it.
“Of course.” Evelyn gave the girls a wink. I had no doubt she would make good on that promise.
“Always knew you two were weird.” Mateo laughed. Wyatt and I narrowed our eyes at him
“We have plenty of embarrassing stories about you if you want to go there,” Wyatt said before I could.
Mateo shrugged. “I don’t care.”
“How about that time we went to the zoo and—” Wyatt started to say only for Mateo to interrupt.
“Anyone want dessert? Time for dessert,” Mateo said loudly before Wyatt could finish.
“Mateo was at the zoo—” Wyatt tried again.
“Let me help you with dessert, Mom.” He stood up, reaching for our mother while the others laughed.
