Page 52 of Drive Me Wild
“Yeah, I’ve been up in the woods on the weekends.”
“Is there anything going on you want to talk about?”
I turn to face my big brother. The guy who always did everything perfectly. One of the two shadows I’ve been walking in my whole life.
“I’m different now, that’s all.”
“You said I don’t see you when you came to the party a few weeks ago. I haven’t really noticed any changes in you, so I guess you’re right.”
“It’s not just that.”
“What, then, Caleb? What don’t I see?”
“This is the whole problem, Cole. To the rest of the world, I’ve always been everything they expected and nothing more. Nothing more than anyone expected. But I’m not just cars and chicks.”
“I know that.”
“Do you? Do you see anything besides the fifteen-year-old who was already rebuilding engines and hooking up behind the bleachers? Did you ever stop and think that maybe there is more to me? That I might be just as smart as Cody? Or be just as kind and giving of a person as you?”
His eyes bore into me. Two dark orbs that mirror my own.
“I’m more than the town playboy. I volunteer at the high school. I’m teaching a kid how to work on cars so he can make something of himself. I’m a successful business owner who is earning the respect of everyone but his own brother!”
“I respect you.” He whispered.
“Then why do you treat me like someone you can’t trust?”
“Is that— fuck. Caleb. I’m sorry.” He gripped the back of my head and pulled me closer. “Buddy, I trust you.”
“Then treat me like someone you’re happy is dating your future wife’s best friend. Treat me like someone who can be just as responsible as you are.”
He pulled me in for a rare hug.
I don’t know the last time Cole and I hugged. With Buzz, it was probably the last time I saw him. But my relationship with Cole has been strained for a long time.
“I’m sorry. I’ll do better. I’ll be a better brother.”
He let me go with a pat on the back.
“I’m going to head inside. Is there anything else we need to talk about?”
“Just one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“You gonna put a ring on Renée’s finger soon?”
He threw his arm around my neck again, like he used to when we were kids, and he leaned into my ear. “I’ve got everything all planned out. Just waiting for time off from work so I can take her on a little romantic getaway.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yeah. Don’t tell Mom and Buzz. They can’t keep a secret to save their lives.”
“I’m happy for you.”
“Me too. And I’m happy for you, Caleb. Zoe is an amazing woman.”
“She is.”
