Page 68 of Overachiever
“You are helping,” she says, holding me tighter. “You’ve helped me realize a lot of things. I’m upset and disappointed, but I still have a plan. A new plan, with you.”
“Do you want to hear something funny about Marty to cheer you up?”
“Definitely.”
“Have you ever heard of a rainbow fish?”
* * *
Remee tries to be upbeat on the three hour drive to my parent’s place in Ohio, but her smiles and laughter are strained. I hope the next few days will be a good distraction for her. It’s never boring at home.
When we get close to my hometown, she glances over at me. “Tell me more about your family.”
“Wondering what you’re getting yourself into?”
“I’m a little concerned I’m walking into a house full of Owens.” This time her grin is genuine.
“A house full of me would be heaven, and you know it. My parents have been together twenty-five years. Mom was a teacher when I was younger, but she’s a stay at home mom now. Dad owns a small grocery store in town.” I squeeze her knee. “Just a warning, Mom is going to fawn all over you, and Dad is going to pepper you with terrible jokes. It’s who they are.”
“They sound amazing.”
“Let’s see, my oldest brother is Joel, he’s twenty-four. He’s bringing his girlfriend. Carter is a year older than me and works as an electrician a few towns away. Asher is seventeen, a senior in high school, and a total pain in the ass. Kevin is eight and Tyler is seven. They’re obsessed with video games.”
“Six boys. Did your mom keep trying for a girl?”
“With the first four of us, maybe.” Gravel crackles under the wheels of the car when I turn onto our long driveway. “Kevin and Tyler were adopted from foster care as toddlers. They’re only blood siblings to each other, but we’re all family.”
Remee licks her lips nervously when I park beside Carter’s car. “Do you think they’ll like me?”
God, she’s cute. “They’re going to love you. This place can be a madhouse so let me know if it gets overwhelming, and we’ll sneak away for a bit.”
The front door whips open, and Mom rushes out onto the porch. “There you are! Are you going to sit your fool self in the truck all day or come give me a hug?”
Remee tosses a smile my way, and we get out of the truck. She trails behind me a little while we climb the steps onto the porch, and Mom grabs me in a hug. “I missed you, Smarty.”
“Missed you too.” Remee steps up beside me as Mom lets me go. “This is my girlfriend, Remee.”
Mom beams at her. “Well, you’re the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen.”
Remee’s cheeks turn pink. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Wright.”
Mom pulls her into a hug and chides, “None of that. I’m Rose. Or you can call me mom like everyone else in the house.”
“Okay,” Remee agrees.
“Everyone is out back. Your Dad’s barbecuing.”
I grab Remee’s hand to lead her around to the backyard, and Mom calls out to her. “You make yourself at home, honey. And if any of these boys give you trouble, send them to me and I’ll thump them one.”
We step into the backyard where everyone is gathered. “Your Mom is so sweet…Smarty.” I want to kiss that little smirk off her face.
“Where do you think I get it from?” If she gets a chance to answer, I don’t hear it over theoofsound that forces its way out of my mouth when my body hits the ground. The laugh in my ear is a familiar one, and I twist, throwing Asher aside.
He leaps to his feet. “Instant takedown! Still the reigning champion! The crowd goes wild!” Cupping his hands around his face, he mimics the roar of a crowd. “Ahhhh.”
Damn, look who grew and filled out since I saw him last. He’s as tall as me. He stands too close during his little celebration, though, and I reach out, grab his ankle and yank, dropping him back down to the ground with me where I pin him.
“Get him!” he calls, grinning, and I turn in time to see Kevin throw a water balloon in our direction. Eight year olds suck at throwing. At least he does, because it soars past me and slaps Remee in the side of the head, soaking her hair and face.
