Page 59 of Lucas (Life in the Brohouse 7)

“Huh?” I look up at him, his gaze meeting mine. There’s pain behind those eyes. He looks like an injured wild animal, terrified about what fate awaits him.

Lucas faces me, his hand touching my hip lightly. It’s not often he touches me at work. We try to keep things as professional as possible. “You were right, I can’t write that story. I won’t.”

I keep my mouth shut and simply nod, knowing all he wants right now is my support.

“I would rather write about love than scandals and gossip,” Lucas continues. He sighs and runs a hand through his hair. “I also don’t want to break ties with my parents. Despite our arguing and all the emotional abuse I had to endure as a kid, I still want to try to make things work. Things would be different if they weren’t trying, but I can tell they are wanting to see things from my point of view. Even if it’s hard for them.”

My eyes prickle with tears, partly because I’m so happy he’s beginning to see this, and partly because I wish my own parents would try to empathize with me. It’s selfish I know, to compare my life to Lucas’s, but I’m only him. I smile at him and cup his cheek. He leans into it, his stubble scratching at my palm.

“That’s great, Lucas,” I whisper, struggling against the sob clawing its way up my throat. I swallow it and inhale deeply, calming the rapid beating of my heart before asking, “What will you do now? Can you get out of the contract?”

Lucas nods. “I spoke with my parents yesterday. Well, Mom. Dad is still trying to wrap his head around the whole idea of it. Mom had me send over the contract and she believes their lawyers can do something about it.”

“How much will that cost?” I blurt out.

“Nothing. Mom said she would take care of it.” He winces and his gaze falls on the tiled floor. I know he doesn’t want to take his parents’ money. He’s been solving his own problems for almost two years. However, there’s no way he will be able to get through this without his family’s connections and money. He can barely afford rent as it is. I doubt he can use the check he received for his book for lawyers.

“And what about the money?” I ask, thinking about that huge check that could purchase such a beautiful house. That room was luxurious and I could see the five of us enjoying picnics out on the lawn during the summer and decorating the windows with lights during the winter. I sigh longingly as I think of it, knowing deep down, even if we had gone through with it, it would have always felt dirty. I don’t think I would have been able to enjoy it for long.

“I haven’t deposited it. I don’t plan on using it. If Lori and her company do intend to sue me, it will be quite expensive and they won’t have much to go off of since I technically didn’t take the money. At least, that’s what Mom’s lawyers believe.” Lucas smiles and there is a mischievous gleam in his eyes as he tilts his head. “I have been working on something else I hope to get published. But I wanted your permission before I go through with it.”

“Oh?” My interest is piqued. I haven’t seen Lucas look so happy in such a long time. This semester has been hard on him, keeping secrets about his work and the whole thing at Boulder was a bit of a miss. It’s nice to see the old Lucas returning. “What is it about?”

”Us.”

That one word hits me. It could mean a hundred different things. Us as in, me and him? Lucas working at the cafe? But the waggle in his eyebrows has my face flushing and my eyes widen as I realize he intends to write about US—otherwise known as me, Lucas, Seth, Hunter, and Alex.

”Us?” I repeat. “As in—” I circle my finger and Lucas surprisingly catches my meaning. He nods emphatically. His every gesture excited as if he’s been shot with a jolt of electricity.

“Exactly,” he breathes, placing both his hands on my shoulders. “I’ve spent the last three days writing. I’m already ten chapters in. It’s a romantic piece and once it’s finished, I want you to read it, Rachel.”

I know this is wrong. If this gets out, the world will know. Well, my parents already know. And so does Charlie and Lauren. But what about Seth’s mom? Hunter’s dad? Alex’s family? I guess this will also be a bit of a gut punch for Lucas’s family.

“Names are changed,” Lucas rushes out. “I was mostly inspired by the love we share and I know it’s good, Rachel. I can feel it in my bones.”

A giggle erupts from me as I stare at him. It takes me by surprise, but I can’t stop myself. He looks so happy, so excited. And the idea is good, better even than what he planned on writing about his family.

“I think it’s amazing,” I say, speaking from the heart. “You should do it.”

Lucas’s hands slide down my arms. They circle my waist and he picks me up, pulling me in for a searing kiss while he spins me around. I giggle, my lips pressed against his. The kiss is short lived and I feel my body sliding down his front.

Someone clears their throat and I glance over my shoulder, finding Jason staring at us, his hands on his hips, his eyes narrowed on us. “So this is what the both of you get up to when I’m gone.”

I flush. My face feels so hot it might just melt right off. I hear Lucas scoff behind me, followed by a, “You’re one to talk.”

I quickly untie my apron. If Jason is here, that must mean my shift is over. “Sorry, Jason,” I murmur while stuffing my apron into my bag and throwing it quickly over my shoulder.

Jason chuckles and shakes his head. “I was teasing Rachel. You two are the best employees I have. Enjoy your afternoon off,” he adds while I stride briskly past him. “And Lucas! How do you feel about closing tonight?”

“Ha!” Lucas shouts, and it’s the last thing I hear as the door swings shut behind me.

Walking to the art school, my eyes take in the world around me. Spring is in the air. The trees are in full bloom. The grass is the brightest green I’ve seen it since the school year began. People are picnicking in the quad, tossing a football back and forth, studying with friends in the shade. I breathe in deep, enjoying the fresh air and the bright sun radiating upon me. It’s a good day, and it hasn’t been that bad of a semester. I feel inspired somehow. Lucas’s energy, his optimism in spite of everything that’s happened, has me itching for my brushes, my camera. I want to make something romantic, as well. Lucas has inspired me.

I step inside the art studio and immediately stop, finding Charlie at our usual table in the back corner, but not alone. All the windows are open, allowing light and a slight draft to ease into the room, making it brighter than it usually is. Before me, I see Mike standing in front of Charlie. His head only reaches her shoulders, given she’s in her tallest stiletto heels. She bites her bottom lip. Her eyes glimmer with tears and I feel like I have suddenly walked in on something I shouldn’t have. Neither have noticed me, yet. I could close the door and pretend like I saw nothing, but curiosity keeps me glued to the floor.

“I care for you, Charlie,” Mike says, his voice so low it’s hard to hear. “I care for you more than you’ll ever know. Sometimes I think that maybe,” Mike turns away, his lips pursing.

Charlie takes pity on him and nods. “I know, Mike. I feel the same.”

---