Page 66 of All My Firsts

“So, Mom, I’ve been thinking about looking into the detective program at the department. Chief said even though I’ve only been there under two years, he’d recommend me. It’s not common for someone this early on to get that recommendation, so, uhm, it’s a pretty big deal.” Bryce was trying to be humble, but you could tell he was bursting at the seams with this news.

“Oh, Bryce, that’s exciting, sweetie. I’m so proud of you!” Jane’s face lit up with pride for her son. Xander stood and went to his brother to give him a hug.

“That’s great news, bro. If anyone can do it, you can.” Xander finished off the hug with a slap to Bryce’s back before coming back to the chair next to me. He caught me watching all of them, admiring them and their love for one another, and smiled down at me as he took his seat.

“Yeah, Bryce,” I chimed in, “that’s great news.Good luck.”

He looked my way with a gentle smile, acknowledging my congratulations. Then he turned his attention back to Xander. “Yeah, dude, I’ll make the arrests, and you can prosecute them!” Bryce laughed.

Jane smiled upon both of her boys with pride, her eyes watery. “I can’t believe I’ll have two sons working with the law.”

Xander chuckled as he refilled his coffee. He turned around, leaning against the counter before responding. “Yeah, but it’ll be at least another five years before I’ll step foot in a courtroom. Let’s hope I make it through.” That hint of self-doubt was a surprise coming from him. The ever-confident Xander was showing a new side to himself, and it made me love him even more.

“Oh, honey,” started Jane, “don’t give me that. You’ll not only finish, you’ll be the best prosecuting attorney out there!” Her smile was wide as she spoke.

“Lanie,” Bryce said as he spooned a huge pile of scrambled eggs onto his plate, “what are you studyingat school?”

Xander beat me to the answer. “She’s fucking brilliant. Smarter than all of us put together.” Hewas beaming.

“Alex, language,” Janereprimanded.

“Sorry, Mom, but you don’t understand. She’s going to be a doctor!”

All three heads turned in my direction, I didn’t know if in disbelief or not. “Well, that’s not completely right, Xander. I’m planning on being a psychologist. So, I’m currently in the psychology program, but like you, I’ll need many years of school to finish up and get the accreditations I need.”

Xander walked the couple steps from the counter to my chair and wrapped his arms around me. “That still makes you a doctor, babe. Don’t be shy about it.” He kissed my cheek as he sat downto his food.

When I was picking my major, all that resonated with me was being able to help others in situations like my own. It made perfect sense to go into a career where I could give people the strength and guidance to navigate through the difficult times in their lives. However, I learned that I wasn’t quite finished with my own journey. The twists and turns that kept jumping up on my path made me second-guess if I’d be capable of helping anyone.

“All that really sounds like to me is a shit ton of homework for you two and a lot of tuition bills,” Bryce taunted as he pulled me from my thoughts. And he wasn’t wrong. “Me, I’ll be making money all those years you’ll be doing your work.” I wasn’t sure how we made out the words he spoke, since his mouth was full of bacon and he was commencing eating a blueberry muffin.

“Well, I’m pretty happy at BRU, and I wouldn’t change a thing.” Xander was only looking at me when he answered Bryce. A look that had the flush rising from my chest to my cheeks.

“Christ, would you two take it upstairs please?” Bryce yelled at us, crumbs literally spewing from his mouth.

My eyes focused on a small piece of bread on the side of my plate. I was mortified by his words. I wasn’t comfortable talking about sex with Xander, let alone his brother and mom. Thankfully, Janerescued me.

“When are the two of you heading back to school? I hope not too soon. I’m loving having you here. You still have a couple weeks, right?” The sly smile she gave me as she stood up from the table was hidden from the boys. She moved toward the sink with some dishes, and they couldn’t see her as she so eloquently changedthe subject.

And that was worse.

I couldn’t talk anymore. My embarrassment had stolen my voice, my words. I sat at the table, looking at my breakfast like it was the best thing since ... well, since sliced bread.

“Yeah, Mom. We have about two weeks before classes start up again, so you’re stuck with us.” He had worked his way to her, his arms around her. The embrace made her beam as I stole a quick glance, a bit of a shimmer in her eyes. The love between these three was an enviable bond.

“Good, I’m glad.” She patted Xander’s arm, which was around her shoulders. “And remember, I’m going to Aunt Jill’s today. Is anyone coming?” She looked aroundexpectantly.

“Sorry, Mom,” Bryce answered as he started standing from the table. “I actually have to head into work in a few hours. So, no, I won’t be able to partake in Aunt Jill’s feast.” The chuckle that escaped his lips didn’t go unnoticed. “I’ll catch up with you guys in a couple days. I’m on dutyfor a bit.”

Bryce was out the door before I realized there was a bit of an uncomfortable silence at the table. I looked back and forth between Xander and his mom, unsure how I should proceed. I decided to stay out of it.

“Xander?” Jane questioned. “Is her food that bad?”

A sigh escaped Xander’s lips before he answered. “Yeah, Mom, it is. It’s fucking terrible.”

The silence remained after his remark, Xander seeming to wait for his mom’s angry response. He sat back against his chair, awaiting the assault he knew would be coming. I couldn’t believe he had said that, such an insult to his aunt. I only met her the night before when she was with them for Christmas Eve. She was the nicest of the bunch to me, not asking too many questions, giving me some space.Iwas even mad at Xander.

But then Jane spoke up and took us both by surprise. “It is, isn’t it? It’s fucking terrible!” The cackle that followed had us all laughing.

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