“Your sister’s hot.” I chuckle as I lean back in my seat, eyes glued to the screen as Philly takes the field. “And I mean that in the most respectful way.”
“He leans forward and rests his elbows on the table, scrubs his hands over his face, and grumbles, “Fuck. I can’t even hate on you. Hell, I may even wanna kiss you for getting her to see she deserves better.”
“Pretty sure she knew that she’s a smart girl. I just think she gave up believing that there were good men still out there who were not related to her.” I lean back and link my fingers behind my head. “And I’m a damn good man, Jackson.”
“If you don’t say so yourself, huh?” He chuckles.
“Inter-fucking-ception!” echoes through the bar, and we glance back and see Lauren jumping up on the bar and repeating, “Inter-fucking-ception!”
“You do know that you just put a target on her ass. All these motherfuckers are gonna think it’s all right to date my sister, my cousins. You know how fucked up that is?”
“You could look at it that way, or you could look at it that you now have one more brother to fuck up anyone who doesn’t deserve those Jeep chicks.”
“I will hold you to it.”
“You don’t gotta hold me, Jackson, unless you want to.” I wink.
He stands up and walks to the bar to grab another drink. I don’t blame him. Next thing you know, his sisters will be getting married on a rooftop in Jersey.
Which reminds me, I think as I stand up, walk to the door leading to the deck, and step out to give Jillian a call.
It takes her a few rings to answer it, but she does. It’s not a Hey Hudson, how are you doing; it’s, “This better be good. You’re interrupting the consummation.”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake, Jillian,” I grumble. “Was just calling to see how you’re doing.”
“I’m a little sore?—”
“And goodnight.” I hang up the phone.
I shove my hands in my pocket and look up at the sky right before I feel arms wrap around me from behind and titties on my back.
“Hey Brooksie, I got a question for you.”
“I came out to ask you one. Me first.”
I take one of her hands and bring her around in front of me. “Shoot.”
“I’m super fucking proud of you. You’re standing up for something you believe in, something I believe in. But doesn’t mean it doesn’t suck. So, tell me: honestly, how are you doing?”
“It would take a mushroom cloud over my head right now to put me in a bad mood. I’m still high on us.”
She smiles. “Yeah, me, too. So, what was your question?”
“What’s your favorite constellation?”
“Canis Major.”
“Canis Major, huh?”
She leans in and rubs her nose across my chest. “I like big dogs and I cannot lie.”
I remember her mom talking about her dog and how upset she was about it.
“Love dogs, too. My grandma had a pup that died right after her. I haven’t been able to get one since. Plus, it seems kind of selfish to do that when I’m not home all the time. But I would fucking love one.” I tip her chin up so she’s looking at me. “If I get benched, you wanna get a dog with me?”
“Are you serious?” she says like she thinks I’m joking but really doesn’t want me to be.
“As a fucking heart attack.”
