It’s like my grandfather used to say—nobody ever said life was going to beeasy.
That afternoonI get a text from one of my favorite Mastersons. Too bad it’s not Raven. It’s her brother,Levi.
Chip and I are at the Black Bear. Joinus.
And that’s it. Levi has never been too winded when it comes to our conversation, but considering the facts, considering my still busted lower lip, it’s hard to tell if the brevity has to do with his old set ways or if he’s simply pissed. But I head over to the Black Bear anyway. If anything else, to check out thecompetition.
The Black Bear Saloon is situated directly across from Whitney Briggs University, my old stomping grounds, and the memories I have at this place brings back a greedy frat boy smile to my lips. Yes, I’ve spent my fair share of time and dollars right here at this bar, and I love that it still feels, looks, and smells the same. The scent of fries and beer permeates the place. Heck, your clothes smell like it on the way out. The music is live. That’s a new thing. But other than that, it’s all the same ball ofwax.
I spot Chip and Levi at a table in the corner, and Bryson and Holt, two of the owners, happen to be sitting with them chatting it up like old friends, and theyare.
“What’s this?” I say as I come upon them. “Looks like the twin convention just hit town. Both sets of brothers are fraternal twins. I guess they have more in common than the bar afterall.
Both Bryson and Holt stand and offer up a friendly slap to myback.
“Good luck, man.” Bryson’s brows rise into his forehead. “You’re gonna needit.”
“Yup.” Holt offers a light sock to my arm. “I’ll get you a beer on thehouse.”
“Thanks, but make it a near-beer. I’mdriving.”
They take off, and I fall into the hot seat across from Chip and Levi, both looking decidedlypissed.
“Dude.” Chip bounces his head my way. “You’re sleeping with my sister.” He looks as if he’s about to vomit and murder me all atonce.
“Past tense. But I suppose that’s a detail nobody caresabout.”
Levi growls, “Doyou?”
Crap. I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t. So I go for it. “Hell yes,” I grouse right back. “I do care. There. Do what you want with it. Just let me keep myteeth.”
Holt drops off a round of drinks and makes a quick exit. Something tells me I shouldfollow.
“Okay, what’s up?” I push back my drink and fold my arms over my chest, just staring at the boys I grew up with. Here we are, grown men. I always considered them brothers. I’m sure they viewed me the same. That’s why what happened between Raven and me feels so damn raw. “I’m sorry.” I sink my head a moment. “You were both family to me—Raven, too. And I broke that trust. I get it. You probably don’t want to see my face again. If you want to buy me out of the bar, go right ahead. Hell, I’ll make it easy on you and gift you my portion. I don’t need the moneyanyway.”
“All right, hot shot.” Levi raps his knuckles over the table. “You done feeling sorry foryourself?”
Chip shakes his head. “Nobody’s here to knock your teeth in today. You can keep the pearlywhites.”
I look from one to the other, still uncertain of where this might begoing.
“How do you feel about my sister?” Levi growls it out like athreat.
“I really care about her.” It feels as though the gravitational pull in the room just increased to abnormal levels. “I’ve cared about her for a long time.” I bounce my fingers in the air as the final truth makes its way up my throat. “I love her.” There. They can kill me, call me a pussy, all of the above. I don’t care. The weight has lifted, and I feel as if I’m about to float to theceiling.
Chip and Levi exchange a brief glance. I’m sure they’re speaking telepathically, something they swore they could do when we were kids. And even today that seemspossible.
Levi drags his fingers over the table, his eyes bent on vengeance and pinned on me. “Proveit.”
“Prove it?” A dull laugh dies in my chest. “I don’t need to prove it. I own it. I’m in love with your sister. She’s the only woman I’ve ever loved and will ever feel that way about. I honestly don’t care if she’s all about the money the way yousuggested.”
Levi winces as if Raven herself offered up aslap.
I go on. “She can use me, abuse me. It’s not going to change one bit how I feel abouther.”
Chip shakes his head, a laugh building in him. “All right. Enough with the theatrics. It’s not a becoming look.” He slaps the back of his neck. “I’ve got a meeting at the office in less than twenty minutes.” He gets up and socks me over the arm. “I trust you to do the right thing, man. Don’t break her heart,dude.”
He takes off, and Levi and I square off, each with a silent deadly stare pinned on theother.
