When I finally found the right angle, I sent him the picture and grinned.
See? I wasn’t lying?
A few seconds later, I got my response.
Thank you. You’ve made my dreams tonight much more interesting.
19
The Rescue Squad
I slept better than I thought I would, and after waking up earlier than usual, I threw on my headphones and running clothes and walked down the hall on my tiptoes. Mike was still asleep on the couch. I closed the door softly, thinking he’d remain that way for a while, but when I got home an hour later, all the guys in the house were up and about. Will greeted me as I stole a piece of toast from my brother’s plate, licking it so he wouldn’t take it back from me.
“What the hell kind of host does that?” Spencer asked.
“The hungry kind,” I replied.
Mike laughed, so I decided that made us allies and took the stool beside him. Spencer yawned and pushed his mug toward Will for more coffee. I had rarely ever seen him groggy, and I must admit, I found it funny.
“Long night?” I asked.
“Conventions, am I right?” Mike joked.
“Jen’s still a child about these things,” Spencer announced.
“Yeah, and you’re a grandfather,” I teased. “I remember I used to have a brother who could make it through a one-night stand without moaning and groaning about how he needs more coffee the next day.”
“Wait and see, sister,” he responded. “When you’re my age, I’ll be theone laughing at you. Anyway, I’m just getting the lead out before my morning run. Which will be your second morning run. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Spencer!” I shouted pointlessly. He was already on his way to Sue’s room to change. Will and Mike grinned as I headed for the door. On his best day, Spencer would have smoked me—he had eight inches of height on me and probably seventy pounds of muscle. Thank goodness his, er,extracurricular activitieshad worn him out. He took off like lightning, but soon enough, he had to slow down, and I managed to match his pace without coughing up a lung.
It was getting close to midday when we stopped in a park. I tried to buy an ice cream at a nearby shop, but Spencer forced me to get an energy drink instead. I drank it despondently as we sat on a bench. At least it was orange-flavored, I thought.
“You can have your ice cream when I leave,” he said dismissively.
“Need I remind you of how many times I’ve watched you eat an entire box of chocolate cereal?”
“Jen, we barely ever see each other nowadays. Just let me play the responsible older brother for a few hours.”
I smiled and took another sip. We were sweating and our cheeks were flushed, even though it was starting to get cool out and most of the passersby were in long sleeves.
“What time do you have to go?” I asked him.
“The gate opens at eight, so I’ve got time. By the way, my presentation went great, thanks for asking.”
“What did you expect me to do, crack Sue’s door while you two were getting it on to ask?”
“Yeah…maybe it’s best you didn’t. Anyway, for your information, I nailed it. Oh, and I wanted to ask you something: I heard you got back into painting?”
“Yeah,” I said. “Jack gave me a set of oils and charcoals for my birthday, and I’ve really been enjoying myself. You remember how much I loved it when I was in high school?”
“I’ve got to tell you, sis, your face literally lights up when you talk about him,” Spencer observed.
“Shut up!”
“Hey! Respect your older brother! Anyway, I mean that in a good way. He’s a nice guy. I like him. It’s a relief seeing you with someone who’s not a total douche.”
I looked away, and Spencer wrapped an arm around me. “Sorry,” he added. “That was over the line. I shouldn’t have brought him up.”
