“Technically it was his parents’ backyard, but no. I needed the clarity. Stop being so harsh about all of this. You’re my brother, not my dad.”
“But Mom and Dad don’t know, right?”
I dig my boot into the dirt. “I don’t know. Up until thirty seconds ago, I didn’t thinkyouknew either.”
“I couldn’t believe it when I heard. What happened to goody-two-shoes Lauren?”
“I had a couple drinks and was influenced by Callie.”
Charlie clears his throat. “Callie Fletcher? How long have you two been hanging out?”
“I don’t know. Since June or July?”
“How come I didn’t know about this?”
I shrug, leaning against the wooden fence behind me. “Because you’re never here.”
“You know it’s hard for me to come home. It’s complicated, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to hear about your life.”
“But you get weird when I mention Callie’s name.”
“I donot,” he says, his voice coming out two octaves too high.
“Yes, youdo.” I mimic his tone, fighting back laughter.
“Okay, this isn’t about me. This is about you. Are you okay? Do I need to tell Mom and Dad? You’re worrying me.”
“Char, I love you, but if you tell them, I will come to California and murder you with my bare hands. You know they don’t need the extra stress in their lives.” I glance past the fence, grounding myself by counting the cattle spread across the pasture. “Besides, last night was nothing to make a big fuss about. Like I said, it was exactly what I needed to finally feel like I can move on.”
“Would you tell me if you weren’t okay?”
“Yeah,” I say automatically, shoving my free hand into my back pocket. “And I promise I am. The best I’ve been since I broke up with Austin.” Swiveling back in the direction of the barn, I catch Jax checking on me through one of the windows. My heart flutters, and I realize I might actually be telling the truth.
“I know I’m not there, but I’ll always pick up the phone when you need me. I love you.”
“I love you too.” I peel myself away from the fence. “Promise you won’t tell Mom and Dad?”
“As long as you don’t get into any more trouble, which I will hear about. You know Jax is always keeping an eye on you for me.”
I steal a glance back at the barn, doing my best to deflect from what these nonstop flutters might mean. “Yeah, I do. That little snitch.”
Charlie snickers.
“Talk to you later.”
“Wait.” There’s a long pause, and I can tell he’s working up the courage to say whatever it is he has left to say. “Have you and Callie ever talked about me?”
Charlie and Callie dated for a couple years in high school and into college, but they broke things off when Charlie decided he wouldn’t be returning to Roots. I know it was his decision, but I still think he broke his own heart in the process. I can’t help but think there’s more to the story. They seemed so happy together.
“No, she hasn’t said anything,” I say softly.
“That’s okay. That’s what I figured. It’s been years.”
“It doesn’t mean she doesn’t still care for you.”
“I mean, why would she? I changed my mind on her. I was the one who left.”
I’m quiet. I can’t argue with him, and I don’t know how to make it any better.
