Brett: good luck with that
What the hell is with him?
Delaney’s back today. I was just as surprised to see her dad’s car pull up as everyone else. Apparently, she asked Kit’s mom if she could come back today. She’s currently trying to lure a squirrel out of a tree with sunflowerseeds. Kit is ignoring everyone, face in a book and toes swirling in the lake. Brett? Yeah, dude hasn’t shut up for more than thirty seconds all day. I’ve been playing semi-attentive boyfriend slash stupid brother blockade since Del showed up after breakfast, and all I want is five minutes of peace.
He seriously asked her what her intentions were with me. Like I’m an innocent little flower he’s trying to protect.
Buzz.
I roll my eyes so hard it actually makes my head ache.
Brett: tell me you see this
Brett: your gf is baby talking a squirrel right now
Brett: it doesn’t have to be this way, man. Why are you making yourself suffer
Brett: does it look like Kit is burning? Gosh, what kind of friend even are you? Letting him crisp into a noodle. He obvs can’t figure out the sunscreen bottle on his own Boeeeeeee.
I glance over. Kit is frowning at his book, clearly annoyed by something. Knowing Kit, though, probablyeverything.That really shouldn’t put a smirk on my face. He’s got that tiny sunburn on the tip of his ears again, and yeah, okay, maybe I should have helped with that.
I type back.
Me: leave me alone
Brett: Never<3
Brett: I’ve been silent for fifteen years and I’m finally realizing how much potential I have to make your life hell
Me: I don’t think you know what silent means
Brett: you’re welcome
I set the phone face down on the cooler beside me. Delaney’s laughing, sitting cross-legged in the grass not far, asking Tucker if squirrels can be pets.
Buzz.
Buzz.
Buzz.
I hold out. I do. For like, forty-five seconds.
Brett: okay but real question
Brett: do you actually like her? like for reals?
Brett: or do you like the idea of her?
Brett: cause if you tell me it’s for real bro, I’ll back off. Honestly.
Me: I’m not doing this with you right now
Brett: So… what you’re saying is I can continue planning your and Kit’s wedding? How do you feel about sunflowers?
I shoot my brother an annoyed look and set my phone back down, picking my camera up instead.
The view of the lake from this angle is my favorite. Sitting in the grass, back pressed against a tree, the water seems endless. Just glittering water and trees off in the distance. I snap three photos before my phone buzzes again.
