by t. h. snyder
As much as I hate to stop, I need to get out of the car. The traffic has been pretty good so I think it’s about time to pull off for gas and stretch my legs.
I watch the signs and take the next exit turning off at the first gas station.
I’m not too sure where I am exactly, but the last sign said I was nearing Yonkers. I need to make this pit stop quick. It’s already dark outside and knowing my body as well as I do, it will want to go into sleep mode. I quickly get out, pumping gas and grabbing a twenty-four ounce steaming cup of caffeine.
Hopping into my car, I hear my cell phone begin to chirp. I start up the car and see Char’s name flash on the display screen.
A smile appears on my face and I push the hands-free button.
“Hey lady,” I say.
“Hola, chica. Where you at?”
“Ugh, I’m near Yonkers. Wherever the hell that may be.”
She lets out a laugh and I can hear Riley yelling something in the background.
“Riley, stop it. Yes, I know, I’ll ask her. My God, do you want to talk to her?” she mumbles through the phone.
“What’s his problem?”
“He’s worried that you’re going to fall asleep driving. Now these are his words not mine…because you’re an old lady. He wants to know if we should meet you so he can drive the rest of the way for you.”
“Oh my God, he’s such a dickhead. First of all, I’m not an old lady and second, I only have a little bit more to go. Tell your stupid boyfriend that I’ll see him in a few hours, but only if his old ass can stay up that late.”
“Oh my God, you two are nuts,” she says with a heavy sigh.
“What, we’re nuts? Nah, you’re just imagining things. This is a totally normal conversation for me and my brother. You should know this by now, Char.”
“Shit, you two are going to drive me crazy,” she laughs.
“I’ll be on my best behavior, I promise.”
“Em, don’t make a promise we both know you won’t be able to keep.”
“Okay, fair enough, I’ll try my best not to make you go crazy.”
“Okay good, get your ass up here so we can pop open this bottle of wine I bought today. Plus, I think Derrick has cleaned his house a hundred times so that it’s perfect for you.”
“I’m trying; I should be there between nine-thirty and ten.”
“Yay, drive safe and we’ll see you soon.”
“Okay, see you in a few hours.”
The line disconnects and I return one hundred percent focus on the road in front of me.
I have so much to be grateful for right now.
A complete stranger is about to take me into his home. Granted, it’s only a few houses down from Riley and Char, but still it’s going to be interesting to moving in with a guy I barely know.
Char and Riley swear that Derrick is a good guy and would do just about anything to help them out. I honestly don’t care where I stay as long as I have a roof over my head and a place to sleep at night.
They’ve given me the condensed story of his life and apparently he’s going through a recent break up as well. Between the two of us we should make a pretty damn depressing pair.
Char has described Derrick as a guy with a heart of gold. He’s been her best friend for years and just went through a recent break up with his girlfriend that he’d been dating since high school. I made her swear that moving in with him won’t cause any issues for him and his ex-girlfriend.
That’s when she told me his ex was also her sister….and I thought I had drama.
Riley mentioned that Derrick is a lawyer and recently began working loads of hours to keep his mind busy. Having him out of the house and at the firm will give me a little more space that I’ll need to find myself again.
The first thing I want to do once I get to Boston is settle myself into Derrick’s house. I don’t want things to be awkward, but I also don’t want to replace his girlfriend, either.
Once all of that’s settled, I want to take Riley up on his offer to work for Char’s dad. I’ve gone this long doing odds and ends for RPK; it’s time I put my college education to work and start trying to build up a career of my own in project management.
This is a fresh start for me and with everything that Riley, Char and Derrick are doing for me, I’d be stupid to pass up on this opportunity.
I glance to the navigation screen and see that I only have forty-five minutes until I’m there, so I crank up the radio and the first song that comes on is A Little Bit Stronger by Sara Evans.
Holy shit, this song could’ve been my fucking anthem. I listen to the words and pump myself up. I’m grooving to the song in my car knowing that every day I am getting stronger. I’ll get over the pain of the past year and move on with my life again. I’m making it my personal mission in 2013 to start my life over.
No more listening to what others tell me to do.
No more being taken for granted.
No more living like I don’t matter, because I do.
It’s a little after nine when I finally pull into the driveway at Derrick’s house. I’m so tired I just want to close my eyes and fall asleep.
Leaning on the headrest of my seat, I turn off the car and shut my eyes for a quick second.
Just for a moment I need to rest my eyes.
A loud bang pulls me out of my cat nap.
I jump out of my seat and my eyes fly open to see my stupid brother standing outside my driver’s side door tapping on the window.
“You stupid jerk!” I scream. “You scared the shit out of me!”
Laughing hysterically, he opens the door.
“Sorry, Em. I took Manny out and saw your car parked in the driveway. Why the hell are you still sitting in your car?”
“Ugh, I just wanted to close my eyes for a second and I must have dozed off.”
“Well, that happens when you’re up in age. I think it’s called a senior moment or something like that.”
“Riley, tired or not, I’m going to kick your ass. I’m not old!”
“Leave her alone, Riley,” I hear Char say.
“Hey, Char, can you tell your punk-ass boyfriend to leave me alone so I can get out of my car?”
“Babe, come on. Let your sister at least get out of her car before you begin to attack her with your crude banter.”
I watch as Riley turns to Char and gives her a kiss on the forehead.
“Anything for you, baby,” he says.
“Oh God, I think I just threw up in my mouth.”
Char laughs and pushes Riley out of the way.
“Come on, girl, we have a bottle of White Merlot calling our names.”
“Oh thank God. I need a glass or two right about now.”
I get out of my car and Char pulls me into a hug.
“So glad you made it. This is going to be so good for you, I just know it.”
“I know it will; it’s just going to take some time getting used to living with a stranger and being in a town I know nothing about.”
“Don’t worry, Em, we’ll take good care of you.”
“Let’s go introduce you to your new roomie.”
I give her a smile and nod my head.
“Show me the way.”
I follow Riley and Char into the house and as soon as I walk in I’m greeted by my favorite Bulldog.
“Oh Manny, I’ve missed you,” I say crouching down to him. “Did you miss Aunti Em?”
“Oh shit, you can’t deny the craziness of this family,” I hear a voice say from the other room.
A tall guy walks around the corner with short brown hair and crazy-bright blue eyes. I stand to say hi, but Manny knocks me back down.
“Manny!” Char yells. “Let Aunti Em go.”
“Oh good God, you have your dog referring to her as if she’s really his aunt. You know that doesn’t make any sense right?”
Oh, I can tell this guy and I are going to get along just fine.
Manny jumps off of me
and runs toward Char. I move to stand and Derrick extends his hand to help me up.
“I’d give you a hug to say hi, but you’re kinda covered in dog drool,” he says with a smile.
“I’m Derrick, by the way.”
I smile back at him.
“Yeah, I figured that much. I’m Emma.”
He throws his arm around my shoulders and pulls me into his side.
“Welcome home, Emma, make yourself comfortable. I’ll give you the grand tour starting with the luxurious downstairs hallway,” he says, lifting his left arm in the air.
“Ohh, it’s breathtaking,” I reply sarcastically.
“Yes, yes it is.”
He walks us into the kitchen.
“This is the room where you’ll be cooking me all my meals. Not to worry, I have a full list of everything I like on the fridge.”
“Smart man,” I say with a giggle.
He leads us through the kitchen into the living room.
“Here, we have the place where I’ll be watching all of my television shows and you’ll be bringing me all my favorite snacks and beer.”
“Ahh, I see,” I say, trying to refrain from busting out in laughter.
“See guys,” he says, turning us around to face my brother and Char. “We are going to get along just fine.”
“Yeah, I can see that,” Char says with a smile.
“The upstairs isn’t as fancy as down here, but you will have a cot, a bucket to piss in and use of the shower once every other day.”
Char walks up to Derrick to smack him on the chest and grabs my hand, pulling me back into the kitchen.
“These guys are just full of it tonight, don’t mind them. They’re not always like this; they just get all excited when a hot chick is around.”
“You don’t need to give excuses for them, it’s okay…really. I think I’ll fit in here perfectly.”
“I know you and Derrick will get along just fine. Let’s grab a glass of wine and sit out back. For once it’s not freezing outside and we should take advantage of it.”
Char pours us each a glass and we make our way out back.
The four of us sit outside by the chiminea fire and chat like a bunch of long lost friends. It feels so good to have these people here for me and I can’t wait to start fresh here in Boston.
“I’ll be right back,” Riley says, heading back inside.
I take my last sip of my wine and set my glass down on the table.
“You ready for round two?” Char asks Derrick and me.
“Yeah,” he replies.
“Okay, I’ll go inside and get us each a refill.”
“I’ll come with you to help. I don’t want you spilling any of my wine,” I tell her.
I follow Char into the house and hear Riley talking to someone.
We walk into the kitchen and I stop dead in my tracks.
Who the hell is he?
A tall guy is standing next to my brother choking on his beer.
He’s hot as hell—not that I’m looking—but holy shit. He has dark hair, blue eyes and he’s….wow.
I check the time on the microwave for the tenth time since my sister, Kar, called me an hour ago.
“Shit, Kar, I gotta go. I’m supposed to be over at Riley and Char’s house in a half hour.”
“Okay, no worries. I just wanted to check in on you,” she says in a sweet tone.
My sister is quite overbearing and feels the need to check in on me a few times a week. I get that she’s only doing it because she cares, but she could take it down a notch. You’d think I was a child and needed a parent to check in on me to make sure I wiped my ass.
“Kar, I’m good I promise,” I say, letting out a heavy sigh.
“Don’t you dare huff at me, Pete. You say that you’re good now, but I know that bitch is going to be up your ass begging for you to take her back.”
“Look, I don’t like Kathy any more than you do right now. But I can tell you that it’s over. I haven’t heard from her in two weeks, I think she’s taken the hint.”
“All I’m saying is that you can do better, Pete. You’re a good looking guy and I want to see you happy.”
“I am happy, Kar—happy that I’m single.”
If she doesn’t let up sooner or later I think I might just start banging my head against the wall.
“We’ll see how long that lasts. I bet that you’ll have another girl on your arm in a month.”
“Nope, not gonna do that again. I need some time for me. If—and I do mean if—a girl comes along, I’ll just keep on walking. No, better yet, I’ll start running in the other direction.”
“Okay, Romeo, you do that. Have fun over at Riley’s house. I’ll call you sometime next week.”
“Sounds good, love ya, Sis.”
“Love you, too, Pete.”
We disconnect the line and I grab my keys from the kitchen counter.
I shake my head as I look at the time on the microwave again. Nothing like being late to a surprise welcome home party.
This chick coming isn’t even from Boston; I don’t understand why Riley’s calling it a welcome home party. I’m not exactly sure what the hell is going on, but Riley said I needed to come over and get out of my funk.
My friends and family are just a bunch of morons; I don’t get the need for them to babysit me. I’m not, nor have I ever been, in a funk over some chick. Yeah, my girl and I broke up. Big deal, it happens all the time. Live and learn and get the fuck over it. Simple as that. There’s no need to dwell on it. If they’d back off I can guarantee I’d get over the bitch much faster than if they keep bringing her up. It’s actually starting to get on my nerves.
I slide into my truck, crank up some Blink 182 on my XM radio and hit the road.
It’s a little after quarter to ten when I pull into their development. I turn the corner to Derrick’s house and see a car parked in his driveway. I pull in behind it, my lights shining on the baby blue car.
No fucking way. This chick has a Mini Cooper convertible with a white soft top.
I let out a loud laugh and turn off the truck.
This is going to be epic; she’s gotta be something to drive a girly car like that. How the hell is she Riley’s sister?
I get out of the truck and slowly walk past the priss-mobile and onto the front porch. Before I can ring the bell Riley is standing in the doorway.
“What the fuck, dude? I told you to be here at nine. It’s almost ten o’clock.”
“No, you told me nine thirty, so I’m only a few minutes late.”
“Shit, did I screw up?”
I shake my head and push him out of the way.
“Where’s my girl?” I ask, looking around for Char.
I love the way it pisses Riley off every time I hug her.
Looking around the kitchen, I don’t see anyone. Riley comes in and opens the refrigerator, pulling out two Miller Lite longneck bottles.
“Everyone is out on the deck,” he says, gesturing toward the other side of the house.
“Sweet, thanks, man. So, where’s Char?” I ask, wiggling my eyebrows.
I pop the top from my beer and take a long sip.
“Dude, shut the hell up. Leave my girl alone. She’s got all she needs right here with me,” Riley says pointing at himself.
I laugh so hard the beer almost flies out my nose.
“Oh, I see Pete’s here,” Char says, walking into the kitchen with her hands filled with two empty wine glasses.
“Hey there, pretty lady. You know I came here just to see you.”
“Yeah, I’m so sure,” she rolls her eyes and giggles.
My eyes dart from Char to the figure standing behind her.
Holy shit, who the hell is this?
A girl walks in behind Char, and believe it or not she’s shorter than Char, but damn she’s hot.
She has long brown hair that reaches to her mid back, eyes to kill a man and lips—good God those lips.
“Umm…yo�
�Pete, pick your jaw up off the floor for a second,” Riley says, smacking the back of my head.
She walks straight toward me and extends her petite hand in my direction.
“I’ll assume you’re Pete. Hi, I’m Emma,” she says with the sexiest Southern accent.
“Well, you’ve assumed right. It’s nice to meet you,” I say, grabbing her hand in mine.
She smiles and looks up at me with the most amazing hazel eyes I’ve ever seen.
Riley nudges me in the side.
“Don’t even think about it,” he says, giving me a glare.
Char gives Riley a smirk and grabs Emma from me and moving them toward the counter to fill up their wine glasses.
I nod my head in his direction and make my way out to the back deck to get a breath of fresh air.
“Hey man,” Derrick says as I step out onto the deck.
“Well, you got it made, man.”
He lets out a laugh, “Yeah, why’s that?”
“Umm, have you seen your new roommate?”
“Who, Emma?”
“No, the other fucking chick in there with Char. Yes Emma, you dumbass.”
“I don’t know, Pete; she’s Riley’s sister. I’m not doing that to him or her.”
“Yeah, okay. You both just broke up with your significant others. You can’t tell me that if she came crawling in your bed you’d kick her out.”
I watch as Derrick’s eyes glance behind me. I shut my eyes and shake my head.
“She’s standing behind me isn’t she?”
“Yep,” Derrick replies.
I turn around to see Emma and Char both standing behind me—each with one hand on their hips and the other holding a glass of wine.
“Shit, sorry, I didn’t realize you were standing behind me.”
“Yeah, I can see that. Not to worry, no one is tapping this ass or kicking me out of their bed anytime soon.”
“You tell them, girl. You need to start fresh here in Boston, not get dragged down by a bunch of assholes,” Char says, glaring at me.
I throw my hands in the air, “What did I say?”
Char and I take our glasses of wine back into the living room and cozy up on Derrick’s leather couch. She taps me on the leg and I look in her direction.