Addicted

"It is serious, buddy." I took a bite of the burger and looked around. "She and I will figure things out. It's only the fifteenth. I still have ten more days or so with her."

"Ten days with someone you're obviously falling in love with? Why am I the only one panicking here? It would be good for you to panic with me." Brian sat his burger down, and shook his head. "I'm scared and this shit isn't even mine to deal with."

"It's all good. When you fall in love, I think part of what keeps you sane is believing that all things will work out for good." I took another bite of my burger, not really feeling the insane worry that Brian seemed to be experiencing.

"So, that's it? Just let the shit fall where it may?"

"What else is there to do besides have fun with her, make memories, and then hope they're enough to keep her here?" I finished the meal in three bites and chucked him the balled up wrapper.

"I guess you’re right." He shrugged and went back to eating.

"The only real issue I see is her father." I checked my work, finding it just the way my father would want. "I need to have a real sit down with my dad and see what the fuck happened between him and Chloe's dad."

"Any clue what it could be?" Brian hopped down and pulled out his keys.

"Nope. I just know there is some bad blood there. With me and Chloe finally getting over all these silly little things, I don't want anything big to pop up in our way."

"Would she choose her dad over you if he put his foot down?" Brian wiped his mouth once more and balled up the bag he was holding.

"No clue. She's known me for two weeks and him for her whole life. I would assume she would choose him, but I'm not willing to consider that he'll give her an ultimatum."

Brian pinned me with a stare that said I was a dumb ass dreamer. "He would."

"So, I'll take care of it. If I can figure out what happened between our dads, then maybe there is a way to clean it up and not have it become my and Chloe's problem." I tucked my shovels on the back of the plow and climbed up.

"Just be careful. You and Chloe’s dad are more alike than you realize." Brian slipped his hands into his pockets and began to shiver.

"Because he sleeps around? My dad said he was a bit of a man whore, but my days of that are over. I'm tired of finding my worth in fleeting moments." I took a drink of the soda Brian had brought me.

"Yeah. I'm glad to hear that. It's cool from the outside looking in, but you don't want everyone thinking poorly of you, like you can't commit to anything. The guys at the office made fun of Mr. Burke when he left because he has a different date daily while he's here. I think he's boned most of the women in our office."

"I'd have thought that was awesome a month ago, but now...not so much."

"Same. Just tread carefully, Finn. She's planning to leave soon and I-"

I lifted my hand to stop him. "It's all good. Grown-ass man, remember?"

"Yeah. Sorry. Call me later."

"Will do. Thanks for lunch."

"Anytime." Brian watched me for a minute more, but I ignored him.

I swear he was born to be the sister I never had instead of a best friend.

* * * *

I wrapped up and headed back to the shop. There was no one there, including Milly, which was odd.

After hanging up my shovels and refueling the plow, I decided to ride over to Chloe's to see if she wanted to go out for pizza or something. If her dad was there, it probably wouldn't be pretty, but I needed to talk with him. Talking to my dad was most likely the smarter bet first, but after searching the shop and finding no one, I gave up and headed to the Burke residence.

The drive over was quick, and I decided to use the front door to show respect should her father or brother answer the door. I slipped my hands in my pockets while I waited for someone to answer and cursed myself for not checking to see if her SUV was in the garage.

A good-looking older guy in his early fifties opened the door, and gave me a scowl. "I didn't order a service today. Tell your dad that this strike two."

He started to shut the door, but I stuck out my hand and stopped him. "I'm not here to clear your driveway, Sir."

"Then, why are you here?" He took a step forward, forcing me back a little to keep our personal space intact. "Because I see no reason at all for you to be on my property."