I do it.
And I will.
When a text vibrates my phone, I look down to see that it’s from Jude.
Jude: How much you give Mom?
With my brow furrowed, I type back.
Me: Why?
Jude: I just got off the phone with Lucy because she didn’t have the money for it, and I thought she’d call me, but Lucy said she called you.
Me: Yeah, she did. No big deal.
Jude: It is. How much?
Me: Don’t worry about it.
When my phone starts to ring, I ignore the call and tuck it back in my pocket. I know that I should answer it, but I don’t think Jude should have to be the only one to carry the weight of this family on his back. I can help and I will. There were so many times I gave Mom money this summer and Jude never knew about it. He shouldn’t be the only one doing it. She has three other kids, and I want to help her. I have to help her. While it would be ideal for my dad to do what he needs to do, I know it won’t happen, so we kids will step up and be the support my mom needs. Lord knows she’s been the perfect mom to us, so it’s only fair that we support her the way she has us.
When the side door opens, I push away my thoughts of my family drama and watch as Baylor walks in. She’s holding a box, but that doesn’t hold my attention for long. It can’t. Not with the way she looks. Her hair is down in a wavy mess of curls, and she’s wearing more makeup than normal, like she had on the beach. And within seconds, I can hear the ocean waves. She does that to me, takes me back to that moment… Or maybe it’s the beer, but man, she is gorgeous.
Coming in, she looks around, and when she sees me, she bites into her lip and heat courses through my body immediately. I push off the sink as she comes toward me. But before I can reach for the box or even welcome her, Jace is stepping in front of me, taking the box.
“Hey, you came!”
She shrugs. “Yeah, decided to take your advice.”
What advice?
“Cool!” he says, pulling out the bottles upon bottles of Jack she’s brought. “Damn! You brought a lot! How did you buy this?”
Meeting his gaze, she smiles. “With money.”
“But you aren’t twenty-one,” I say then, both of them looking at me.
Looking away, she shrugs, “Actually, I am.”
“What?” I ask, confused, as everyone gathers around, popping bottles. “When was your birthday?”
“Today,” she answers, and I’m surprised by that. How did I not know that?
“Damn, Moore, couldn’t tell anyone?” Markus says before digging in the cabinet, I know, looking for shot glasses.
She shrugs. “I don’t really talk about me much.”
“You should,” Jace says. “How are we supposed to give you a good celebration?”
“It’s not a big deal,” she says, but it is. She may not think so, but some people do care.
Like me.
But I don’t say that, instead I lean against the sink, crossing my arms over my chest and watch as they set up twenty-one shot glasses. Filling each glass, Markus then stands on the counter before cupping his hands around his mouth and making a loud bird-calling noise. Baylor jumps, looking up at him like he’s crazy, while everyone gathers around.
“Today is our girl Baylor’s twenty-first birthday! So first, let’s get to singing for her!”
“Whoa, no, ha-ha,” she tries to stop him while her face turns bright red, but everyone is already singing. When a little grin comes over her face, I find myself grinning too as I sing along. She’s cute when she’s embarrassed. Since she isn’t holding the box any longer, I’m able to drink her in further. She’s wearing a tank with the words “My Cup Size is Stanley.” Her jeans sit low on her hips while a black leather jacket hangs big on her shoulders. With those lips that bright red color that I am finding I love, she looks classically retro, if that makes sense. What doesn’t make sense, though, is how quickly she turns me on.