Nothing like having two deaths on your hands to make you reevaluate and rebuild your life.
Bonnie dipped her head to the two guys heading in for another load. “Who are those guys?”
“I work with ’em. They started a few months before I did.”
Started meaning the construction job Roman had given him on one of his crews after Kevin had healed enough to move without thinking he was gonna die. “They newbies in the biz like you?”
“Oh, no. They had a lot of experience, but they helped me out.” He nodded to one of them when they reappeared with another load. “They’re good guys. Didn’t even want beer or pizza for helping me out.”
“Dude. That’s not good. That’s awesome.”
“Yeah,” he agreed with a chuckle. “My life’s got a lot of that lately.” A somberness crept onto his face. “I’ve got you and Roman to thank for that.”
“Oh, no. I’m not takin’ credit. Roman, yes. But not me.” She’d chosen to stay mostly on the sidelines and watch and wait. Better that than to risk witnessing her brother falling back into his old behaviors again.
But with Roman’s help, Kevin had come a helluva long way. He’d started at the very lowest rung of the construction business and was working his way up. Through every step of it, Roman had mentored him. Guided him the same way he did the other guys who’d not had a great start in life. Had kept him focused and reminded Kevin what his life could be like if he did things different this time.
“Come on,” Kevin said. “You and I both know he’d have never done this much for me if it hadn’t been for you.”
“Actually, you’d be surprised how many people he’s helped.” Her included. In the past eleven months, she’d spent countless hours apprenticing with Mr. Frannelly. Learning not just the craft of jewelry making and design, but helping him run his business which left Chana more time to volunteer at the synagogue. A total win-win for everyone. In between it all, she’d started the business program at Tulane and helped out at each of the André’s locations, making sure the bartenders stayed up to snuff and didn’t short customers on drinks.
The best of all worlds in both business and family. The only thing she hadn’t fully dealt with was letting her brother back in on a personal level.
She cleared her throat and studied her distressed brown boots—another ridiculously priced gift from Roman on her last birthday. “So, what would you think about coming over to mine and Roman’s place tonight? Sergei, Kir and the girls will be there, too. We’re having hamburgers and hot dogs and watchin’ the Saints in the Wild Card game.”
A big grin split his face. Not the smug one he used to sport, but a shy one that spoke of surprise. “First time you’ve ever asked me over.”
“Yeah.” Hard to admit the truth, but they’d had enough problems between them growing up. Time to be honest. “I thought it’d be good to let you sort yourself out a bit.”
“Because you couldn’t trust me.” Not a question, but a fact. One he seemed to openly admit.
She shrugged. “That’s some of it. You used me to cover what you were doing and it put me in a bad place. I wasn’t sure if you’d try to take advantage of my relationship with Roman.” Or with her connection to Sergei for that matter.
“I get it.” He looked to the asphalt for a second, then lifted his head and cut to the chase. “What’s the rest of it?”
A tricky answer. One she hadn’t even really realized for herself until he’d called her and told her he wanted to let the house go. “It’s been good seeing you get better. Holding down a real job. Saving your money.” She nodded toward one of the guys with a box in his arms. “Making friends.”
Kevin nodded, but otherwise kept quiet.
“I think I was afraid you’d slip back to all the old shit. And frankly, having you get close only to get an up-close view if you did wasn’t something I could’ve handled.”
“And now?”
Now? Now things were pretty solid. Not just for him, but for her, too. She had career goals and a great family. Maybe not one bound by blood, but one built by choice. Kevin deserved that, too. “Now I’m thinkin’ we’re both in a good place. It’s time.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
The smile on his face alone was enough to make her want to get a little weepy, but when he opened is arms and pulled her in for a bear hug, tears filled her eyes. When had been the last time they’d shared a simple hug? Middle school? No, more like grade school.
But here they were, finally getting around to overcoming their pasts.
In the pocket of her coat, her phone let out a sharp ding. Then another. And another. And two more after that.
Bonnie laughed and pulled away, dashing the tears on her cheeks away with the back of her hand before she pulled her phone from her pocket. “Sorry. That many dings in a row means it’s probably Cassie.”
She swiped the unlock feature and, sure enough, a string of messages from her best friend were lined up on the screen.
Where the heck are you!!!
There are burgers to be had!
Football to watch.
Tight end asses to appreciate!
Roman won’t start the grill until you’re here!
“Everything okay?” Kevin asked.
“Yeah, she’s just givin’ me hell because I’m late.” She typed out a quick reply saying she’d be there in thirty and stuffed the phone back in her pocket. “So? What do you think? Wanna brave the family for football and food?”
He ducked his head. Not in a shy way, but like he genuinely was trying to hide his expression.
Weird.
When he finally met her gaze again, the look was gone, replaced with one that was much more matter-of-fact. “I think I’ll pass on this one. But hit me up next time, and I’ll be there for sure.”
“All right. Sounds good.” She opened the door to her car and slid into the driver’s seat. “Do me a favor and let me know when you’re moved. I wanna swing by and see the new place.”
“Deal,” he said with a nod and wave. He winked and smiled huge. “Have a good night, sis. Let me know how it goes.”
How what goes?
It was a football watch party. You ate. You yelled at the television when the refs did stupid stuff. Then everyone went home stuffed with too much food and happy.
Whatever.
She was late, hungry and ready for some chill time. With a wave and a roar from her gas guzzling V12, she waved goodbye and headed home.