AllFreeNovel
Share Us
2
Davis
My brother is a “Grade A”dick. While I completely understand that he’s grieving the anniversary of a shitty day and would rather have sat in his own misery alone last night, he still made everyone of his friends worry about him. This of course made me worry, so I went on a witch hunt for him. I tied a good one on last night too, just to refrain from yanking him off his barstool and down the street to the house. Luckily, the mood he was in last night was a happier one than some nights that I’ve witnessed. He seemed like he wanted to punch me when I first sat down, but as the night went on, he became less hostile and more a happy drunk.
My head is killing me as I pop some aspirin and chug a glass of water. I had plans to go for a run this morning, but now I just will settle to make some eggs and toast. My body is exhausted from the amount of alcohol I put in it last night, protein would be best.
I’ve lived in Max’s house for about three months. And almost every day of those three months, I haven’t seen the person who my brother is, but a shell of him. He works hard, I’m impressed by that. But as soon as his work day is over, he’s all booze and boobs.
Which two years ago, I would have happily been joining in, but I’m looking for a job, somewhere in the teaching field or education administration – so I try to keep my head above water. I’ve also got an amazing girlfriend who is in her final year of school at State who is so busy most of the time, I’m glad she hasn’t witnessed some of Max’s bad days. She’s a journalism major, who is editor of the school newspaper as well as holds a monthly column for the Tribune. Since I’ve got my plans on my radar, I can’t say womanizing and binge drinking are high on my list, at least not for the past 3 years. While we may be close, our priorities in life couldn’t be more different.
I hear a shuffle from the hallway and Max walks out moments later. He’s scratching himself and he looks worse than I feel.
“Morning.” I say, pretending to not be hung-over.
“Is it?” He asks.
“Is it what?”
“Is it morning or afternoon?”
I look at the clock on the microwave. “It’s still morning.” Just barely.
Max makes a disgruntled noise and backs out of the kitchen and plops down on the couch.
I continue fixing eggs and toast and plate the food into two portions. I can share with my big brother.
I shove his legs aside and place a plate in front of him on the coffee table. I grab the remote and turn on the morning news. Max grunts before reaching for the plate and devouring the food. He thanks me as he gets up and puts his dish in the dishwasher, then promptly returns to his bedroom, shutting the door behind him. At least he came out of his room today.
* * *
I knewthey would show up today, and I’m sure Max knows it as well. I answered the door to Lukas, Sterling, and Dane. Sterling was her normal cheery self, as the guys were… well they were guys. We fist bumped as they walked through the door and Sterling managed to give me a hug even though she had some huge Tupperware in her hand.
“How was he last night?” Dane asked cocking his head towards Max’s room.
“As one would expect. But I stuck around until last call and we came home and he passed out. He woke up a few hours ago, ate breakfast then returned to his bedroom. I haven’t heard a peep from him since.” I say as I sit on the arm of the couch.
“Did he mention Betsy at all?” Sterling asks.
“No. We barely spoke and he hardly even checked out any of the chicks in there. I don’t think he wanted any sort of company last night. He was a dick to me when I first showed up, but I forced myself upon him.”
Lukas and Dane walked down the hallway as Sterling sat on the couch flipping through channels. Dane lightly knocked on the door and when there was no answer he reached for the doorknob. It wasn’t locked, so they both walked right in and disappeared leaving Sterling and myself.
“So, how’s Katrina?” Sterling asks.
I like Sterling, she’s got a background in therapy and social work, so she has become someone that I can speak to about some of the bullshit that I have to deal with around the house since I moved in.
“She’s good. She’s been busy with writing some huge paper the past week, so we haven’t seen much of another. Actually, today she might have off. After babysitting last night, I could definitely use some R&R.” I pull out my phone and type a quick text to her.
“We should have you and her over for dinner sometime.” Sterling offers.
“Yeah. That would be nice.” I say. My brother’s friends are great and all, but they aren’t my friends. We’ve hung out, but Max was always there too.
My phone vibrates in my hand. I smile. “Looks like Kat wants to do the beach. Can’t say no to that. I’ll see ya later. Help yourself to anything in the kitchen, and you know how to work the TV.” I say getting up and walking towards my room to get my board shorts on.
“If Max asks, which I doubt he will, I may not be home tonight.”
“Good to see you Davis, and thanks for last night. I’m thankful Max didn’t kill you for crashing his party and for you being there for him.” She smiles.
I nod as I enter my bedroom, Max’s door is open, and the guys are sitting on the chairs facing his bed as he’s perched at the top of the bed, still in his clothes from last night. They’re having a quiet conversation, but it’s doesn’t look to be too bad. With that I close my door and get ready for my day date with my girl.
