Page 50 of Luci’s Lullaby

Charlee takes her steps two at a time, doing her best to get away from me, and I can’t say I blame her. I rub the back of my neck as I make my way back to my truck.

No sooner have I pulled away than my phone rings. Thinking it’s Charlee, I pull over so I can answer it. Once I pull it out, I see it’s my brother, Cidney.

“Dude, seriously. When are y’all gonna get down here?”

Cid, my older and only brother, chuckles. “We’ll be there for your show, man. Do you think I’d ever miss you playing the Carolina Country Festival?”

“Whatever, I’m excited.” I shake my head. “How’s Shelley doing?”

“She had an appointment yesterday, they’re doing great! You’ll be an uncle by the end of summer.”

I can’t help but to grin; we’re orphans, and my sister-in-law is an only child who lost her mom two years ago to cancer. It’s just us three.

“The Three Amigos no more!” We laugh.

“Naw but I can honestly say, I’m okay with that.” I think I can see him smile.

“Me too, brother. Y’all decide on a name yet?”

“No, we can’t agree on anything but her last name, and I won that by default.”

“I’ve got it, Becca Beck.” I snort, trying not to laugh.

“Har-har. I’ll share that with Shelley and see if she brings you any homemade cornbread when we visit.” He’s so mean.

“Why would you do something so evil? I was joking.”

He chuckles. “I’m just bustin’ your balls.”

“Good, ‘cause I think her name should be Rebecca Beck.”

“I hate you.” He laughs.

I sigh. “Man, do I miss you.”

“Ditto, dude. We’ll be down there before you know it, and we’ll stay up late drinking beers and running our mouths.” He must be feeling it too; we miss our parents.

“Shut up! You’re makin’ this thing in my chest hurt.”

“You mean, your cold, dead heart? Yeah, it’s called feelings and one day, a girl is gonna come along and show you what you’ve been missin’.” He’s so utterly in love. My chest does ache.

“Whatever, loser. I got a different girl every night, I’ll never settle down. It’s the biz, man; it’s what the heavy hitters do.”

“You mean, the ‘stars’?” I roll my eyes waiting to hear it. “I promise you, when the right girl comes along, you’ll never be the same.”

“I’ll take my niece and keep my other options open.”

“Alright, asshole. Two weeks and we’ll be there. I’m not sleeping on a sofa!” He’s always fucking with me.

“I’m a grownup now; I have beds and in their own rooms.”

“So that’s how you do it.” He hesitates.

“Do what?” I cock my brow, waiting for the punchline.

“You put them in different rooms and hop from bed to bed.” He snickers.

“Nope! We share a bed. It’s called a three-some, Google it.”