"Isn't it just perfect?" I asked, not able to pull my eyes away from our new 2 bedroom, 1 and a half bathroom little house. He slid his arm around me and kissed the side of my head, I felt his smile and warm breath and it gave me goose-bumps.
"It's a hell of a lot better than that damn dorm room." I nodded, agreeing. I was so sick of having to be around his stoner friends constantly, and he knew that. He had started searching for houses and didn't even tell me what he was doing. He surprised me by bringing me to look at this house about 2 weeks ago. I fell in love with it. "I can't wait to get that big bed of ours set up." He said against my ear. I smiled and rolled my eyes, shaking my head.
"Brock…"
"Reba…" he mocked. I pushed him away lightly and walked up to our front door swinging it open.
"Okay, you start bringin boxes in and I'll set them in the room they belong in. When're the boys gonna be here?" I asked. He shrugged.
"Oh… that reminds me, I better go get a case of beer. Could you order a few pizzas? I think they're gonna bring a few more guys over to help." I rolled my eyes.
"There aint gonna be no drunks in my house on the first night." He smirked and wrapped his arms around my waist.
"Our house." He said, then kissed my forehead.
"Whatever." He grabbed the keys off the counter and walked out to go get beer. 'he could've at least gave me the boxes so I wouldn't be bored' I thought to myself, then walked over to our house phone. I quickly grabbed the phone book that was already here on the front steps before me moved in, and looked for Brocks favorite pizza place. I ordered 1, large pepperoni, and 1, large cheese, not knowing what everybody was going to like.
"You're pizzas will be there in about an hour."
"alright, thanks." I said, then hung up. 5 minutes later Brock pulled up carrying a big ol' case of beer, grinning from ear to ear. I held the door open for him and looked at him confused.
"What're you smilin' for?" I asked as he walked in.
"Reba, there's a liquor store like 5 minutes away." He said with his a lit up face. I rolled my eyes.
"Great… that's fantastic!" Sarcasm dripping from my words. He was still grinning as he opened the box and grabbed one for himself, then put the box in the fridge.
"Eh hem… It's alright Brock, I'm not thirsty. Thanks for offerin' though." he chuckled and grabbed one out for me, tossing the beer my way. We both took a couple gulps, then he burped and clapped his hands together.
"So, what're we doin' boss?" I pointed to the door.
"Boxes." I reminded.
"Oh! Right…" He said, then walked out. I stood by the door as he brought in all the boxes from our truck. I put them all in the rooms that they belonged in and before we knew it the truck was empty and ready to go back for another load. He walked back and finished his beer. I smiled, looking around.
"Alriiightt…" I said, nodding in approval. "We keep workin at this pace we'll be done before we know it!" he tossed me the keys and I thought about it for a second.
"What if they show up before we get back? Or the pizza? Plus, I could start unpackin'." I said.
"Do you just wanna stay then?" He raised an eyebrow and I nodded.
"yeah… just don't grab anything pointless, grab stuff that you know we're gonna need." I yelled after him as he was walking out. It was about 90 degrees out, we had all the windows open but wanted to try to use the air the least we could considering I still had 4 months left and he had almost 2 years left of school. We both had little part time jobs, but we were barely going to be sliding by. I started with the bathroom. There was 2 huge boxes. I stared… for a long time, then finished off my beer. I sat down, criss-cross applesauce and started organizing, putting my makeup and stuff in one drawer and my blow-dryer, curling iron and hair spray in the other. Out cologne and perfumes up in the mirror, along with toothbrushes and toothpaste. By the time I finished everything and was walking to the kitchen I heard a car pull up. 'Please let it be Brock… Please let it be brock…" I said to myself. I looked out the window to find some men talking loudly. Was that… No… No way! I took a deep breath and closed my eyes trying evening our my breathing. 'Okay, please don't let it be Charlie… please don't let it be Charlie.' I thought over and over. He knocked twice, but walked in before I could bring myself to speak. My hands were on the counter to support my weight and help me not to fall over, my head was down and my eyes were still squeezed shut tightly.
"Hey there cowgirl." I heard him… it was him. There's no mistaken that voice. I let my breath out that I had been holding a little too long and instantly felt lightheaded. I stood up straighter now and put my hand to my head, still squeezing my eyes and trying not to tip because of my dizziness. "You alright there, Red?" I took another deep breath before turning around to face the man who claimed he love me for years. I gave him the best smile I could and he returned it. "That's all I get? A fake smile? C'mon Reba, I know you better than that." I laughed and hugged him, tightly but still awkwardly. I never dated him, we were just really good friends and then one night he told me everything, every feeling, every thought, everything. I was with Brock though, I knew Brock was the one for me so I never let anything happen between Charlie and I. I'd left him heartbroken and took off with his cousin who he hasn't talked to ever since… kinda like a Terry-part-two episode. How much lower could I get? I felt terrible, and now, here he was, in my kitchen to help me unpack the house that Brock and I are renting together. "Man how I've missed your hugs." he said, squeezing a little tighter. I backed up slowly.
"Beer?" I asked him, grabbing one for myself.
"Sure." The other men stepped in. I heard their voices and knew them before I turned around. Scott, Brad and Steve. Steve… Man, its been a long time since I'd seen him... Well, a long time for us. In reality it had really only been about a month, but we were used to seeing each other everyday. I turned around quickly grabbing a beer for everyone. Steve smiled and I walked over to him, grinning to myself. He picked me up and spun me around. I hugged his neck tightly. We were so close, we met in high school and have been very close ever since, brother material that's for sure, then he married and nobody ever saw him.
"I have missed you so much!" I said as he set me down.
"I missed you too Red." He said and I smiled.
"Does Brock know you're here?" I asked Steve. He shook his head
"Nope, wanted to surprise y'all and I see I've done a very good job." I laughed lightly.
"you sure have…" I turned to Charlie. "He know you're here?" I asked him.
"Don't think so…" I still couldn't believe he came. I was happy to see him and see that he wasn't mad, but also very confused. I turned back to Steve.
"So, how's Nancy? Any kids comin' yet?" I asked him. He smirked.
"She's good, workin her butt off, but good. No kids comin yet. Reba, you know you and Brock would be one of the first to know…" I smiled.
"Well thank you." He smiled.
"Where's Brock?" I waved towards the door
"Just went to get another load… He's gonna be so happy to see all of you." I said, smiling ear to ear. As if he'd heard his name being called he pulled into the drive, putting the bed of the truck close to the door to make it easier. "Alright boys, say hi, then I'm puttin ya to work until pizza gets here."
"You got pizza?" Brad asked.
"Uh huh." I said nodding.
"Ugh! You're my best friend right now, Reba." I laughed pointed towards the door.
"Don't forget, I'm puttin y'all to work." I reminded him and he shrugged. Brock walked through the door to see us all gathered around drinking beer.
"Hey guys!" He said and he smiled. He squinted, still blinded from the bright sun outside. "Charlie?" He asked, walking over to him.
"Hey buddy." Charlie said, putting his hand on Brocks shoulder.
"H-Hey…" He stuttered and looked back at me, confusion written all over his face. I smirked slightly then heard Steve clear his throat. Brock turned and looked at Steve and smiled widely. They gave each other a quick, manly hug, then they all started talking.
"Guys…" Nobody shut up. "Guys!" I said louder and they all stopped their chatting. "We have work to do, if y'all are gonna just sit around I'm not gonna let you have anymore of my beer and no pizza." I threatened.
"Okay, Red, just tell us what to do." Scott said. I started ordering them around like they were my slaves… tonight, they were. The pizza man finally showed up, half an hour late. I grabbed $15 out of Brocks back pocket and walked over to the door.
"I'm so sorry for the wait, ma'am. We were havin problems and we kinda forgot about your order." He stumbled over his words. I laughed at the teenagers apology and shook my head.
"It's fine, darlin'." I said, handing him the money. He shook his head quickly.
"No thank you, ma'am, it's on us." he handed me the pizzas and nodded, then turned around quickly. I laughed again and thanked him.
"And quit callin me 'Ma'am'! I'm 22 for goodness sakes, not 42!" I yelled as he quickly got in his car. "Okay boys, we got food!" I said, setting it on the counter. They all gathered around me as I cut the pizza.
"You, my dear, are the best!" Steve said and kissed the top of my head.
"Well, I cant thank you guys enough for all the help." I said and stepped back letting them all get their food. Brock walked over to me and rested his hands on my hips.
"Aren't you gonna eat?" I shrugged.
"I don't know… I'm motivated and don't wanna get full and unmotivated." He sighed.
"Well ya gotta eat something, sweetheart." he told me.
"I will… later." They all ate as I continued to organize and put stuff away. When they finished I had Steve and Scott go get the couches out of our storage unit and bring them back. They set them up in about 20 minutes. I left while they were doing that to get more beer. When I came back the couch was set up the way I wanted and everybody was gone to get our bed. They were back 15 minutes later and it took all 4 of them to put the big think together. We were gonna get the dining table and stuff tomorrow, the rest of the night was just visiting. They were all relaxed on mine and Brocks new couch.
"Don't you dare get anything on this carpet or couch." I said. I had had a few beers and had to admit that my face was getting hot. I can only imagine how they all felt. I didn't take me long to start feeling it, I only had 3, the rest was all them.
"Reeebaa!" I heard Brock say from out in the living room. I was in our room putting our clothes away.
"What?" I yelled back.
"Come here…" I sighed and rolled my eyes, then walked out to the living room. I stood right in front of Brock with my arms crossed.
"Baby…" He said, putting his hands on my waste and pulling me towards him. I rolled my eyes.
"What do you want?"
"Remember that one night, we got really drunk and finished the bottle of whiskey?" I hesitated before answering.
"Yes, Brock, I do." He chuckled.
"Boy was that a night…" He said and I slapped his chest. They guys all laughed.
"Was there ever a point to the story, or did you just call me out here to embarrass me?" I asked, slightly annoyed.
"No, we were just wondering if you wanted to make another trip to that liquor store down the street to get us some whiskey. I sighed, thinking about it, then shook my head.
"No, they gotta drive home. If they get any drunker I'm taken everybody's keys." I said, warning all of them.
"They could stay…"
"Brock, its our first night in our first house. Plus, Liz is comin over, bright and early tomorrow and I don't they she'd appreciate seeing 4 men passed out everywhere and all hungover. Theres nowhere for them all to sleep and you havent even asked them." I told him.
"We all want whiskey… Baby, one drink never hurt anyone." I glared.
"because one drink aint ever enough for you lushes. Y'all will just keep drinkin and drinkin till that things gone."
"Baby…" Be begged.
"Don't 'baby' me Brock, I said no. You guys can finish that case of beer, then I think its time for everybody to head out." They all sighed, disappointed, but nobody dared to argue. I went back to the bedroom to finish our clothes. A couple minutes later I heard the door knob jiggle.
"Hey, Red." I heard Charlies voice and looked up.
"Hey… I'm just hangin up some clothes." He took a deep breath and stepped closer to me. Anyone could smell his breath from a mile away. How much had he been drinking?
"Reba…" He said, then went to put his hands on my hips.
"Uhh… Charlie?" I said, removing his hands.
"Reba it aint fair!" He exclaimed. I looked at him, shocked, but also confused.
"What ain't fair, Charlie?"
"You! And him. You're giving him everything I'd always dreamed of having with you, but you're giving it to the man I used to call family." I sighed and nodded, now understanding.
"Charlie, I-"
"Reba, I loved you…" I gasped and this time I interrupted him.
"Charlie. I'm sorry, darlin, but Brock is the one for me, I know he is."
"But why?! What does he have that I don't? The dark skin? The blue eyes? What, Reba? What is it?"
"I love him, Charlie. There isn't a thing you can do about it. I'm sorry, I cant tell you how badly I feel, but honey, you gotta move on…" I said.
"You've found the one you wanna spend forever with, its not fair." He said, putting his hands back on my hips. I slapped them away.
"Would you quit it? You're drunk and you don't know what you're saying. I know you didn't love me… maybe as just a little crush or maybe even just a friend, but you most certainly did not love me the way Brock loves me." This got him and he sighed.
"I guess not, I'm sorry I bothered you. I do still love you though, Reba. You're right, not how Brock loves you, but I love you like an old friend." I smiled.
"That's how I feel too, Charlie." I said, then wrapped my arms around his neck to hug him. "We okay now?" I asked and we both pulled back. He nodded.
"Yeah, I just had a little break down… I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize, you're fine." I said reassuring him. He did his best to give me a smile, but it was weak. "Lets go back out there." I suggested, wrapping my arm around his. He smiled and nodded, then we walked back out to our group of old friends.