Crave Me (The Good Ol' Boys #4)(103)

Even if it meant going back home.





Chapter 31





<>Austin<>



We moved back to Oak Island a few days ago, and I was still unsure about being back in the place I tried so hard to forget. We didn’t exactly have a welcoming committee either. I’d been sober for a little over two months and I wasn’t going to lie, it was a daily struggle. My back pain was still alive and f*cking thriving. I ignored it. I just tried to stay busy, and with Briggs by my side it was fairly easy to do.

Briggs said she settled everything with her uncle before we left. I was stunned when she told me that he was just letting us go with no repercussions, but she said it was behind us and that was the end of the conversation. We left all our belongings in New York besides some of our clothes. She didn’t even take most of her wardrobe with us, saying that her uncle was the reason she bought half that shit anyway. I took some of my clothes but not much either.

We both wanted a fresh start.

We found a furnished apartment on the beach to rent in the meantime. She said she wanted to find us the perfect house and that would take us some time. I honestly didn’t give a f*ck where we lived as long as it kept that smile on her face.

I wish I could tell you that I was miraculously cured and that the craving to use had gone away.

It didn’t.

Oak Island was a living and breathing trigger by itself for me. When I called my mom to tell her we were moving back home, to say that she was excited would have been an understatement. She was actually the one who picked us up from the airport and drove us to our apartment. My dad was nowhere to be seen, but she said he was working. I knew in my heart that was just a bullshit excuse. He was the boss, he could come and go as he pleased.

He just didn’t care to see me.

My mom and Briggs seemed to hit it off. Talking about random shit and laughing like they were old friends catching up. Briggs looked happy for the first time in years, and that’s all that mattered to me.

We’d been getting everything situated to begin our new lives. We bought a car, groceries, and little things we needed for our apartment.

Normal daily life kind of stuff and the concept still seemed so f*cking foreign to me.

We hadn’t seen the boys or Alex yet but that was about to change. Lucas and Alex found their way back to each other and the inevitable happened. They had gotten married a few years back. Half-Pint gave birth to their first baby three months ago. A little boy they named Bo. They were throwing a party at their house for their son and for Jacob and I moving back to Oak Island.

The good ol’ boys would be together again.

A part of me missed them, the bond and brotherhood we had. Lucas was the first one to call me after I told my mom we were moving back. She gave him my number. Neither one of us mentioned what happened in the past as if the memories stayed there. Buried. Thank f*cking God. I didn’t think I could live near him if he still hated me.

“What if they don’t like me?” Briggs asked for the tenth time on our way to the party, looking at herself again in the visor mirror.

“Baby, they already know you,” I chuckled, grabbing her hand and placing it on my lap as I drove.

“I know but that was under a really sad circumstance. We exchanged maybe five words the entire time, so that doesn't count. They really know nothing about me at all.”

“They’re going to love you. I love you, so there is that.”

“Maybe I should dye my hair? Like a normal color now.”

I glanced over at her. “You’re not touching one hair on your goddamn head, baby.”

She beamed. “I just look so different from everyone around here. Did you see the way the cashier looked at me this morning?”

“Yes. And if he looks at you like that again, I’ll break his f*cking face.”

“Austin! He thought I was weird looking!”

“He thought you were something alright, and trust me ‘weird looking’ wasn’t it.”

She sighed, leaning back into her seat.

“I’m covered in tattoos, and in New York I blended in. I feel like I stick out like a sore thumb here.”

“You never blend in anywhere, Briggs.” I grinned at her. “Besides I’m covered in tattoos, too. You’re beautiful. I love that you don’t look like anyone here. My friends and family are going to love you. I mean, my mom already does.”

She smiled. “I like her too. She emailed me all these recipes that you used to love as a kid. I’m going to make you some.”

I kissed her hand.

We were the last ones to arrive at Lucas and Alex’s house that was right on the water. Everyone welcomed Briggs with open arms, making her feel like she was part of the family. I knew that meant a lot to her since she always felt like she didn’t belong anywhere.

“Baby, I’m going to get some food,” I told her, standing up.

She nodded, talking to Alex. I kissed her cheek and walked inside from the lanai.

“So, how are you doing, bro?” Jacob asked, grabbing some food beside me.

“Never better. You?”

I caught him staring right at Lily, completely ignoring my question. It was quick but I saw it.

“Is that right?” I asked, bringing his attention back to me.

“What?”