Maybe Later(40)

Unfortunately, Jason, my brother, doesn’t think the same way. He prefers to be accosted by shitty music blaring from the speakers of stores with slick modern interiors, and loud, retina burning colors. Let’s not forget it’s a Sunday and every human in a fifty-mile radius decided to do the same. Shop at the mall. What’s wrong with going to a park, visiting a museum, or just staying at home?

“What do you think of these boots?” Jason shows me a pair of snowboarding boots.

“They’re overpriced, and they look just like the pair you already own,” I answer.

“What’s with the attitude? I thought you were finally getting some.”

“Some?” I blink twice.

“Aren’t you fucking some librarian?” he says. “That’s what Alex told me.”

I groan. Fucking Alex. I bet my entire family now knows about Emmeline, but of course via his dirty porn version.

“Whatever he told you, don’t believe it,” I say and find a pair of boots similar to the ones I bought for this season. “Here, these are better than the ones you’re holding.”

“So, you’re not seeing a hot librarian who has you reading Fifty Shades?”

I laugh. “No, I met her at a used bookstore. She’s not a librarian. I read a Fitzgerald book because she said it’s one of her favorites.”

“Well, I can see why Alex gave us a more interesting version of the events.” He pats my back. “Dude, you went from one extreme to the other. Please tell me you’re tapping that.”

“We’re not discussing Emmeline,” I manage as I try to control my rage.

What the fuck have they been saying about her?

“Well, at least you’re moving on with your life. Vivian fucked you up royally.”

I run my hands down my face. There’s a ball of fire rising inside my stomach, chock-full of anger and frustration. He couldn’t understand my current situation, because I don’t even understand it. I have no fucking idea of what I’m doing with her. Yesterday, I had a great time with Emmeline, but then when I got home, the first thing I wanted to do was contact Amy and tell her about the antique store. How fucked up is it to want two women at the same time? I like that I can talk with Emmeline, but Amy challenges me. She makes me want to be better.

“Her name is Emmeline?” he says with a mocking tone.

Fucking hell. What’s up with him today?

“Do you have a problem with that?” I grumble as we arrive at the register. “I’ll wait for you outside.”

I massage my temples. He’s on a roll. Next door is the pet store, and for a second, I entertain the idea of buying a few toys for Sushi and Ramen. I’m sure Amy’s messenger knows where to ship them.

“Dude, seriously?” Jason says as he comes out of the store. “If you want, we can go to the strip club on Colorado Boulevard. It’s just a few blocks from here.”

“Unbelievable.” I glare at him. He doesn’t live here, but he knows where the strip club is located.

“What? I’m entertaining this week, and need to know where all the hotspots are. Thank you for the house in Steamboat, by the way.”

I shake my head. To be free of any commitment—including a job.

“But I have a few hours that need to be entertained,” he says, whistling at a woman who happens to have a pretty sweet behind. “Hey sweetheart, do you have any idea what I can do with your ass? Come to Papa!”

“Look, Papa,” the woman says with a loud voice as she turns around. “Objectifying women just because you get a kick out of it, is not only rude, but misogynistic. What gives you the right to talk to me like that? I can call my lawyer right now and have him press charges for harassment.”

“I really like you,” I tell Emmeline once she finishes her rant.

She turns to look at me and her eyes widen. “Jack.”

“Em,” I say.

As I slap the back of my brother’s head, I introduce him, “Meet my brother, Jason.”

“Oh, you two are related?” She scrunches her nose.

“Jason, meet Emmeline,” I inform him. “I’d appreciate if you apologize to her for what you just said.”

“Sorry, I was trying to embarrass him but …” My brother looks down the same way he does when he pisses off Mom.

Emmeline just stares at him and shakes her head. “Let me guess, the middle child, the class clown, and probably Mom’s favorite.”

“Yes, to the first two. Mom doesn’t play favorites,” he answers. “Anyway, I’m leaving. The drive to Steamboat is long.”

“You don’t have to leave on my account,” Emmeline says.

“I’m leaving on his account. He’s had murder in his eyes for the past ten minutes. You might—”

She raises her index finger and says, “Stop right there. We don’t know each other at all. Don’t make shitty jokes about your brother and me—ever.”

“Sorry about that,” he apologizes. “It’s nice to meet you. Jack, I’ll text you when I’m back in town so we can have lunch or dinner.”

Once my brother leaves, I take the bag of food she’s carrying and say, “hi,” before I wrap my arm around her tiny waist and kiss her.