Brooke picked up her bag and shook her head. “No, it’s fine. Thanks, ah, for the dinner and… yeah. Bye.” She swiftly went down the hall and then I heard the front door open and close.
Poor Brooke seemed flustered. I’d have to remember to bring up masturbating again around her.
Chapter Five
Brooke
A few days later I still couldn’t keep the thought of Dustin jerking off from my mind. Even as I watched Tom eating a banana at lunch, it popped into my mind.
“You’re creeping me out.” Tom glared.
Rolling my eyes, I muttered, “Whatever.”
“I went over to Carter’s parents’ house for dinner,” Reagan announced.
Tom dropped his banana and gripped his head. “Please tell me you didn’t do anything stupid.”
Regan sighed. “You have no faith in me—”
“Do I need to remind you, and you, for that matter,” he pointed at me, “that there have been multiple occasions where you two got into some type of trouble for saying something stupid or falling over your own feet or burning something down?”
“One time I burned a part of my kitchen. One time,” I said.
“I’ll admit I’m clumsy sometimes, but you have nothing to worry about. Dinner went well.” Reagan’s gaze moved to me. “Carter’s brothers were there.”
I knew where this was going. “Is that right?”
“Yes. Casper and Calvin. You remember them from the game we went to?”
“I remember you being blind to the fact they were his brothers and father sitting there.”
She scowled. “Shut up. I could ask Carter if they’re—”
“No.”
“But—”
“No.”
She sighed. “Fine. I also met Carter’s sister and her husband, who’s in a biker club.”
My ears perked up.
“A biker club, you say?”
She grinned. “I do—”
“No,” Tom grunted.
“But—”
“No.” He glared. “Don’t even think about it.” He stood and pointed at his eyes with two fingers, then at us. “I’m watching you two. Brooke, I love you like another dysfunctional daughter, but you’re not dating a biker. Reagan, don’t even think about a biker.”
“I’m not. Carter already said no to State when he mentioned partying at the clubhouse.”
“Knew I liked that boy.” His gaze narrowed again and landed on me. “Find a nice woman or man to settle down with or you’re going to give me a heart attack.”
Lifting my hand, I shot him a salute. “I’ll see what I can do, Captain.”
He sighed, shook his head, and walked out of the lunchroom.
Glancing back to Reagan, I leaned in. “So,” I drew out. “When can I meet Carter’s sister to get an invite to the biker club?”
She gulped and paled a little. “We’re having both families over for dinner next week. They’ll be there and you have to come as well.”
Grinning, I rubbed my hands together. “I wouldn’t miss it.” I knew, just knew, it would be a wild ride having the Wilds, Reagan’s family, and Carter’s together.
“You can help me keep Dad in check.”
Snorting, I picked up my coffee. “We’re talking about Herb here. He’ll do and say whatever comes to mind.”
She shuddered. “That’s what I’m worried about.”
It might have been mean to be looking forward to something at my best friend’s expense, but I was excited to see what would happen.
That weekend, I didn’t expect to hear from Dustin about minding Benjie since, from Reagan, I knew the guy’s team was at an away game. So as I sat on the couch in a hoodie and pajama shorts watching The Handmaid’s Tale, my phone buzzed. Presuming it would be Reagan, surprise flittered through me when Dustin’s name flashed on the screen. A sudden bolt of concern hit me in the chest. Was Benjie okay?
Dustin: Hey Brooke. Can I ask a huge favor for tomorrow if you’re not busy?
Sighing, I relaxed back on the couch.
Me: What’s up?
Dustin: Emily was called in to work to show a few houses. Are you able to watch Benjie for a while? She would have texted you herself but didn’t have your number.
There were no set plans for me tomorrow, and I did want to see that latest Disney movie. It’d be good to have a child with me to watch it. At least then the strange looks wouldn’t happen like they would if I went on my own. Not that I cared too much.
Me: Sure. I’ll need the address and it would be good to grab Emily’s phone number. Plus, would either of you mind if I take Benjie to that new Disney movie?
Dustin: I’m sure he’d love it and Em would be fine with you taking him. You’re the best, Brooke. I’ll talk to you when I get home.
He left me the address and phone number for Emily, who I texted asking what time I was needed. No other family would I do this for in my only spare time, but since I had a bond with Benjie, he was the lucky kid who was never going to get rid of me.
With my plans set, I watched a few more episodes before going to bed, while looking forward to seeing Benjie.
I rocked up the next morning just a little before ten to a cute one-story house. Before I was even out of the car, the front door opened with a bang, and Benjie was running down the walkway screaming my name.
Smiling wildly, I braced for when he wrapped his arms around my legs. Only that time, I couldn’t resist. I had missed the little booger, it being five days since I’d last seen him. Bending, I picked him up and hugged him close so he curled his tiny arms around my neck.
Benjie pulled back. With his hands on my shoulders, he gave me a shake, which had me laughing. “Mommy said you’d be here and said you’re taking me to the movies. I can’t wait!”
“Me neither.”
“Thank you again, Brooke.” Emily approached with her arms full of things. “Usually I have a couple of people I can rely on, but they’re all busy.” Her eyes widened. “You didn’t have any plans already and Dustin talked you into this, right?”
Shaking my head, I smiled. “No plans.” Great, now I sounded like a lonely loser. I hadn’t even told Reagan about seeing Benjie again. I didn’t want it to seem like I was using the kid to see Dustin, because it wasn’t that at all. Though, I knew my girl wouldn’t judge me.
I placed Benjie back on his feet and took the booster seat.
“Here’s your bag, Benjie.”
“Thanks, Mommy.”
She leaned down to kiss his cheek. “Be good for Miss Brooke.”
“I will.”
Emily straightened. “There’s a spare key in Benjie’s bag if you get back before I do.”
“Okay, thanks.” I was simply happy she trusted me with her son.
The movie was amazing, and by the way Benjie was throwing his arms around as he spoke about it, he loved it also. We stopped at the front of the movie theater while I waited for him to finish talking before we decided to either go and eat or play in the arcade that was next door.