Page 38 of Blizzards and Brews
“My younger sister Alexandra is an omega,” he said with a fond smile. “I used to be the designated food getter. She always said she wanted something cheesy and greasy after, well once she bathed for like two hours and napped.”
“It’s the same for Ollie,” I said, offering him an olive branch. “You did good. Thank you.”
My words were sincere and I hoped he knew that I meant it for more than just the food. It was clear to see how much he genuinely cared for Ollie and Lindsay. Even if I was still jealous that their relationship had progressed before ours, I was thankful that he was in a position to take care of them both.
Dustin passed me the bag and I pulled out a sleeve of cheese curds and smashburger for Ollie, passing them over to Spencer with a nod in his direction. He really wasn’t joking when he said he’d gotten a lot of food. There were plenty of options to choosefrom. I grabbed a couple sandwiches for myself before I sat the bag next to him.
“Are you okay with a burger or reuben? If not I can switch–”
“Those sound great,” he said, interrupting me. “I don’t know if you noticed my dashing physique, but I’m not really a picky eater. The only thing I can’t stand is pineapple, on pizza or otherwise.”
“What about it don’t you like?” Ollie asked, popping a cheese curd in his mouth and humming happily.
“It makes my tongue all rough and hot.”
“I’m pretty sure that could mean you’re allergic,” I pointed out with a raised eyebrow.
It was then that I realized this was a new start for all of us. We had an entire new person to learn about and factor into this relationship if it was going to work.
Honestly, it was a bit odd to see my thirty-something-year-old brother curled up on the lap of another hulking, grown man who looked like a grizzly bear. But, if it meant he was happy, and he made Lindsay happy, that was all that mattered.
We devoured our food after that, trading conversation back and forth. It wasn’t long until we’d managed to demolish all the food.
“I miss Lindsay,” Ollie said quietly with a sigh. “I feel like I just got her and there’s so many things I want to tell her and say to her that I’ve had bottled up all these years.”
“You should tell her,” Dustin said as he spun his lip piercing with the tip of his tongue. It was his tell. He’d spin it when he was anxious, happy, or otherwise. Right now, he was contemplating something and nervous about it. Huh, maybe I am more observant than I give myself credit for. “Actually, I’ve been toying with an idea for a while. Ever since I called the Holloway and took her for a drive.”
“Holloway?” Spencer asked, confused.
“It’s a phrase we use to call a time out of sorts,” I said. “Before Dustin used it the other day, we hadn’t used it in years. Basically if anyone calls it, it’s a promise to pivot whatever we’re doing and take a break to support that person’s wishes. For them, it was a drive with loud music. It varies, though.”
“I like it,” Spencer said, nodding thoughtfully. “It’s smart. Although, wouldn’t Lindsay going to her house tonight warrant a situation like that?”
“It would have if Adam pushed,” Dustin said with a pointed look. “But we try not to call them flippantly. Adam agreed under certain conditions knowing our girl needed some space, so we’re all good there. But back to what I was saying, I have an idea of how to ease Lindsay’s fears and for us all to say what we need to her.”
I leaned forward, all ears. “What?”
“Lindsay loves words, she even has framed song lyrics she displays as art. We should all write her letters and then slide them through her mail slot. That way, we’re still respecting her space to process, but this way, she can have all the facts. It might make it easier in the long run with how her brain works.
“That’s genius,” Ollie said, shooting off Spencer's lap. “I’m going to get the supplies, I’ll be right back. I want her to have them in the morning. I don’t want her waking up after a long rest and not knowing just how we feel.”
Before I knew it we were all sprawled in our living room putting pen to paper. For once in my life I didn’t overthink. I rambled, pouring all my thoughts and feelings on the paper. By the time I was done I had two pages back and front. I could have written even more, but there were a few things I personally wanted to say to her face-to-face.
It was dark by the time we were all finished, but I volunteered to run them over to her place first thing in the morning.
Sleep wasn’t easy but the moment morning hit, I walked down to the kitchen. I’d feed the others then go drop them off. She’d be heading to work otherwise.
Spencer was already starting when I got down and gave me a tired smile before nodding to the door.
“I’ve got this. Go. He won’t be satisfied until you drop them off, none of us will,” he said.
“Thanks,” I said, surprised he was being so reasonable. In fact, it was becoming a lot easier to swallow having him around.
In minutes, I was walking to my car with envelopes in hand and a smile on my face.
I pulled down the drive that led to the piece of property that she parked her tiny home on. For a moment I thought I’d turned into the wrong drive until I saw the lone weathervane sticking up in the yard.
My stomach dropped, churning as I realized exactly why I thought I’d turned down the wrong road.