Slow Grind (Men of Mornington Book 1) (5 page)

“I know,” I moan, joining her at the table. “It sucks, but he’s a strong guy. He’ll get through this.” Em raises her eyebrows at me and I sigh. I couldn’t sound less confident if I tried.

“How’s his family coping? Aubrey’s still over in America, right?” she asks with a hint of attitude in her voice, already knowing exactly where Aubrey’s been for the last few years. I don’t blame her, though. She and Aubrey were thick as thieves growing up, and when Aubrey moved to the States with her dad, she stopped talking to everyone on a regular basis, including my sister. They still chatted every once in a while on Facebook, but from what Em tells me, it’s nothing like how they used to be. I was mad at Aubrey for a while after seeing my sister so upset about losing her best friend, but when Em stopped acting like she was hurt, I let it go.

“Yep. Well, she was. She’s on her way back, apparently.”

“Aubrey,” Em repeats, a grin on her lips. I narrow my eyes at her suspiciously. “What?” she says defensively. “So I might have had a little crush on her when we were younger. She wasn’t hot then, but based on the pictures I’ve seen of her recently, I might just act on that school girl crush.”

“Dude, you were twelve the last time you saw her. How were you crushing on anyone at twelve?” I laugh.

“I don’t understand what you’re getting at? I’m sure you had a thing for a few girls at that age. So did I.”

“Did you even
know
you were into girls when you were twelve?” I chuckle.

When she was fifteen, she let me in on the secret that she liked girls as well as boys. I thought that was too young to know what you want, but I went with it; after all, most of us have our first love by then, what would make her any different? She’s my sister and shit like that doesn’t matter. She finally came out to our parents last year. I think she was scared of what they were going to think, but they were fine with it. As if there was ever any doubt. There are a lot of families in town that would have a fit if their child were anything other than straight, but in this house, we love each other because of all the things that set us apart and make us individuals. They’d be more upset if she hid her true identity.

“Of course I did,” she growls, her cheeks flaming. “When did
you
know you were into girls?” I make a face. That would be second grade when Kally Sampson sat next to me and I got an erection. Most embarrassing memory of my childhood. Em nods triumphantly. “So why should it be any different for me?”

“Okay, you’ve made your point,” I sigh, rolling my eyes. “Can we get back on track now? Aubrey is on her way over. I’m not sure what the go is with their dad.”

“And Mrs. Robinson?” Em says with a laugh. She doesn’t know about the incident that shall not be talked about, but she’s seen how Ms. Rosewood is with me when she thinks nobody else is looking. “I bet Max being sick is very inconvenient on her busy schedule of humping the pool boy and planning useless charity auctions.”

“I’m sure you’re not far off the mark,” I laugh. “Speaking of which, I just wish there was something we could do to help Max, you know?”

She shrugs. “Just be there for the guy. More than anything, he probably just wants to be able to forget. That’s something you can do for him.”

I nod and stab at my chicken and pop it into my mouth. It’s just as delicious as I remember, but I can’t enjoy it thinking about Max. She’s right. All I can do for him is be strong and try to take his mind off what’s happening. It doesn’t feel like enough, but I’m not a doctor or a scientist. I don’t have a magic cure stuffed up my sleeve.

No matter how much I wish I did.

*****

After dinner, I hang around Mum’s place for a few hours and watch TV. Eventually, I drag myself home, knowing I have to get up early for work. Wayne is great, but after slacking off today, I don’t want to push my luck by rocking up late. The last thing I want is for him to feel unappreciated for his unnecessary kindness. It’s hard to find a good job these days, let alone a good boss. I’ve hit the jackpot with both.

I’ve been working for Wayne since I finished my apprenticeship eight years ago. Holy shit. Eight years in one place feels like a lifetime. My parents never tried to push me into going to Uni once I finished high school. They knew that wasn’t for me. Unlike most of my friends, I actually got a say in where my life was headed. I’d always loved fiddling with shit, so when Wayne offered me a job at his workshop, it was an easy decision. Welding is hard work, but at the same time, it’s rewarding. I love what I do and I wouldn’t swap it for anything.

Except maybe more time with my best mate. I’d give up anything for that. Hell, without sounding creepy, I’d give up sex for the dude.

It can’t end like this
. After all we’ve been through, there has to be more for Max because I can’t imagine my life without him. In a crazy world full of unknowns, he’s been a great best mate, always making sure the rest of the guys and I are good. I refuse to sit back and watch him waste away. Fuck that shit. There has to be something we can do for him now that he needs us most.

I won’t rest until I figure out what that is.

Chapter Four
Aubrey

I struggle with my oversized suitcase, cursing to myself as the wheel keeps catching, causing the stupid thing to overbalance. In the end, I just give up and lug it through the airport baggage claim area on its side. I’m getting strange looks from nearly everyone I pass, but whatever. I don’t see anyone rushing over to help me.

As soon as I step out of the airport, I’m hit with a brisk wind, reminding me winter is just around the corner instead of the impending summer I was looking forward to hitting New York in a few weeks. I shiver, running my hand over my bare arm.
Why didn’t I bring a jacket?
After spending half of my life living in Australia, you’d think I would remember the seasons are flip-flopped in the Southern Hemisphere. I glance down at my suitcase, trying to remember how many warm items I packed. Probably not enough.
Guess that means I’ll have to go shopping then
.

I scan the five-minute parking zone, where my mother said she would be, feeling apprehensive about being back here. It’s been so long, it hardly feels like the place where I once called home. Don’t get me wrong, I was born an Aussie and I’ll die one, but America is my home now. I’m happy there. The only thing this place has over it is Max.

Luckily, I easily spot Mum, who, thanks to plastic surgery and magical anti-aging creams, hasn’t changed at all. She cranes her neck to scan the crowd of people searching for their rides, oblivious to the fact I’m walking toward her. Even when I’m literally inches from her, she still hasn’t noticed me. I smirk. Probably because I look nothing like the twelve-year-old who left here nine years ago.

“You don’t recognise me at all, do you?” I ask. Her eyes widen in shock, but she recovers quickly, leaning over to peck me on the cheek.

“Of course I do, Aubrey,” she says. “It’s good to see you.” She pushes her chestnut locks away from her face, the wind having blown them all around. Moving closer to me, no doubt for a public display of affection, just in case someone who runs in the same circle as her notices she’s picking up a younger, mirrored image of herself. I back away, giving a silent cue she picks up on quickly.

I nod in response to her welcome and follow her over to her car. I want to laugh; we can’t even fill a few minutes with small talk, even after nearly ten years without seeing each other. We reach her car, and after loading my stuff in the boot, I go to get in the passenger seat. Only it’s not the passenger seat, it’s the driver’s. Shaking my head at how much I’ve really forgotten, I move around to the other side of the car and climb in the appropriate seat and fasten my buckle.

Instead of chatting and catching up, which I’m too nervous to do anyway, the hour ride back to her house is spent listening to an audio book about dealing with children with cancer. I pick up the cover to the book and laugh. It was written by the Royal Children’s Hospital. I don’t have the heart to tell her Max is a twenty-seven-year-old man and not a little boy.

She pulls the car into the driveway, and the house is exactly how I remember it, right down to the peeling paintwork on the exterior weatherboards and the seventies-style shutters. The front lawn is overgrown and in need of some attention, as is the side gate which is hanging from a single hinge. I glance at Mum. For someone who is so anal about her appearance, she’s certainly let this place go. Life must really be taking its toll.

“Your brother’s in his old room. We decided he should stay here for as long as he needs, and we’ve put his apartment on the market because we can’t cope with the overdue bills anymore.”

That’s right. Max had his own apartment. Granted, I didn’t live with Dad anymore, but I had a single room in a dorm and a shared bathroom while Max had his own, honest-to-God apartment. I’m both jealous and sad, because even though that kind of independence is nowhere in my foreseeable future, it would be a thousand times worse to have it taken away from you.

“Thanks.” Grabbing my suitcase, I follow her into the house. I walk up the staircase and drop my bag outside my old bedroom. Pausing for a brief moment, I wonder if it’s actually still my bedroom or if she’s changed it to a gym or something equally as cliché.
Probably the day I left
. I pass by the bathroom connecting mine and Max’s room and pause just outside his door. Knocking softly, his familiar voice answers.

“Come in.”

Turning the handle, I’m about to go in when I hear another voice. It’s strange but familiar at the same time, but for the life of me, I can’t place it. In the end, curiosity gets the better of me and I go inside.

“Hey there, handsome.” I walk over to his bed, forgetting for a moment we’re not alone, and throw my arms around him. “All this to get me home, huh?” I joke, and he smiles.

“You’ve caught me. The jig is up, everyone. You can come out now,” he teases back, and the tension in my body starts to fade. Cancer or not, my brother is still my brother.

“Two things,” I begin. “How are you feeling? And I’m still so pissed you didn’t tell me.”

“I’m alright.” He manages another smile, but this one doesn’t meet his eyes. I can tell he’s in more pain than he wants me to know. “I have good days and bad days. Today’s somewhere in the middle. And I told you, I didn’t want you fussing over this until there was something to fuss about. You’ll forgive me one day.”

“I’ve already forgiven you.” I climb onto his bed and crawl into his arms, his warmth comforting. Closing my eyes, I pretend for a moment he’s not sick, but his shallow breathing forces me back to reality. “I’m scared,” I whisper, kissing his hand.

“Me, too, Aubs. We’ll figure it out.”

“We’re
all
in this together.” I turn my head in the direction of the strong, sexy voice, locking on a pair of ice-blue eyes I’d recognise anywhere. My heart pounds as I take the rest of him in, my eyes travelling over his long, muscular frame. He leans casually against the wall, his hands shoved in the pockets of his faded jeans. He smiles at me, and I suddenly feel like I’m twelve years old again, yearning for a boy who can never love me back.

“Hey, Andrew,” I stutter, scurrying off the bed. “It’s been a while.”

“I’d say so. It’s Drew now.” He lets out a low whistle and shakes his head. “Little Aubrey is all grown up,” he drawls, and the pure sex oozing off his voice is almost enough to take out my knees. The only thing saving me is my sick brother lying down on the bed next to me.

“I’m getting there,” I mumble, my mouth dry. I can feel the heat in my cheeks as I continue to stare into his eyes. I try to look away, but it’s as if they have me captured in their depths. “Thanks for being here. It means a lot. There aren’t many childhood memories without have you in them. It’s nice to see you’re still around pestering my brother.”

“Like I said, we’re in this together. The guys and I think we’ve found something, but it’s gonna take a little more research to see if we can pull it off. It’ll be a miracle, but it’s worth a shot.”

“If there’s anything I can do to help, let me know. I’m all about Team Max.”

“You guys do know Max is right here, right?”

“Oh shut up, ya big pussy. We know exactly where you are. Just sit back and let us handle this, okay?” Drew orders.

“Yeah,” I chime in. “Let us take care of you for a change, you big pussy.” I stutter on the word pussy, the feeling I did something wrong hitting me like a bag of bricks. The last time I was here, I was just a child. Now, I’m standing in my brother’s room, calling him a pussy, no less. Times sure have changed.

Max rolls his eyes in true Max fashion and flicks on the TV, ignoring both Drew and myself. Drew moves closer toward the bed and stops at the end, playfully slapping Max’s foot.

“How’s Emma?” I ask him. I feel awkward even asking, considering how I just dropped all contact with her. I hadn’t even meant to do it, but it was just so hard starting everything over again in a new country.
I can’t even admit the truth to myself
. Instead, I chose the only option; cut her out because the reminder of Drew was too much to cope with.

“She’s good. She’s rapt you’re back, Aubs. She missed you. We all did.”

The heat in my cheeks starts up again. He missed me.
Like a friend
. The only way you can miss your best mate’s little sister.

“I’ve gotta get going. The guys are waiting.” Drew turns to me. “I’ll catch up with you later. Text me your number on Max’s phone so I can pass it on to Em.”

“I’m gonna leave you, too,” I say to Max. “I’m going to unpack and come back after I rest a little. The flight was brutal, and I still haven’t gotten over the fact I left on Sunday and now it’s Tuesday.” I give Max a quick kiss on the head as he turns to Drew.

“Alright, mate, I’ll see you soon. Maybe next time I’ll be able to stomach a drink.” He smiles, his eyes exhausted. “Last round of chemo was yesterday. Soon enough I’ll be able to throw a few back with you guys. The one upside to this, I guess.”

Drew makes his way to me and throws me into a hug. Caught off guard, I awkwardly hug him back, trying not to cringe as he makes no attempts to hide the fact he’s checking me out.

“Little Aubs … all grown up,” he mutters again, shaking his head. He gives me a sly grin and makes his way out the door. I’m both thrilled and embarrassed by his reaction to seeing me.

Back down the hall, I pick up my suitcase and step into my old bedroom. I’m happily surprised when I see it’s exactly how I left it, with the exception of a larger bed replacing the twin-sized one I remember and a new paint colour on the wall—the neutral grey much different than the candy pink I remember.

I take out my phone and throw myself on the bed. Sighing, I switch it on. In my rush of leaving the airport, I forgot to turn it on when I got off the plane. Almost right away I see I have five messages—four from Nate and one from Jacey. I click on Jacey’s, not in the mood to deal with Nate’s crap right now.

Jacey: Just so you know, I’ve survived the first day of looking after Louie. Hope you’re okay, call me if you need me x

I grin and put my phone down, still not ready to deal with Nate. All I want now is a few hours of sleep so I can feel somewhat human. Climbing off the bed, I strip off my clothes and put my watch on the dressing table. I catch sight of my reflection in the mirror and wince. I’m a mess. My hair is ridiculous, standing up at all angles, and why I thought it was a good idea to put makeup on before a twelve-hour flight—along with a four-hour stop over—I’ll never know. I look like a friggin’ raccoon.
No wonder Drew was staring at me.
I thought he was checking me out, but more likely he was wondering why the hell I looked like I’d just crawled out from a sewer.

I can’t think about that now
. I need to figure out how to help Max, and I can’t do it running on empty. Climbing under the thick, down comforter, I cuddle it up to my neck and wait until I fall asleep.

Just as my exhaustion is about to get the better of me, the bathroom door from Max’s side opens and closes. Tears roll down my cheeks as he expels whatever’s in his stomach and groans in pain. I want so badly to go in there and take care of him like I did when we were younger, but I can’t make myself get up. Instead, I lie there and soak the pillow. From what I remember—and it’s been a while—chemo, the medicine that’s supposed to kill the cancer, feels like it’s killing you in the process. We know it’s poison.  We know it’s intended purpose.  I just hate that Max has to go through this to have a chance at getting better.  It always hits him like a freight train during the whole treatment. You somehow trick your body into believing it’s going to be fine. Then wham. The chemo curse strikes.

A few moments later, Max calls for my mum and she’s quickly by his side. A pang of jealousy hits as I realise he’s not called for me, but I push it aside and listen to their brief conversation.

“I can give you some of the nausea medication the doctor prescribed?” my mother offers.

“I couldn’t keep it down if I wanted to, Mum. Please, just help me clean up this mess before Aubrey wakes up.”

“Don’t worry about it, honey, I’ll take care of it. Go lie down. All this ruckus and she’s going to wake before I get a chance.”

“Thanks for calling her. I didn’t realise how seeing her face would make me feel better.” My heart warms and through the tears, I smile. I’ve never doubted Max loved me—more than himself on most days—but to hear his candid declaration drives home the point that I’ve missed so much and even on his worst days, he still needs his kid sister.

“I’m just upset you made me wait this long. All those times you told me to let her be, I should have made contact. I missed my daughter,” she says wistfully. My eyes widen. She
missed
me? The person who couldn’t stand to be within a few feet of me without giving me a nasty glare?

“I know you did, Mum. She’s here now, and she’ll see you’re not the same person you were a decade ago, just like she’s not the same.”

“Do you think she still loves me?” Mum asks a little louder, and I hear the springs on Max’s mattress squeal under his weight. The water starts running in the bathroom.

“I don’t think you ever stop loving your parents. She’s upset and hurt. And you didn’t do much to make her feel welcome after everything that happened. You have a lot of making up to do.”

“I know I do, and I will.”