Page 15

Amber

“ A re you ready to see me in my natural habitat?” Bradley says as he pushes the door open and pulls me through it. “I come baring gifts!” He announces loudly.

“Like you’re going to be any different, you are yourself no matter what,” I remark as I’m dragged to the wide foyer that views the curved staircase, beige living room, and massive modern wood kitchen.

A wave of booming voices echoes from the door leading to the backyard and bodies file in one after the other.

“There are three more of him?” My legs are rooted to the floor as they round us and hug Bradley in turns.

Bradley veers his gaze to me and whispers, “Hey, I’m one of a kind but they look like me.”

I take a step back, “Their resemblance is uncanny,” I say to Ronnie and weave our hands. They’re all tall with those silver-gray eyes Bradley has and have a similar facial structure.

“It’s okay, Bear, are you nervous?” He squeezes my hand lightly. “They’re going to love you.”

I pivot my head to the side and look up at him with concerned eyes but it quickly fades when he gazes down at me with a soft, reassuring smile.

“We always say we faded with each birth,” Bradley steals our attention, “We look like mom except for Ryan who looks like dad with his blonde hair.”

He catches Ryan’s head between the crook of my arm and raffles his shaggy hair. “He is seventeen, the youngest. Mom says he was a happy surprise but we all think she’s just trying to be nice.” He jokes, being an annoying big brother for a few minutes.

Their mom shows up—with an apron and her black hair tied back—smacking him upside the head. But their goofy expressions turn into a loud laughter, including Ryan who tries to lick Bradley’s arm and get out of his hold.

“Love you, Ryan.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll see you on the field later.” He jerks out of his hold and inches closer to me. “We were waiting to meet the famous Ronnie and the new girl, Amber.”

My cheeks heat even more.

This is so different than my introduction yesterday and I feel a little at a loss with the number of eyes staring at me.

His mom proceeds to hug Ronnie and gently tucks me to her side. “Amber, I was waiting for you.” Her feathery yet resonant voice envelops me and puts me at ease in seconds. “I need a little break from all the testosterone in this house. Shoo, kids play outside.” She gives them a sign to take off. “I’m Tiffany, I’m so happy to meet you two.”

“We’re happy to meet you too.”

We reply.

“You brought a dog,” the one with the coffee strands says in a feathery voice when he sees Teddy trailing beside Ronnie. “Can we take him to play outside?” I think that’s Josh, one of Kat’s closest friends.

“You’re going to have to persuade Teddy with cookies he’s a bit of a couch potato,” Ronnie replies with a little laugh.

That is the best incentive, I might need one myself.

“He’s in good hands with Josh he’s got the biggest sweet tooth in the family,” Bradley comments and hands his brother the bag of treats he carries in his pocket. “Go have fun.”

Teddy wags his little tail faster when he sees it and sniffs harder.

“Come on, Teddy, let’s eat some treats outside.” It’s all Josh needs to say to get Teddy to run after him through the backdoor between the kitchen and the living room.

“Wait for us, c’mon Ronnie.” Another brother calls and they go out the door as well.

“That’s Cole by the way.” Bradley points. “Dark brown hair.”

At least it’s going to be easy to separate them like that.

“That’s the Meiss family effect.” His mom whispers. “You go into shock at first then realize they’re all big teddy bears.”

I giggle at her funny choice of words. Sounds familiar.

“I’ll give you some privacy ladies. I’ll take our stuff upstairs and make sure they don’t ruin the backyard,” Bradley announces as he heads to the front door to grab our bags.

“Too late! They already ruined my plants last week with their wild football games.” His mom states as we round the broad island in the center of a massive kitchen.

“My dad also likes plants, he’s a private chef so if he gets the chance to grow some herbs or vegetables on his own he goes all board.”

“Bradley told me your family is from here.” She chops tomatoes on a wooden cutting board.

“Yeah, Johnny and Melanie Turner.” I hand her the basket of washed vegetables from under the sink.

“Ohh, your dad is a legend. Everyone begs for his recipes and your mom is in my book club.” She says merrily, putting on her gloves and opening the oven.

I step closer when the smell of roasted onions and bell peppers reaches my nose. “I didn’t know she was in a book club, I found out yesterday.”

“She joined a few months ago.” She places the baking tray on the corner of the island. “She seems to enjoy it so far.”

It’s good that she has something to look forward to. I only called her two times in the last year out of necessity, not because I wanted to but because Dad asked me to. I still think the less I’m present, the better it is for us both.

“Your sister and Ryan are in the same class.”

Right, seventeen… I couldn’t see the face of the boy that snuck out of my sister’s room so that could be anyone— that sneaky little rebel.

“Do they have a test soon?” I question while my eyes scan the to-do list that she placed on the counter. Lemonade.

“Yes, because of a state problem even though the school year is almost over.”

I quickly find a bowl with lemons and move them near the juicer on the other end of the counter. Cutting the lemons, I start piling them inside and add a piece of ginger and pineapple I found in another basket.

“That’s a great idea,” Tiffany’s encouraging voice drifts from behind me, “You must be a natural like your dad.”

I hope so.

I hope I’m everything like my dad.

Laughter filters in from outside followed by whistles, shouts, and curses. This house is full of life and everyone in it makes me wish I grew up in a place like this—two blocks away—but entirely different.

“The boys did most of the tasks on the list so I only have a couple more things to do.” She notes.

“Got it.” I briefly glimpse at the list again. “Bradley is the oldest, right?”

“Yes. Also, he’s not a troublemaker, believe it or not.” Her soft silver gaze encounters mine as I glance up at her. “Shocking I know.”

“He’s got all the qualifications to be one.”

“I know, right?! With that mouth .“ She pronounces the last word sharply. “He can get into trouble and out of it easily.” Her fingers snap together.

He does. That’s what makes him special.

“He took it upon himself to be there for them when their dad passed. He promised Drew that no matter what they would always laugh and be this goofy.” A tear glides down her cheek as she chops onions and puts them in the salad bowl. “He left me with our biggest treasure.”

I snatch a napkin from the holder and bring it to her, trying to hide my glossy eyes in the process of it all.

Their relationship with their mom is far better than mine. I was always closer to Dad. These strong emotions they have toward their parents are how I feel about him.

Why can’t it be enough for me?

I don’t want Mom to hang like a dark cloud over everything I do.

The thing is she is still alive and I wish she made an effort to keep me as an active part of her life but after everything she said and did maybe it’s finally time to let her go.

For good.

We will never be friends and I will never beam at her the way I do when it comes to Dad. I always end up resenting her more.

“Thank you, sweetie, it’s an emotional day.” She dabs the napkin on her cheek, “I’m also happy he is home with you and Ronnie. We’ve been waiting to meet his special roommates.”

Special roommates?