Off Limits 18+

Chapter 8

Scarlet

I'm relieved driving over to my parents house for a much needed home cooked meal. I hadn't been back home since school started back in early September. I brought my overnight bag and the comfiest pair of pajamas I owned. I was ready for a Saturday night in with my momma.

Pulling into my parent's driveway, I parked behind my brother's car, smiling. I didn't know that Jordan would be here but I couldn't wait to see him. Seeing him usually always cheers me up. As long as Chase's name isn't brought up, which unfortunately seems to be happening more and more lately.

My brother isn't stupid. He notices everything and in between all the stolen looks, awkward conversations he's overheard and our weird behavior, he knows that something is going on. I wish I could tell him. I wish I could ask for advice. But the advice would have to wait because Jordan would kill Chase before any advice was given.

My heart felt full walking into my parents house. I loved our family home. My parents had it built right after they got married and have been updating it ever since. It was a Colonial with a large porch and the prettiest blue door. It used to be red until I begged my dad to paint it. Blue was, and still is, my favorite color.

Walking inside I was met with the smell of lasagna, garlic bread, and laughing coming from the kitchen. Smiling, I threw my bag by the door and slipped my shoes off.

"Your favorite daughter is —" I stopped mid sentence, staring into those familiar eyes that I loved so much. "Oh. Hey, I didn't know you guys would be here. Hi, Chase," I said as I walked up and gave Jordan a hug before I made my way over to my mother.

"I invited everybody hunny, I miss this house being so full. Ethan and Leah already had plans but thankfully Jordan and Chase were able to come. Isn't that wonderful?"

"Of course. I'm sure Jordan's only here for your lasagna though," I joked.

"I cannot confirm or deny that," he said with a smirk on his face.

"Very funny," my dad said before walking over to me. "Hi, princess. I've missed you." He kissed the top of head and joined my mom by the stove. "Need any help?"

"Nope. Everything is finished. Why don't you kids go sit down and your father and I will bring it all out."

We all did as we were told, walking in the dining room. I sat in my usual seat and was surprised when Jordan jumped in the chair beside me. He never sat there.

He winked and kissed my cheek. I gave him a strange look and he laughed. "What? I can't sit beside my sister?"

"I'll play along for now... but I'll find out what you're up to JoJo," I joked and used his nickname. He hated it and hit my arm in response.

Dad sat on the other side of me, at the head of the table while my mom sat directly in front of me. Since the table was meant for larger groups, Chase sat right beside my mom so he could join in on conversations during dinner.

"I really think we need to expand, pops. I'm telling you, we could make this work," Jordan explained.

"I'm not convinced, Jordan. The numbers aren't looking promising and Ethan will be taking time off in the upcoming year for his wedding and honeymoon." He shook his head and continued, "And who knows what Chase will have going on. I don't want to get in over my head."

All the guys worked under my father at the small, but very successful, dealership he owned, James & Co. While my dad is an expert with the cars, my brothers both graduated with Bachelors in Sales and Marketing. Chase's degree is in business.