This Could Get Ugly / Conrad Fisher

New Guy Meets Old Guy

"You were always a dumb kid, Jere." Conrad looked to me instead of the person he was speaking to. His vision felt like it was burning me, my arms felt scorched and my cheeks were definitely showing some color.

Susannah turned to my mom and started gawking at the decorations within the tent. The parents had their own conversation up on the side while I focused on the brothers next to me. Conrad was looking at the dance floor, silently people watching. Before I had met him, I had never heard Conrad's name. Where did his mother get a name like that? It sounded classic.

Jeremiah said he had a brother who was always showing him up. I could see why. He was gorgeous. Dark hair, fair skin, eyes a darker blue hue than Jere's. It all came together like a work of art. He should be painted, I thought.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming back? I thought you were living in northern Cali forever," Jere complained playfully. 

He was always mad when he got left out of things. I guess its younger child syndrome. I'd never experienced that before. 

"Change of plans, I guess." He shrugged and glanced at me again. Another nerved ravaged me every time he looked at me. I wasn't quite sure why my stomach was betraying me.

"Well, I'm glad you're back, I've missed you," Jeremiah said. It was the sincerity dripping from his words that gave away how much he meant it. He was always so genuine in his feelings, I could read him so easily. 

"Yeah, man. Good to see you too," Conrad agreed. 

Maybe it was just me, but the vibes felt completely off.

"How's your girl," Jere asked.

A flash crossed Conrad's eyes. "She's," he paused for a moment, "good. Yeah, she's good."

"Conrad's been dating a medical student genius while at school."

"Really," I said more to just keep the conversation alive. You'd think brothers would want to chat after not seeing each other for so long. The feeling of disappointment in my stomach was shoved down violently and put to rest with the other feelings that were forbidden (example a: jelousy was hidden deep deep within although I'd never admit it).

"Yeah, he graduated a whole year early. Mom and dad are really impressed, mom especially because she never did end up going to college." Jere was giving me his whole life story.

"Congratulations, that must be really exciting. What are your plans now?" I asked sweetly and leaned into Jere more. I was trying to play the part of perfect girlfriend, I hoped it wasn't coming off too thickly.

"I was going to intern up north but plans fell through. So, now I am going to intern with a friend of dad's to start off. I may go back to school for a masters degree." He took a breath and exhaled. 

"Honestly, I have no clue what the future holds but I am very excited to get started." When he talked, he had this thing about him that made you just want to listen forever. He had charisma and it was addicting. 

So, I was guessing he was a businessman like his father, like my father. I wondered if I would see a lot of him around. How boring a life like that seemed. Especially when he had his future all set up for him on a gold platter. I wanted to work for my life. It's why I started waitressing this past summer. I felt that it would give it more meaning. It was a bonus that I wouldn't feel guilty when I actually accomplished feats on my own. 

Susannah must have heard the tail end of what he said because she chimed in soon with affection. "We can't wait to see what our bright Connie does," she said. Then added, "we are hosting his graduation celebration soon. You all are obviously invited." She made it sound like it was a no brainer.