My Brother Says I'm Dangerous

(17)

I almost know that I'm going to regret this. But as I follow Noah through yet another hallway, I can't help but think that I just can't judge him on what his Dad is like. Or on what other people say. 

"I like to throw a kind of side party for people who are worth the trouble." He tells me, as he opens up a door. I follow him into a sort of courtyard, filled with teens. I knew the basement was to small for everyone.

"Sup Noah." A guy says, slapping him on the back. He looks at me, and grins. "Hey Eva. What are you doing here?"

"I'm introducing her to the real people." Noah smirks. "All she's had is the almighty Samuels welcome."

"Sucks to be you Eva." He whistles. "Well, have fun. I have to go find a girl." He leaves, and Noah guides me to a table full of drinks, hand on my upper back.

"Drink?" He asks, as he pours a cup full of vodka, replacing my Dr Pepper, throwing it in the trash. 

"Yes." I say gratefully. "Haven't had a drink since Ohio."

"Don't expect any either." Noah snorts, picking himself up a beer. "Hunter and the rest are pretty much clean cut."

We spend awhile just talking to his friends. I just stay quiet, sitting next to Noah. He is definitely a people person. I notice that it's been awhile, and no one has come to find me. They must be occupied, so I guess I'm in the clear for awhile.

"Do you want to go for a walk?" I jump, as I didn't realise how close Noah was to my ear.

"Um." I stutter, looking around, still not seeing anyone looking for me. "Sure." He leads me down a path, to what must be their back garden, which is huge by the way. More like a field.

"So what have they been saying about me?" He chuckles suddenly.

"What?" I ask confused.

"Hunter. The whole family." He says. "I know they hate me. It's no secret."

"They don't do much to hide it, do they?" I smile gently. 

"It's all because of my Father." He shrugs, sitting down on a outdoor little swing bench. "I guess they just never gave me a chance."

"I kinda guessed that." I say softly sitting next to him. "It's not really fair, if they don't really know you."

"I don't really mind anymore." He sighs. "Used to it."

We sit in silence, as I take in the information. Maybe he isn't as bad as I thought.

"I can't wait until he buys that stupid ranch though."

Huh?

"What?" I say, hoping it was just a misunderstanding.

"You know what I mean." He laughs, stretching out on the swing. "Think about it. Keith is so far into debt with that ranch, when my Dad buys it off him he'll be doing him a favour. He has no clue, idiot. Emily is so naive with all those mutts they adopt. One day they're going to wake up and find all their stuff stolen. My friends and I have a bet on who. My guess is that prick David but those slutty twins apparently were arrested for stealing once."

I try to speak up, but he just keeps going.

"When we bought the salon, Charlie and his dumb wife should've been more grateful, she will probably be paid better now." He says. "And all those other kids are just dumb shits. Hunter is the worst. No idea how to have fun, stick up their asses. Dad will eventually win, he always does. When we own it we're going to demolish the piece of shit buildings, and build blocks of hotels, plenty enough land." 

He sees my expression, and starts speaking quickly.

"Don't worry about you, we don't usually kick them out. Dad will probably let them keep running the ranch, under his supervision. Keep some of the animals, keep it touristy. Serves them right, to have to work under us. When we own it, if you don't want to stay there anymore, I'm sure Dad wouldn't mind you staying here. We have plenty of room."

He finishes, taking a a long swig of beer, expecting an answer.

"What was all that about before?" I say, gobsmacked. "About not judging, about your father-"

"All I asked was to not be judged based on my Father." He smirks. "I never said he wasn't right."

"Dude." I sigh, pissed off. 

"What?" He asks confused.

"Come on man." I curse, standing up, downing the rest of my drink, throwing it at him. "I really wanted you to be cool." 

"What are you talking about?" He shouts, as I storm away, up the path back to the house. 

Damnit.

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Fu**ing hell man. Of course they were right. I hate how right they were.

What's even worse is that it pissed me off, the stuff he said. I'm getting attached damnit. I don't get attached, I don't care what people say, I don't care about people in general damnit. Damn him for being a dick. McDick Face. McDick Face junior more like.

I walk past the people in the courtyard, ignoring everyone's calls. I slam the door shut. Go to hell. Everyone can go to hell disrespectful pricks. Damn them. 

"Eva!" I turn around, ready to slap them one, but restrain myself just in time, when I see it's just Hunter.

"Hi." I grit, trying to calm myself down.

"We've been looking all over for you." He says concerned. "We thought you must have left, Emily is freaking out."

Fu**ing thoughtful, caring people who care damnit.

"I'm here now." I sigh. "Sorry."

"Everyone has already left." He says. "There was a problem with one of the cows and Maddison wasn't feeling well. Emily asked me to stay and look for you, Charlie left his car here for us, they got in Keith's truck's tray. They thought you might have walked home."

"Sorry." I say guilty. Damnit now I'm feeling guilty?

"It's fine, you just scared us." He says, scratching the back of his neck. "This isn't a good place to wander off. Where did you go?"

I scuff my heel, not wanting to admit that he was right. 

"Noah got to you didn't he?" He says gently.

"Fine." I give up. "You were right about him, he's a prick, is that what you wanted to hear?"

"No." He says simply. "Come on. Let's go home."