The Ground Below

Chapter Twenty-Three

One week. We have been dating for exactly one week today. Who knew that kissing Buddy would push Karter to tell me how he felt about me? Not me, but I’m glad it did even if it did include kissing Buddy.

I’m never drinking again. I can only blame the jealousy, because alcohol had nothing to do with making out with Karter’s best friend.

“Your brother is coming today?”

“Yep. We are having dinner with them tonight.” I watch him take a bite of his bagel. His lip twitches a little. “You don’t have to be nervous. They’ll love you.”

“They?” he gulps. I nod. “Who else?”

“He’s just bringing his wife. Don’t freak out.”

“I’m not.”

Poor guy. I never thought he would be a nervous person.

“Good, because I was kind of hoping you would take me to pick him up at the airport.”

He agrees, and we head out to pick up my brother. The only family I have left. To be honest, I’m just as nervous as Karter is. My brother can be intense, and I want him to like Karter.

We pull into the airport parking lot. Reaching for the door, I try to relax Karter. “I’m actually glad you’re nervous. Means you care what he thinks.”

He grabs my arm pulling me into a hug. “Of course I care what he thinks. I want him to approve.”

“He will,” I assure him.

I am still having to half drag Karter into the airport. I see Abby, and Chandler standing at the baggage claim. Abby waves, jumping up and down. She drops her bags, and jumps into my arms. “I’ve missed you so much,” she squeals.

I chuckle, “I’ve missed you too.”

“Aiden has missed you too. I wish we could have brought him,” Chandler tells me, squishing me in his large arms. “I missed you, sis.”

My eyes find Karter’s, “Guys, this is Karter- my boyfriend.”

Abby squeals again. “I’m so happy for you.”

Chandler glares at Karter, then he smiles. “Nice to meet you,” he says reaching his hand out. Karter returns the gesture, and my smile grows. “Are you coming to dinner with us tonight, Karter?”

Karter nods.

“Good. I would like to get to know you better.” Karter swallows hard.

“Yeah, I think that’ll be great.”

Abby claps her hands, “I’m so excited. Come on, we got to get settled in so I can get ready for my hot date with you three cuties.”

Walking back to the car, we stay back a little. “Is she always like that?” Karter asks.

“Like what?”

“Happy.”

“Yep. It’s kind of refreshing, actually. She can cheer up anybody,” I inform him. He grabs my hand intwining our fingers.

“You cheer me up.”

“You’re corny,” I laugh.

“You make me that way.” He kisses my nose before helping Chandler put the bags in the car.

Abby runs to me, “Oh. My. God. Boyfriend? How come you didn’t tell me?”

“It’s really new to us. It’s only been a week.”

“And he’s so hot, Parker.”

“Thanks. I did pretty good,” I brag. She throws her head back laughing. “You did,” she tells me. “He’s no Chandler though.”

“Yeah, well I can’t exactly date my brother.”

She snorts, and I don’t know how that could be considered cute, but Chandler told me that was one of his favorite things about her.

“Girls, you can chat in the car,” Chandler yells from the other side of the car.

She rolls her eyes at him lovingly, “Who says chat anymore?” I jump in the passenger side just as Karter turns the ignition. When we are back at the house, we show them the spare bedroom in the guest house. They still don’t know Karter lives here also, and I’m a little scared of what they might say. Well, I’m scared of what Chandler might say, because I know Abby will jump for joy.