The Rules | ✅ Completed

Chapter 18

"Where are you running off to," I asked from the couch. My sister thought I wouldn't hear her trying to tiptoe out of the house. I didn't have to see her to know she was either hiding what she was wearing, or trying to avoid me asking the question.

"It's Saturday night," she huffed as she dropped one of her shoes. I sat up and looked over the back of the couch. "Where do you think I'm going?"

"I didn't hear about any parties, so my guess is your going to get pizza to bring back."

"Funny, Luke. You sure your talent is football and not comedy?"

"Seriously, Laine. Where are you going?"

"Finn's taking me on a date." I pushed myself to my feet and wandered over to her.

"It's eight o'clock. Where could he possibly be taking you?"

"He's keeping it a surprise."

"Home by eleven," she frowned as she finished putting on her other shoe. "Please, be home by eleven."

"Eleven-thirty," she stuck out her hand. I shook it.

"Not a minute later." She rolled her eyes and looked at her phone. She pecked my cheek then ran out the door. I watched her get into the familiar car and didn't look away until it was out of sight. I pulled out my phone and sent a text to Shane. He replied instantly suggesting we go out.

Pulling up to the Back Deck, a dive bar two towns over, I sighed in relief. It was known for serving minors and if I wasn't going to throw a few back at a party this was the next best place. Shane was leaning on the bar, flirting with the woman behind it. She was smiling and shaking her head. I smacked his back.

"Is he bothering you, Deb?"

"He's harmless," her smile grew as she scanned me over like she always did. "The usual, sweet heart?"

"Sounds just right." She pulled down one of the rusted metal pails. She threw six longnecks in then covered it with ice. She set the pail on the bar top and Shane took. I handed her a twenty and followed him to the high top closest to the dart board.

"What's up?" Shane twisted the top off his beer and took a sip.

"Needed out of the house." I pulled the darts from the board and set up on the table.

"Finn and Laine being too noisy." I glared at him which only made him laugh. "You really think either of them would take it that far so soon. She's smart, Luke. And, well, he likes living."

"They were going out on a date," I said the last word with venom. Pulling my arm back, I brought it forward and released the dart. Spinning the second one between my fingers, I studied the metal tip. "What does that even mean?"

"It means they're probably going to a movie or grabbing dinner."

"You remember the stupid shit we did when took girls on dates."

"Parked cars. Cheap beer," he looked off as if reminiscing. "Finn's not like us. He might have acted like it, but have you talked to the guy?"

"I don't know man," I threw the second dart and threw the third without thinking. Grabbing a bottle from the bucket, I removed the cap and took a gulp. "I know I promised her I would stay out of it, but I can't get past it."

"You want to keep your relationship with her, I suggest you find a way." Shane picked up the other three darts and approached the line. "She would tell one of us if something goes wrong, or if he crosses the line. You saw it for yourself. We taught her how to throw that hook, remember? Finn's half the size of Owen. She could probably lay him out flat with one hit."

"Do you think she'll need to?"

"No," he threw the second dart. "But doesn't it being a little peace knowing that if he shows up to practice with shiner she took care of the problem. Hell, it would be like a calling card that something happened. A beautiful purple and yellow target right there for all of us to see."

"That would make the deal null and I could kill him." The corner of my mouth turned up.

"After playoffs," Shane pointed at me with the last dart. "Can't deny we still need him."

I raised my bottle in his direction in agreement. This was our last year to leave a mark. We were doing great this year. No need to jeopardize the playoffs or state because of some drama.

**~~**

It was a little after midnight when I pushed my way past the front door and into the living room. One of Blaine's favorite movies illuminated the room as it played. I inched closer to the couch and found my sister asleep. A pillow separated her head from Finn's lap. I grabbed the blanket from the recliner and threw it over her.

Finn stirred and looked up at through squinted eyes. I nodded my head at him and he nodded back. Carefully, he got to his feet and stretched. Tilting my head toward the hall, he followed me to my room. He ran his hand through his hair as he sat in the chair near my desk. I sat on my bed across from him. My arms crossed over my chest as I searched for words.

"We haven't exactly talked."

"And you choose midnight to do so," Finn yawned.

"Look," I held up my hand up, "I'm happy that she's happy. You've been treating her right as far as I can tell."

"I really don't need to hear the big brother speech, Luke. Over the last three years, I've heard the more ruthless snip its. There is no need for you to play nice about it now."

"Fine," I growled, "I'm still not happy about this."

"That sucks," Finn shrugged. "Short of breaking your sister's heart, what do you suggest? Huh, Luke? What would make you happy with me dating your sister? We've been following your rules. We haven't done anything cringe worthy. For the record those are her words, not mine."

I shuddered at the unwanted imagery. There were no answers for him. Finn and I had been friends since middle school. I'd seen him date a few girls but none of them lasting a few months. Each one more torn up then the last. He wasn't able to commit to them.

"What makes her different?"

"What?"

"How is Blaine different from all your other previous girlfriends?"

"Have you met your sister? She's brilliant and doesn't care about her image. She's not with me because I'm a big name on the team. Her spiral alone is enough to turn a guy on. Did you know, that she wasn't expecting to go to the homecoming dance? She asked me the other day why I hadn't asked her yet. When I suggested we stay in she was over the fucking moon."

"Wait, she's not going to homecoming?"

"No," Finn's brow krinkled, "She didn't want to."

"Did she say why?"

"If she did, it was in confidence. I'm not going to run to her brother and tattle on her." He got his feet. "Look, I know you have little faith because of my past. I told you before though, nothing will happen to her."

The words hung in the long after he left. Given the front door didn't open, I knew he was still here. What he said did make me feel more secure with this current situation. My sister was one of a kind. Out of all the guys begging for attention, Finn was the best of them.