Duplicity

3. New Beginnings

NEW BEGINNINGS

After eight hours of driving, I arrive at my brother’s apartment complex at 925 Common, in the central business district. I check the address again just in case I’d read it wrong. “Nope. I’m at the right place,” I mumble to myself as I drop my chin in shock, tilting my head back and gaping at the tall building. Such an improvement from his last cramped, one-room apartment. It didn’t even have running water. He had to shower at the hospital.

My eyes rake over the high-rise. I see that big brother’s hard work has paid off. Jeff explained to me that the property is older and was once an office building. I like it; it goes with the vibe of the city.

The area is mostly high-rise buildings in the heart of the busy city. I’m used to traffic noise and busy streets, so, I shouldn’t have any trouble adjusting. But even more so, I’m happy my brother is opening his home to me. I don’t know what I would’ve done if it hadn’t been for his generosity.

I spot Jeff waiting by the curb. I’d called my brother letting him know that I was only fifteen minutes away. Or at least that’s what my GPS said.

Excitement warms my heart, seeing Jeff’s big smile light up. It’s been a few months since I last saw him. He approaches the car just as I pull up and park. Boy, luck must be on my side today. Catching a convenient parking spot in the city seldom happens. Maybe Jeff will have an extra parking spot for me. Valet parking sounds dope!

I climb out of my packed-to-the-hilt car as a crisp breeze tousles my hair. I forget the winters are milder in Louisiana. I’m glad too. Driving on ice sure ain’t for this Texan. Louisiana has milder winters but hotter summers. Which reminds me of Jeff’s infinity pool he’s bragged so much about. Living here is going to be a nice vacation.

I plan to get a job and take a couple of courses at the local community college. I’m the black sheep of the family. My parents were big on education. Jeff pursued his dream of becoming a doctor. Unlike Jeff, I have failed miserably sticking with a job or getting an education. But it’s time I grow up. I have to get my life on track and expecting Jeff to support me forever is unfair to him. I don’t want to be a bum.

But I have high hopes. From this point on, my life can only get better. Why wouldn’t it? My big brother is helping me.

“Hey, Jeff!” I smile back and reach up on my tippy toes to hug my six-foot-three brother. To look at us, one would never think we’re siblings. We look nothing alike. Jeff’s tall, blond, and blue-eyes. I’m five-two, Arabian hair, and hazel eyes. “You’re lookin’ good, bro.”

He pulls away, holding me at arm’s length. “You’re looking a little fluffy,” he teases as I slug him in his arm.

“Shut up, Jeffie! I’m not fat, you nerd,” I laugh and slug him again. Truth is … I’m not a big girl, but I do have some junk in my trunk.

Jeff grabs my bag. “C’mon, let me show you the place. I’ll get my neighbor to help with your stuff in a bit.”

“Okay, but you don’t think anyone will break ”

“Nah,” he shakes his head. “Most of us tenants here are nerds. We wouldn’t know how to smash your window or pop the lock,” he chuckles, glancing at my car. “No one’s going to want your junk anyway.”

“You’re pushing it!” I glare at him, but internally I’m laughing.

We enter the lobby and pass the clerk sitting behind a long counter like a fancy hotel. I look at Jeff. “Wow! Impressive.” I nudge him with my shoulder.

“It’s alright,” he shrugs. “I’m just a resident. But it ain’t too bad.”

“Why Jeffery Dan Baker, I do believe your southern accent is comin’ out when you’re embarrassed.”

“Hush up before I kick you out,” he teases, or at least I think he is.

My brother and I are all we have. Our parents’ lives were taken by a drunk driver in a head-on crash. The drunk lived, my parents were not as lucky. I was eighteen and my brother was twenty-six and in the middle of medical school. Somehow, he pushed forward, determined to stay with it, and now he’s a resident at one of the best hospitals in the country. I think he just dug his heels into the ground and kept his mind on his studies. Now look at him … a surgeon.

Me?

I wear the jewel crown of a troublemaker. The one that stayed out past curfew, smoked pot, and had a fair amount of underage drinking. Most of my teenage years, I think my parents’ favorite catchphrase was … you’re grounded! Despite their efforts, I still managed to defy them. I can’t count all the times I’d climbed out my window and shimmied down the old oak tree to meet up with my friends.

But that cold winter night, three days before Christmas, our parents were coming home from a party that my dad’s company had thrown in his benefit. Dad owned a couple of retail stores that sold uniforms and western wear. Mom was a part-time nurse and worked for a private doctor. I guess that’s where Jeff gets his talents.

I’m still trying to figure it out. But one thing I can say … after that unfathomable night of losing our parents, I stopped getting high, and I cut out drinking.

My biggest regret is that my parents had to die first, before I cleaned up my act. I was young and stupid.

And I struggle to forgive myself.

Years have passed, and I’m still digging my way out of the rabbit hole. I should’ve seen the trouble coming with Tad. But I wasn’t any better at picking girlfriends either. Now I’ve ditched all that excess baggage in Texas and, hopefully, I’ve left my poor choices there too. I’m done with love; I have terrible taste in picking men.

The bell dings and the doors slide open with a mechanical thump. Jeff and I step inside the elevator and he pushes button ten. I gape at him, surprised. I remember when we were teenagers. No matter how much I bribed him, he refused to ride Judge Roy Scream, the baby rollercoaster at Six Flags. No one could talk him into it either. “I thought you were afraid of heights?”

He looks at his feet. “People change.”

“Yeah, uh, hmm. Why is it I don’t believe you?” My mouth curved into an unconscious smile, knowing damn well his curtains are closed tighter than a camel’s butt during a sandstorm.

We step out onto a long corridor with one door after another. Finally, we reach the last door on the left and stop at number 1025. Jeff pulls out his key from his jean pocket and slips the key in the lock. We enter and I stop to gape. Jeff stops behind me and sets my luggage down.

The apartment is better than decent: white marble counter-tops, stainless steel appliances, wood floors, and huge windows at every angle, bathing the space in bright sunshine. It’s perfect! I can imagine at night the panorama view of the city lights as far as the eye can see. I gasp with excitement.

I peel away my eyes and spot black leather furniture. I turn to my brother as I make my way to the center of the apartment. “Wow! Did you decorate?”

Jeff hides a smile behind his hand. “Some. But I had help.”

“Great help!” My eyes stop at the center window. “The cars look like toys. So tiny.” I turn to Jeff. “Why so high? You’re terrified of heights.”

A faint smile tips the corners of his lips. “People do change.”

“Do you ever enjoy the view? I can’t wait to see the city lights at night.”

“I usually keep the blinds drawn.”

“Whatta waste.” My eyes brush over the space. “Where will I be sleeping?”

“Follow me.” Jeff nods as he heads to the other side of the living room.

Down a short hallway, we come to a halt at the second bedroom. I step inside as Jeff leans on the doorframe. Standing in the middle of the room, I wash my eyes over the room. A little tight in size but still nice. The window isn’t as large as the living room but it still brings in a generous amount of light. I can’t wait to gaze at the nightlights as I drift off to sleep.

I notice sheets, a blanket, and two pillows stacked on the full-size bed. The fresh scent of “new” fills the room. A small dresser stands in the corner and a bathroom is off to the left. Unlike most women, I didn’t have a lot of clothes, so the fair size closet will accommodate my belongings. I didn’t have anything of value anyway.

I face Jeff and say, “Wow! New bed and covers too.”

“Yes, I’m not letting you ruin my new couch.” He looks at the floor, shifting his feet, smiling.

After our parents died, Jeff became the parent and pushed me to clean up my act. I’m not an addict, thank goodness, but it could’ve happened if I had not stopped.

I reach up and hug my brother. “Thank you for all your trouble. It’s wonderful!” I smile up at him with awe.

“Well, you know how I feel about Tad. I’m glad you left him. I’m just going to be frank with you, sis. You are better than him. And … and the kind of friends you pick …” Jeff’s lips thinned.

At that moment, I couldn’t look my brother in the face. Just as if he were my parent, guilt strikes at my chest. “I know. I’m trying. I really am.”

“Are you? Because from where I stand, I don’t see it.” There’s a critical tone to his voice.

“Okay, I pick crappy friends and a boyfriend that half the time didn’t bother coming home. I know … I screwed up!” I huff.

“You’ve got to start learning to love someone who’s good for you.”

I get what Jeff’s saying. I know how much I have worried him and our parents when they were alive. I correct one problem, and five more pop up in its place. “I know I deserve a good chewing out, but can I at least settle in a night before you lecture me?” I’m not ready for the heavy yet.

“Okay, fine!” He rakes his fingers through his hair. “I have a shift tonight. Let me go get the neighbor and we can unload your car.” He pushes out a smile but I know, inside, he’s disappointed in me.

“I can help!” I try to be cheerful.

“What? And ruin our male ego?” he teases.

“Alrighty, then.” I clasp my hands together. “I guess I’ll get my suitcase and take a shower.”

I feel awkward not helping, He’s always there for me. Such a dependable brother. I don’t know what I’d do without him.

Jeff had supplied me with all the makings for a great shower: body soap, shampoo, even toothpaste and a toothbrush. He thought of everything.

I quickly dress, hoping to catch my brother before he finishes the last load. The least I can do is carry in the small boxes. I snatch up my overnight bag and tug out a T-shirt and my favorite pair of cut-offs. My brows dip into a scowl as I hold up my shorts to the light. Most of my belongings are still in Texas. Especially the good stuff. No biggie, though. Out with the old and in with the new. And that means new clothing… that is, after I land a job.

I make my way into the living room and stop in my tracks. My eyes go bug-eyed. A stranger is halfway buried in one of my boxes. My eyes freeze on his long, lean physique. I bite my bottom lip, pausing a moment, enjoying the firmness of his tush. After an enjoyable moment of ogling, I begin to feel like a perv. Awkward.

Glancing over my clothing, I come to a sharp realization that I’m not prepared to meet any guest. I’m a terrible mess, even for a blind man. My hair is dripping wet and saturating my T-shirt. And here I stand in my short, short cut-offs that have more holes than thread. I clear my throat. “Hello.”

I startle the mystery man and he shoots to attention. Our eyes latch. “Oh, hey!” he drawls. “You must be the little sister?” He wipes his right hand on his jeans and steps forward. “I’m Ethan LeBlanc. The neighbor.”

I meet the smile and hand which is offered. “I’m ”

“You’re Anna Lee Baker. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Oh. Well, I hope it’s all good.” I jump on that a little too fast. “Hmm.” My gaze combs the living room. “Is Jeff downstairs?”

“Jeff left for the hospital, bitching about no hot water.” His glint churns with amusement. He’s teasing me.

“Oh, yeah … hot water.” Jesus! I’m rattling on.

“Hey, I hate to run, but I have to get ready too. My shift at the hospital starts in half an hour.”

“Oh! You’re a doctor like Jeff?” That explains the smooth hand but unlike most, his is warm. I smile inwardly.

“You are correct,” he flashes a lopsided grin. “After the shift, you should come join us. We usually stop at a local bar and shoot the breeze. You know, wind down from a taxing night.”

“You guys go drinking in the morning?”

“Laissez les bons temps rouler,” he rattles off perfectly. “Bars stay open a little later here, and especially if the owner is a good buddy.” His lips draw back, revealing straight white teeth.

“Oh, I see.” I bite my bottom lip. “You speak Cajun French?” He does have that French vibe, light sandy hair, tawny skin, and dreamy green eyes that screams s*x.

“I do,” his eyes sparkle. “Do you speak French?”

“Oh no!” I giggle. “I did a little research about the city.”

“There’s a lot of history in this old town. More than a hundred years ago my people moved here from Canada. A long line, born and raised right here in this city.” He unconsciously scratches behind his ear. “Anyway, it’s nothing special. The food’s pretty good too. Especially when you’re single. Boiling water is not in my skill set,” he laughs, a nice rich rolling laugh like molten chocolate.

“Boiling water is a necessity to survival,” I tease.

“I’ve heard that. It’s a wonder that I’ve survived for the past thirty years.” His eyes glisten with mirth.

“I have a book with instructions. You’re welcome to it.”

“I just might have to take you up on that offer.” Our eyes lock as a silent moment settles between us.

I break contact first. Stuffing my hands in my back pockets. “As generous as your offer sounds, I have to sit this one out. Maybe next time,” I smile, kicking myself.

“Sure, no problem. Nice meeting you.” He edges his way to the door, toting a smile. “Have a nice evening.”

“Hmm … thanks for the help.”

“You bet!” Ethan smiles, leaving as I lock up behind him.

I pause, leaning against the door. Suddenly, the apartment is quiet, and a quick bout of loneliness stabs me. After living with Tad, I should be used to it. This move is a good thing. I think.

One thing for certain, I can’t get into another relationship until I figure out what to do with my life. I inhale a deep breath. Ethan leaves a great first impression. Not only is he easy on the eyes, but he’s nice too. Two attributes you rarely find in one man.

Even if I wanted to meet up, I couldn’t intrude. Apart from my brother, I’ve always felt guys like Ethan were out of my league. You know the type: mild-mannered, smart, quiet, and sweet. With my record of screwing up, I don’t understand what a nice guy would see in me.

I’m my worst enemy. I have a knack for finding men that are incapable of feelings. You know the type. They show up for the date, absent-minded of their wallet, sticking you with the bill and daring to expect s*x afterward. I think I need to take a break from men. I should get my life in order first. A man would only prolong my problems.

Shifting the focus from the hot neighbor to my boxes, I huff. Might as well get started. My things aren’t gonna unpack themselves.