Not So Romeo

16

Tatum

"You sure you don't want me to come with, princess?" Shawn questions for the hundredth time in the past ten minutes.

I hug him, "I'd love if you came with, but not even Grayson is going. This is for Tyler and I to handle. I think he just wants to spend some time together, just the two of us."

Shawn gives me a sad smile, "Okay Tatum, I understand. I think it's a good thing that you're spending some time with your brother. If you need anything though, don't hesitate to call me."

I kiss Shawn's cheek, "Thank you Shawn. I'll see you later." With that, I walk to my brother's car that has just pulled up.

"Hey big brother!" I lean over to give Tyler a hug. It's crazy, just a couple of weeks ago I saw him every day and lived in the same house as him. Now, I usually only see him a couple of times a week. I've missed my brother so much.

"Good morning, Tatum." Tyler says as he hugs me back. "How about we go to the bank first then  stop for breakfast?"

I nod in agreement and Tyler pulls out of the Andrews' driveway.

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We sit in a booth at Ezra's, eating the heavenly French toast. Honestly, Ezra's has the best food in the entire world, and I would know, I've been almost everywhere.

"Gosh I've missed Saturday mornings with you." I say, taking another bite of my food.

Tyler smiles, "I've missed them with you too, Tatum."

I put on a serious face, "I wasn't talking to you. I was talking to the French toast."

My older brother bursts out laughing. "I've missed you so much, Tatum."

We talk about how we've been the last few days as we eat our breakfast. It honestly makes me so happy catching up with my brother. I really don't know how I've managed to stay the least bit sane without him.

"Ready to go pack our stuff?" My brother asks as he pays the tab.

I smile and sigh, "As ready as I'll ever be."

         *************************

It's been three hours since we've arrived at what I used to call home. I finish packing my last box and walk to Tyler's room. "You almost done bro bro?"

"Yeah. It just took a while separating mine and Grayson's s**t. I never realized how much of his stuff I have." Tyler says with a laugh.

I laugh as well, "I know what you mean. There were quite a few of his things in my room too, heaven knows why."

Tyler tapes his last box shut. "Let's start bringing our stuff to my car, yeah?" I nod and return to my room and stack a couple of the smaller boxes, picking them up and bringing them to my brother's Rover. It was smart of him to drive it instead of his Cobra, I don't think I give him enough credit.

Tyler is already out side when I get out there. "So Tatum, don't freak out but I'm pretty sure Grayson likes you. He won't admit it to me but he's my best friend and I know him better than he knows himself."

I laugh lightly, "I know he likes me. Shawn already informed me. It's weird though, he's practically my second brother. Are you okay with him liking me?"

Tyler nods, "Yeah, I don't mind. You can't help who you fall for. And it's a bit different for guys. I don't think he's ever thought of you as a little sister, even when he said he did. I think he's always had a small part of him that's liked you."

"Why have you never said anything before now, then?" I ask as we walk back into the house.

"Because his feelings we're never as serious as they are now. I think him seeing you with Shawn has struck something in him."

I nod thoughtfully, "I guess I understand. I've dated before but it's never been as serious as what I have with Shawn, and we're not even dating." I sigh, "Why is this all happening now? Why are so many guys getting feelings for me when I finally have someone I'm extremely happy with?"

My brother laughs, grabbing a couple of my boxes. "Are you talking about Alex?"

"How'd you know?" I question softly.

Tyler sets the boxes in his trunk and takes the ones from my arms and does the same. He gives me a knowing smile and hugs me. "Because, baby sister. I'm your brother and I know everything. Besides, Alex has liked you for ages and Courtney told me he finally confessed."

We finish packing all of our boxes in the car while continuing our conversation. I honestly feel like the worst person in the world. "Tyler? Be honest. Am I a w***e?"

Tyler gives me one of his death glares. "Tatum Rose Makenzie! Don't you ever f*****g put yourself and the word w***e in the same sentence again." my brother takes a breath as his face softens. "Tatum, you are most definitely not a w***e. You don't sleep around with guys, you're not easy- Hell! You're still a virgin for Christ's sake. Why in the world would you think you're a w***e?"

I hug my brother, willing myself not to cry. "You're right, Tyler. It's just that we've been talking for the last hour about all the guys I've lead on and-"

"Tatum Rose, stop. You've never lead on anyone. It's not your fault they like you. I mean come on baby sis, you are drop dead gorgeous, funny, smart and so much more. Hell, if I wasn't your brother, I'd like you too." Tyler kisses my head and I laugh.

"Okay, don't make it weird, brother."

Tyler chuckles, "Sorry, that was a bit weird and f****d up but I love you and was trying to make a point."

"I know. And I love you too. Now let's blow this popsicle stand, I'm starving."