My Brother's Best Friend

Car Ride

I walked over to Eric’s car and saw Caleb in the front seat. I opened the rear passenger door. To my surprise there was a muscular blonde guy crammed in the back seat. I was instantly hit with the familiar smell of my brother’s cologne and an unfamiliar one that must belong to the giant in the back seat.

“Hey Lucy! This is Ben, he’s on the football team with me and wanted to tag along” Caleb said. Ben lifted his hand and did a small wave.

“Hi” I said, as I sat down next to him

“I told you she wouldn’t take up much room. Man back seats are not built for football players” Caleb laughed.

I sat down, shut the door and buckled myself in. “Is Kayla meeting us at the restaurant?” I asked, trying not to look as thrown off as I felt.

“No, she is all stressed about rush week.” Eric Replied. I saw Ben smile when I let out a sigh of relief.

“I told Mom and Dad I’d call them once I was in the car with you guys” I said.

“Oh Ya put them on speaker I want to see if they are still coming to the first football game next weekend. I'm starting.” Caleb said with a big smile. Caleb was a wide receiver. He is in his third year. He spent his freshman year redshirted which my dad explained to me meant they wouldn’t play him, to allow him to expand his skills and it will prolong him to play technically 5 years. His freshman year he spent strictly practicing with the team and the games he spent on the bench. His sophomore year, He would occasionally be sent in as a backup wide receiver. I made it to one game to watch him with my dad. Last year was rough on all of us. I think it was good that he had something to keep him distracted. The coach loved Caleb, not only was he a star because of his last name but he sure worked hard and had such a love for the game.

I dialed my Dad’s number, it took till the second ring to have him pick it up. “Half pint! How was the move in?” He asked excitedly.

“We moved her in record time dad. I had a few guys that are rushing and wanting to be in my good graces to help with everything.” Eric said.

“Well that worked out well then. I am already missing you around the Marina Miss Lucy and I am excited to see how you’ve settled in when we come up next week for Caleb’s game.” He answered Caleb's question without him having to even ask. I knew my dad wouldn’t miss the game though. He was so proud of Caleb. The thing that I always loved about my dad is he never pushed his love for football on any of his son’s. Nor did he push the family business on them. My parents owned a few beachfront rentals that my dad managed along with a boat rental company. Jennifer took very little interest in anything involving water. She wanted to start a family as soon as possible. When she met her husband Brian, in college, it wasn’t long before her dreams of being married and starting a family happened. Jack wanted to be in Marketing. He loved the social life that came with a big city and the corporate world. Eric wants to be a lawyer and will be applying to law school at the end of this year. It wasn’t until Caleb and Matthew came along showing interest in being like dad. Caleb taking on the football career with born talent and Matthew loving anything involving water.

“So you guys are coming!” Caleb smiled.

“Of course we are! It’s your first game starting and we wouldn't miss it for the world.” My dad said.

“Hi sweety” My mom yelled into the phone. “I am already counting down the days till you guys are all home for thanksgiving break.” She said, I worried about my mom being that they were empty nesters. She didn’t have distractions at the house anymore. She is definitely better than six months ago, but everyday is so different.

“Well we are already pulling up to the restaurant. Can’t let Lucy go hungry her first night. Love you guys and talk soon” Said Eric.

“Lucy you be mindful of your surroundings, Caleb and Eric please look out for her. We love you” my dad said. “Love you” Shouted my mom and we all replied with an I love you before I hung the phone up.