knows how to operate the credit card app on his cell phone. And Mom trusts me with the money. Now be quiet, you dick. You landed yourself in caramel hell.”
Bowen and I shoot each other a somber look. After the incident with Fletcher the other morning, the question of an intervention or rehab is no longer something we have to answer. Time is running out, and we are meeting with Forrest in a few days to plan exactly how we are going to get our brother help.
“Hey, Bowie, did you end up going out with that chick the other night?” Forrest asks, tinkering around with the makeshift cash register he’s set up.
My middle brother growls at the use of the nickname, but answers, “If you mean by go out, did I go over to her place and have her moaning my name? Then yes.”
I crack up because what else would Bowen have done. He didn’t date and was the crudest out of all of us.
Forrest high fives him. “Bro, help me out. The last girl I went out with friend-zoned me after I took her out on three dates and paid!”
“You should pay. Every time.” I roll my eyes at him. “And just because you take a girl out doesn’t mean she’s going to sleep with you.”
I felt like his father, lecturing him on treating a woman right.
Forrest shoots me a scowl. “I know that, thanks, old man. And I’m not saying she had to, I would never force a woman …”
“He’s just saying he doesn’t have enough game to complete the pass.” Fletcher chuckles from where he stands stirring the caramel.
“Shut the fuck up!” Forrest yells at his twin.
Bowen walks over to Forrest, rubbing his shoulders and smirking. “Aw, baby bro, do you need tips on how to satisfy a woman?”
“Get away from me.” Forrest shrugs him off, and we all laugh.
“When you’re ready to learn tips from the master, I’ll be here.” Bowen flexes his hips suggestively.
“Bowen Nash, behave!” Mom walks into the tent, and we all straighten up like we’ve just been caught.
“Sorry, Ma.” Bowen ducks his head and gets back to work, helping me bag.
We work quietly as the tinker of carnival music sings in the background, and customers come in droves to buy the Nash’s caramel corn.
Our family has manned this booth for more than twenty years, and way before my brothers and I were ever the ones doing the work. The Summer Kickoff Carnival is also a Fawn Hill institution, taking place in Bloomsbury Park and running for a whole week. There are rides, games, raffles, food booths set up by all the local restaurants and concerts on the weekend nights.
“Oh, Presley, how nice to see you!” My mom’s voice brings me out of my popcorn making concentration.
“Eliza, this smells amazing!”
I turn slowly, trying not to seem too eager. She stands in front of our booth, checking out the operation, and waves slightly when our eyes connect. She’s in Daisy Duke jean shorts, scuffed sneakers and a plain white V-neck tee that has me trying to peer down into her cleavage. Her scarlet hair is down in loose curls, and I wonder what it might be like to lick some of our homemade caramel off of her … lips.
“Hey.” I nod.
My brothers all look at me at once, and I want to punch them all in the bicep. Real subtle, guys.
“These are my sons. I think you’ve met Keaton. This is Bowen, and my twins, Forrest and Fletcher.” My mom motions to us like we’re plates she pulls out for special occasions.
My brothers wave or say hi, but I can see the interest in their eyes. They think she’s hot, and I guess I can’t blame them. But I still make a sound in the back of my throat without even meaning to, and Bowen’s amused eyes hold a question as he looks at me.
“Wow. I didn’t realize the hot vet had more hot brothers.” She laughs.
Did she just call me hot?
“Oh, I’m sure Keaton didn’t tell you how fun the rest of us are. He’s the boring one. How are you doing on this fine day?” Fletcher saunters over to the front table in the tent, giving Presley his Cheshire smile.
But before she can answer, Bowen physically turns him back toward the large boiling pots of caramel and shoves the ladle back into his hand.
Her green eyes twinkle with amusement.
“Are you here with anyone?” My mom asks.
“Just my grandma, but she wandered off