Please, Don't Fall

c h a p t e r 8

"When I said I owed you one, I didn't think I would be doing this."

Alex chuckles, the sound almost hypnotic to my ears.

"Yeah, well I didn't think I'd be asking you to do this. Are you outside?"

I nearly nod, before I realize he can't see any of my movements. Talking to him over the phone—just hearing his voice—it sent my heart into overdrive. But I ignored it the first time I seen him, and I'll continue to do just that. Just until I get immune to his good charms.

"Great. I'm coming outside."

He ends the call, leaving me to sit here waiting on top of my trunk. The flashing diner sign illuminated the parking lot in a red hue. The sun had gone down long ago and it gave the scene a horror movie vibe. And I seemed to be the victim.

My outfit screamed family approval. My soft on the eyes summer dress ending at my knees, the color a violet decorated with floral. My sandals cut across my feet multiple times and ending at my painted toes to match my dress. And lastly, my chocolate curls were luckily tamed with a straightener and some hairspray. It had been so long since I put work into my appearance, the feeling felt foreign.

Aspen and Cooper were being babysat by Kiera since I didn't feel safe leaving them home with just our parents. Coltan was god knows where once again, off most likely forgetting anything except what laid at the bottom of a bottle. And me, I was checking in my debt to Alex by being his plus one to a very dreaded family reunion. Or at least, he's dreading it.

The door to the diner rang throughout the night's silence as he spotted me. As he made his way towards me I couldn't help but admire him. He wore a plain shirt that fitted across his chest, exposing muscle I wish hadn't been hidden. His jeans were ripped at the knees but they looked like it was from years of wear instead of purposely cut in stores. And he finished his fine look off with a pair of vans. Man that was his shoe for sure.

He strode up to me with his hands in his pocket's almost looking . . . shy.

"Thanks again for doing this. My family insisted I bring a girl to show off to my brother."

I raise a brow, so that's why the family reunion.

"Your brother?"

"Yeah. He's quite a bit older, probably around your mom's age. He has been in town for a few months now, we were just never able to meet up. And now—at the last moment—he wants to get together."

I uncross my arms and smooth out my wrinkled features. More pressure on me then, I had to play the part of a plus one that was here because she wanted to be, not because she owed their son.

"Good to get some background before I just waltzed in there on your arm."

He smiles, but again it wasn't his full grin. Maybe one day he'll show me some teeth. What held him back? Did he not like his smile? Was that Mr. Perfect's imperfection?

"Are you ready?"

I tilt my head, wanting to ease some of the tension. "I should be asking you that. I only owe you once, sure you want this to be your favor?"

He runs a hand through his hair, his lips raising at the edges just a smidge higher. "Well, then I guess I'll just have to save you again."

I chew on my lip to hide my huge grin. Not only did he have looks, but he knew just the right things to say.

"Until then," I leave the ending of my sentence to be finished. Placing my arm through his and letting him guide us to the diner's door.

As we grew closer my insides churned with nerves. It all felt too real, it felt as if we were on a date. I glance at Alex from the corner of my eye. Unlike earlier, he now seemed relaxed as he held the door open for me. Meanwhile, I was dying over and over inside. We hadn't strategized what to say or how to reply to any of his family's questions! And better yet, why was the family reunion so late? It was almost an hour before midnight.

Alex lead the way to a large booth in the back of the diner. His family noticed us and all stood, their arms and hands shooting out to embrace me. Wow. Touchy people.

"You must be Marley? Why haven't we heard more about you?"

She glared at Alex, as he nervously rubbed the back of his head. I forced my grin to widen and chuckled, but my laugh sounded strained. Perhaps they hadn't heard anything about me because I barely even know your son. Our first time we met was at a party where I was saving my brother from getting himself landed in a jail cell. That's a story to tell the kids. What kids Marley! Your helping him out, and then your done.

"Ahh, how did my brother land such a beautiful girl like you?"

My eyes widen as they move to who I assume is his brother. There was definitely an age gap between the siblings. His brother looked like he could have been my dad. However, he looked just like an older and more aged and handsome version of Alex. His eyes were there only separation, his being a deep green. And his hair was black as the sky outside, not a speck of grey insight despite his older age. He wore a perfectly tailored suit which I found odd since nobody went to such lengths to dress up. Alex's parents were only wearing there normal attire and I had only went as far as to wear something simple but approachable—as Alex put it.

"I-I . . Uhh. Luck, I guess."

The family broke out into laughter and Alex's brother roughly patted me on the back. I hadn't said anything so funny, and even Alex looked at me peculiarly.

"Alex, she's a keeper."

Everyone took their seats once more, leaving only two available for me and Alex. He took the seat between me and his brother and I stuck to the edge of the table. I sensed something different about everyone as we settled down. Alex's parents barely looked at his brother, and Alex seemed ready to jump from his seat and run any second. What did Alex forget to mention?

"So . . . how's the family been?"

Everyone turns to Alex's brother. Who seemed to enjoy the aroma of grease and nerves. His eyes sparkling with amusement and his hand gently tapping the table, as if daunting someone to match his devilish smile.

| a/n |
Who's Alex's brother? And what role does he have in Marley's story? xoxo