#Chapter1

Harper

Matt

/"Is anyone home?/" I heard Markus ask through the screen door as I worked on a water heater.

/"Yeah, I’m in here./" I finished and packed up my toolbox.

/"Look at you, Mr. Fix it./"

I lifted the toolbox and carried it to the porch.

I didn’t need his jokes or comments. I had work to do. When I finished, I walked up the steps, letting my boots thump against the boards as I walked into the kitchen.

/"Are you planning on living like a hermit? Or will you join the land of the living?/" Markus leaned against the counter.

/"Why do I need to do anything? I’m content with what I’m doing./" I opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water from it.

/"Matt, it’s been a few years./"

/"So?/" I swigged my water.

/"How long will you punish yourself for being happy?/"

/"I’m not punishing myself. I’m better off alone. Mason and I patched things up, and he’s happy. Now excuse me, I have a house to repair./" I walked away.

I was better off alone. I learned if you develop feelings for someone, it kicks you in the teeth. It did with Sadie and Nora. I refused to fall into that trap again.

As I was busy putzing around the house, Markus had plans of his own with Mason. Let me explain about my cousins, who are a pain in the asses. Markus belongs to Larkin and Maverick, while Mason belongs to Luna and Major. My parents are Lyric and Michael.

We grew up together, along with the Grays. Then our parents ventured out, coming home when we went off to college. I dropped out in the middle of my junior year. Yeah, Ma and Dad weren’t happy, but I needed to leave.

I got a job in Beau’s auto repair shop, working on vehicles like my Grampa Nate. I enjoyed working on cars, so it didn’t matter. I made a decent living and set some money aside, buying a fixer upper. I had the gift for auto mechanics. For the last two years, I worked at the auto repair shop and renovated my current house.

Markus and Mason graduated college and moved closer to me. Lucky me. They’re always trying to set me up with someone. I decline every time. I’m not the person who needs someone in my life to make it complete. After what happened at school with Mason and Nora, it was best to keep my distance, except that didn’t happen. I thought I would have a chance with Nora but didn’t.

When you’re family, there’s no keeping a distance. The family follows you wherever you go. I should have moved to Siberia.

Markus left as I focused on the house. Then I heard someone ask. /"Matthew?/"

/"In the living room!/" I said, working on a light switch. I swapped out the lousy switch for a good one before putting it back together.

/"How’s it going?/" Dad asked, walk into the living room.

/"It’s going. Markus stopped by before you did./"

/"What did he want?/"

/"Oh, you know, the same thing. Will I live like a hermit or enter the world?/"

Dad chuckled. I finished the switch and turned on the power. Then I got us something to drink.

My dad and I were close, as were my ma and me. Even though I was an only child, my parents didn’t spoil me. My parents weren’t the people to spoil their child. They raised me to be a decent human being.

I leaned against the edge of the counter as I drank some water.

/"Matthew, I know you prefer to be alone, but your mom and I worry about you./"

I stood there.

/"When I was your age, I was like you. I focused so much attention on taking care of your aunt and cousins that I didn’t date and stayed busy./"

/"I know, but I’m good./"

Dad gave me a look. I know people worry about me, but I’m okay with my life. I stay busy and don’t deal with bullshit.

Dad stayed and talked for a while. Dad understood my reasons for living alone and not going out. It was a topic of discussion whenever someone stops by the house. I didn’t see the point of discussing the matter.

I cleaned up and made dinner, then settled in with a book. Most guys would watch a game on TV or some movie, but I prefer to read. I enjoyed getting lost in a good book with a great storyline and characters. Luna writes a lot, so I read her books mostly, adding other books into the mix.

I read until I went to bed. I thought about what everyone said and rubbed my forehead in frustration. I know my family worries about me, but I learned that love wasn’t in the cards for me. It never will be. I had to accept it. Why couldn’t my family understand my decision?

*****

Nora

I cleaned up another hotel room. I sighed as guests left the place a mess. What’s the point of getting a degree when you can’t even use it? I cleaned the bathroom, thinking about how our dad had cut us off when Britt chose Pat, and he caught me with Mason, although I wasn’t with Mason.

I planned on telling Matthew that I wanted to be with him. He left without saying a word. I remember standing in his bedroom, heartbroken. That’s what you get for being honest about your feelings.

I finished cleaning the bathroom, then cleaned the rest of the room, and changed the bedsheets. After I finished my last room, I put my cart away, then clocked out. I drove to Presley and Kaylee’s place. It was a temporary stay until I put a down payment on a home. I’d set aside enough money for a cheap place.

I entered the house and saw both snuggled on the couch, watching a movie. I sighed.

/"How was work?/" Presley asked me as Kaylee looked at me.

/"People are pigs. I’m going to bed,/" I said, walking upstairs.

Presley and Kaylee laughed.

I changed into my pajamas, then scrolled a real estate site on my phone, looking at houses. Everything I found was a fixer-upper, but it was doable. I wanted to get out of Presley and Kaylee’s house. I appreciated they let me stay with them but seeing them reminded me I was single.

I sent a message to a seller and hoped they would accept my offer. Who knows? This opportunity might lead to something better. I went to sleep after turning off the light.