animal print carry-on and holding the hand of a beautiful girl about five-feet-nine with inquisitive eyes and deep red hair that hangs past her waist in soft waves. Tyler’s eyes brighten and the corners of his mouth curl up into a full smile as he waves to Travis. I tighten his hand as he looks down at me and squeezes my hand in return. My heart swells, seeing how happy he is to have his brother home.
“Hey, T-bone!” Travis yells, dropping the bag at his feet. They both step to each other and embrace in an enthusiastic hug. Like Tyler, Travis is six-feet tall and has the same brown hair, but his eyes are a soft emerald. A slight scruff covers his chiseled face, and his hair is slightly disheveled from the flight, which only makes him more appealing. He’s wearing black jeans and a white T-shirt on his toned, athletic body. They’re both built exactly the same since Tyler has added some bulk over the last couple of months. As usual, several women in the terminal pause to stop and stare at both of them, but they don’t seem to notice.
“Damn, it’s so good to see you!” Tyler says enthusiastically. I haven’t seen Tyler this happy since Travis’ last visit, which was over six months ago.
“Shit, you’ve been hitting the gym, man?” Travis questions as he pulls away, punching Tyler in the chest.
“Just a little.” Tyler laughs. “I have to stay in tip-top shape for baseball.”
“No doubt. My little brother is going to be the Rookie of the Year in the Majors. I guarantee it.” He beams with admiration and clasps Tyler’s shoulder.
“Thanks, Trav. I need you backing me up.”
“You know I always got my baby brother’s back, but you don’t need me. You’ve got this in the bag.”
“I’m definitely putting in my time, and you know Pops,” he chuckles, “is always on my ass.”
“Shit, good ol’ Dad,” he says, scratching his forehead. “I miss that man. I can’t wait to see him.”
“So, what’s this?” Tyler tilts his head at pokes at his brother’s bicep.
“A new tat for Mom,” he breathes as they both exchange a look.
“I like it, man. An angel represents Mom in every way,” he whispers. “What does it say?”
“Love is the beauty of the soul.” He rubs the back of his neck reflectively. “She loved that quote, remember?”
“Yes, I’ll never forget.” He sighs as he lowers his head. I squeeze his arm, and he looks over and smiles crookedly. His eyes are deep in thought and there’s this sorrow in them that tears at my heart.
“Damn, where are our manners? Who’s your friend here?” Tyler asks, like he just woke up from his momentary daze and smiles at the girl standing next to Travis and then back to his brother.
“Oh, this is Karlie.” Travis looks over at her and his eyes light up like the Fourth of July. She’s casually dressed in skinny jeans and a flowing white top that shows off her tan. “We met in one of my classes, and we’ve been dating for about a year now. Right, babe?” he states, grabbing her by the waist. She giggles as he leans over to give her a kiss on the lips.
“One year next month.” She smiles at me and then at Tyler. “So, she must be your girlfriend?”
“Oh.” Tyler laughs, winking at me. “This is Elle.” His face strains as he pauses. “My best friend.”
“Oh, sorry. You guys make a really great looking couple.” She frowns, confused.
Tyler looks at me and throws his arm over my shoulder, smiling sweetly as he kisses me on the cheek. His lips leave a warm spot on my skin. I smirk back up at him, but his eyes are focused on something across the crowded terminal. He looks down at me with an expression I can’t discern. When I look over in that direction, there is nothing there.
“This girl right here,” He nods, squeezing me closer as I return my attention to him. “We go way back.”
“Yeah.” Travis grins. “My baby bro has had a crush on this little goddess for a long time.” I feel my cheeks flame