The following day, Luke and Nick had jumped right on into things, at Lanza Automotive. Almost as if the last six years had never happened, and they had stuck to their original plan to be business partners. They were crouched over the engine of pick-up truck when Jake pulled into the parking lot, on his Harley. In between racking his brain over his and Cara’s escapade in his bedroom, he had been thinking about the conversation over dinner, and how they were going to restore classic cars. He wanted to run his idea about restoring bikes to Nick and Luke. He really believed in the love of a beautiful piece of machinery, and knew there was a good market out there for it. Living upstate New York, the three of them would go off-roading with their dirt bikes, especially when it snowed.
Nick and Luke walked out of the garage to meet him. Nick was eyeing his bike, obviously in love. “When did he get that?” Nick asked, leaning into Luke.
Luke shrugged. “About a year ago, thinks he’s a hard ass with a Harley, now.” Both men laughed as Jake took off his helmet.
“I heard that, shithead.” Jake replied. He got off the motorcycle and placed his helmet on his seat. He ran his fingers through his tousled hair. He settled his gaze on Nick. “She’s a beauty no?”
Nick nodded, appreciating the Harley. “She sure, is.”
Jake grinned, “If you’re a good boy, maybe I’ll let you take her for a ride.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “I may even be able to coax my sister to take a ride with you.”
Nick rolled his eyes. “Funny. So not only are you a hard ass on a Harley, but you’re a comedian too.”
“What?” Jake said innocently. “Like that wouldn’t make your year. It’s quite amusing.”
“You’re the only one who thinks so.” Luke told his brother, shoving his hands in his pockets. Nick looked beside him at Luke, who was scowling. He raised an eyebrow sensing his disdain at the possibility of him getting involved with their sister.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Nick asked, testing the waters. Jake eyed the two men, trying to read where this was headed, and thought it might be best if he kept his mouth shut. It was one thing to joke around about it, but it seemed like Nick had actually grown a set, and was going to confront the green eyed monster.
Luke looked at Jake for a moment, but Jake gave him nothing. Truth was, Jake would be fine with Nick and Sam as a couple, and he knew it was only a matter of time. However, Luke may feel different, and he was entitled, no one knew Nick and how he went through women better than Luke. They were best friends, they knew all one another’s secrets, still; Jake believed Nick would be different with their sister. He watched Luke like a hawk, his wheels were turning and when he turned to Nick and measured him up, Jake knew this conversation that was about to take place, was long overdue. And so, he settled up for the match between friends and jumped on the bed of the pick-up truck and made himself comfortable.
“All it means is I’m not as amused as my brother, about this little cat and mouse game you and, my sister are playing.”
“Fair enough,” Nick said thoughtfully and glanced down at his work boots. “I think we need to talk,’ and looked between both brothers. Jake raised his eyebrows, he had his attention.
Luke sat down on a crate, relaxed. He spread his arms out, as if to motion, Nick had the floor.
“I’m all ears. Go ahead.” Luke said.
“You’re really going to make me say it?” Nick asked his eyes pierced Luke.
“I think it’s overdue.” Luke said calmly.
Jake looked dumbfounded as he looked back and forth between Nick and Luke. “This is like a fucking ping pong tournament.” Wishing Nick would just spit it out, Luke could have his say and Jake could give his blessing, and then tell them the reason he was here.
“Okay.” Nick nodded, accepting his fate. He stared at Luke. “I have feelings for your sister.” He paused. “It’s nothing new, I don’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t.”
Jake turned his attention from Nick, and looked at his brother incredulously. “You’ve been waiting for him to admit that? Are you blind?” He hopped off the flat bed of the truck. He lit up a cigarette, for a smart man, his brother was clueless.
Luke tore his eyes from Nick to look at Jake. “Shut up, Jake.” Luke said and turned back to Nick. “Jake is right though.”
Jake threw his hands up, and sighed. He was better off, shutting his mouth, he decided because his brother probably wouldn’t like what was about to come out of it.
Ignoring him, Luke continued. “We’ve all known that there was something between you and Sam. Even before the two of you did.”
“Then why make me say it?” Nick asked.