Much as Brian had dreaded driving around Asheville to deliver marijuana, the news that Angelina and Trevor were the designated duo unsettled him. He was coveting that time with his brother. Even though Trevor often maddened him, Brian always loved being with him.
The students attending the first Arts Consortium arrived next week. Ten thousand possibilities, from the best to the worst, streamed through his mind at night. And during the day, troublesome factors swarmed in his ears like invisible gnats.
Brian took his early morning trail run earlier and earlier, because an extra half hour or more of running loosened his nervous system that much more. This morning Trevor darted up beside Brian as he stretched.
[Click here to read the first episode, or here to read the previous one.]
“Let’s see if I can keep up with you.” Trevor was wearing new North Face trail sneakers. “I-and-I make more time together, Brian.”
“Did you know I wanted that, Trevor?” Brian asked as they both climbed in the car. “More time with you now? Everyone’s worrying about the program; everyone wants you nearby.”
“Not now,” Trevor grinned. “They’re still asleep. Next week, I start college. Angelina said that’s my role. Go to Polly’s water color class, Earle’s creative writing, Professor Olsen—you know him, Kaya’s man?—teaches the regular English class. And Kaya says I’ll get real college credit.”
Brian pulled the Honda onto the wide shoulder made for hikers’ vehicles. “What did you say to Carla last night? She was angry with me but then you turned her around.”
“She’s not easy.” Trevor was matching Brian’s stride on the narrow path. “Angelina told me all about the gig. You met another girl.”
“I danced with a girl who started dancing with me. And forgot about Carla the whole time Awake played. So what magic words did you say?”
“I held her hand and told her I know how beautiful she is. My beautiful, sexy sister.”
“She’s nobody’s sister, an only child from Kentucky, in fact.”
“She saw what I was saying, though,” Trevor said. “That I love her and love what a beautiful woman she is. But you’re my brother and she’s my sister. My sexy sister. Being sexy is very important to her.”
They came to a trestle bridge crossing a deep crevasse. “Single file here, Trev.”
Trevor tested the railing, leaned forward, and coolly bent at the waist, hanging head first. Terrified, Brian pulled him back.
“Cho!” Trevor said. “Big bad gravity was pulling me into space. You should feel it.”
He leaned over the railing again and Brian yanked him back harder. “I’m serious. You’re everybody’s guardian angel but you’re gonna kill yourself.”
Brian followed him across the rest of the bridge. They finished the rest of the loop. Surprisingly, Trevor kept pace and they both kept talking.
Brian asked what Trevor thought about the carpenters teaching their craft to the students. If the carpenters didn’t mind, a building tutorial would correspond with the ethos of the original Black Mountain College.
Trevor told him what Kaya would finally get around to telling him in a day or so. She had already set aside an extra stipend for the carpenters to share. “The students will do the same as me,” Trevor said. “Stay away from the saws and anything heavy or electric. We’ll finish the wood and learn how joint pieces fit.”
When they returned to the car, Brian said, “I always thought I was your teacher, Trevor. But you’ve set up what I’ve always wanted.”
“We’re working on one foundation, Brian. Like on the bridge. You protect me and vice versa.”
Pulling into the lodge, Brian glanced at Trevor and glanced again. He did a double-take: seeing Trevor sitting there and in a momentary burst—not there. Brian’s stomach lurched. “Trev?” His brother paused. Why would Trevor leave? He had his band, Hailey, other girls, and everyone’s deep respect.
“Yaga.” A scent rolled off Trevor’s skin, a breezy, green hint into the future. Eventually Trevor would leave and Brian would not. For now, Trevor was staying.
“Don’t worry.” Trevor’s voice sounded far away, but he was right here. Brian was squeezing his brother’s shoulder. The sun burned startling white light through the windshield. Trevor unfastened his seatbelt and both brothers rose a teeny bit, rolling slightly forward.
“Tomorrow?” Trevor asked. “We’ll do this every day.” “Definitely yes.” Trevor had opened the car door and turned back. “You know, soothing Carla when she’s vexed is hit or miss. Remember when you said you were ‘craven,’ and I said, It’s not true; you’re not greedy. Well, Carla is greedy. She’s craven for attention.”
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