Times Like These

A few weeks later, Dani and I were in our kitchen putting together a care package for our brother, who was deployed to Afghanistan. I was making his favorite cookies, which happened to be the no bake peanut butter chocolate cookies, and Dani was putting together a photo album of our California adventures. We even got the guys to autograph a few things for him and his buddies. I was in the middle of mixing cookies when there was a knock on the door, which sounded more like someone was beating it down. “Come in, asshole.” Dani shouted with a laugh. “How’d you know it was me?” Johnny asked with a laugh, following Brian through the door. “Because you’re the only idiot that knocks like that. Hey babe.” Brian said, walking over to place a kiss on my head, “Are those for me?” “No,” I laughed, pushing him away from the pan of cookies, “They’re for Mark.” “Mark? Who’s Mark?”Johnny asked confused. “Mark is our older brother.” Dani stated like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “He’s in Afghanistan, so we’re making him a care package to send out.” “Oh. That makes sense. Explains the tattoos.” He said, gesturing to the tattoo right under my sports bra that said ‘My brother’s keeper’ with a yellow ribbon at the end of the sentence. I was wearing one of my brother’s old workout shirts, which had the sleeves cut off and was pretty much ripped all the way down to the hem on the sides and a pair of capri leggings, so most of the tattoos on my sides were visible. “Wait, where did all of those tattoos even come from?” Johnny asked with a laugh. “I knew about those tattoos.” Brian said with a shrug. “This one is my favorite.” He said, turning me to show Johnny the tattoo on my right side, which was a floral skull that took up most of the space from below my bra to my hip. “That’s badass.” Johnny said, moving closer to check it out. “Dani let’s see your tats.” Dani pulled her shirt up to reveal the same tattoo that I had for our brother in the same spot, and a huge pirate ship that started below her bra on the right side and went almost to the top of her thigh. “Where’s the rest of it?” Johnny questioned. “In my pants, you dumbass. I’m sure you guys will see it eventually if we go to the beach this summer.” She said, pulling her shirt back down. “Dan has the same nautical compass that I do on her shoulder.” I explained to Brian, “We also have our little twin tattoos on our ankles, and she’s got a few more hidden.” I went to stand next to Dani and put my tattooed ankle beside hers, which made it look like two little stick figure girls talking on a solo cup telephone like we used to do when we were kids. Johnny chuckled when he saw it. “That’s definitely a good tattoo for you two. You are attached at the hip.” “You have no idea.” I laughed. We continued talking to the guys while we worked, and pretty soon we were finished with the box. We were taping it up as Matt walked through the door. “What’s up guys?” he asked, giving Dani a kiss and me a fist bump before ruffling my hair. I huffed and tried to smooth my crazy bun back out. “Just finished Mark’s care package. We’re going to send it out today.” Dani said excitedly. “This one is a surprise, so he’s gonna be super excited. We even sent some Vodka.” “Is that even allowed?” Matt asked with a laugh. “Probably not, but it’s almost his birthday, so we couldn’t resist.” I chuckled, writing Mark’s address on the box. “Well if you guys aren’t busy tonight, want to have a barbecue at my house?” Matt asked everyone. “I’ve already called Zack and Arin, they’re down. We can have whatever you guys want, and obviously drink. It’s pretty warm out so we can swim too.” I looked at Brian, who shrugged and nodded. “We’re down.” “Yeah, me too.” Dani said. “Well duh you are.” Johnny said with an eye roll. “I’ll call Lace and let her know.” “But wait, it’s like March. There’s no way it’s warm enough to swim.” I stated. “It is if the pool is heated.” Dani told me. “Oh. Duh. I forgot, rockstar money.” I chuckled when Matt pushed my shoulder playfully. “Shut up you little shit. Okay, you guys get ready or whatever, and be at my place by 4.” He kissed Dani and headed toward the door, “Brian, Johnny, you guys are in charge of the alcohol tonight.” Brian groaned while Johnny cheered. “I guess we better head out too, or Johnny will make us an hour late trying to buy out the store. I’ll see you later.” He said, giving me a kiss. “Be careful babe. Bye Johnny!” I said to my goofy friend. “See ya Nick, bring dessert!” he shouted, walking out the door. As the door closed I heard him shout. “OW! Why the hell did you hit me Brian?” Dani and I looked at eachother and laughed, and I got to work on dessert for Matt’s house.

Once I had finish making desserts, which were a huge tray of brownies and a dessert pizza, I got ready for the barbecue. I didn’t do a lot, just made my bun look a little better and skipped makeup. There was no point in putting any on if we were going to be swimming. I threw on my black bandeau bikini with a pair of frayed denim shorts and a gray tank top over it. I slipped on my flip flops and grabbed a towel before meeting Dani out in the living room. She was wearing her plum bikini, a pair of frayed denim shorts, and a Fox Racing tank. We grabbed our desserts and headed to Matt’s, for what will hopefully be a night full of fun.

Notes

It's short, but a longer one will hopefully come later today!