Craving My Brother's Best Friend (Bailey and Kaleb) novel Chapter 13

**The Night We Borrowed Fire from a Broken Star by Selvin Arlo Crest**

**Bailey’s POV**

It had been a full two weeks since I last laid eyes on Kaleb.

He had vanished that fateful day at the mall, and just like that, he had slipped from my life. No texts, no calls—absolutely nothing. I tried reaching out, but it was as if he had fallen off the face of the earth.

David, my ever-optimistic brother, had relayed a single message from Kaleb. It was a terse line that simply stated he would be away for a few days. But those few days had stretched into an agonizing fortnight.

What was I even holding onto? This was Kaleb we were talking about.

He was always so nonchalant, so withdrawn—a fortress of solitude wrapped in silence, never allowing anyone to glimpse the hurt he carried inside.

Before his father’s sudden disappearance, he had been a different person altogether.

Kaleb had been warm and funny, with a playful spirit that could light up a room. But after that day, he had descended into a darkness that was almost palpable. It was a shadow that obscured the boy I once knew, leaving me to wonder if the light in him would ever return. After his father’s absence, he had cut ties with everyone, retreating into a shell that felt impenetrable.

Suddenly, my bedroom door swung open with a flourish.

“Happy birthday to you!” David belted out, his voice booming as he entered, brandishing his phone like a microphone.

I groaned, yanking my blanket over my head in a feeble attempt to block out his enthusiasm.

“David, seriously?” I mumbled, half-heartedly.

“Come on, birthday girl!” he exclaimed, striding into the room with that infectious grin of his.

“Mom and Dad wanted to talk to you,” he added, lowering the volume of his phone and thrusting it toward me.

On the screen, my parents beamed at me, their smiles radiating warmth from wherever they were.

“Baby, happy 18th birthday!” my mom chimed, her voice sweet and melodic.

I couldn’t help but smile as I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. “Thank you,” I replied softly, my heart swelling with their love.

My dad leaned closer, blowing kisses through the screen. “I wish we were there, baby.”

“It’s okay, Dad,” I said, smiling. “I’ll make sure to have an adult party.”

His expression shifted, eyes narrowing playfully. “Adult party? Bailey, don’t do anything foolish. No alcohol, no boys, no…”

“Stop, stop, stop!” my mom interjected, laughter bubbling in her voice as she snatched the phone from his hand.

“Let her have fun! She’s eighteen now. Bailey, make sure you enjoy yourself, alright?”

“I will, Mom,” I replied, chuckling at their overprotective instincts.

After exchanging our goodbyes, the screen faded to black, and David perched himself on the edge of my bed, his gaze scrutinizing me as if trying to read my thoughts.

“So,” he said, stretching the word out as if it held some secret. “What’s your plan for tonight?”

“Nothing,” I muttered, flopping back onto my pillow, feeling a wave of lethargy wash over me.

He scoffed, shaking his head. “Of course. You’re boring. Good thing you have a perfect brother like me.”

I frowned, raising an eyebrow. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m throwing you a party,” he declared, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

“Since you’re friendless, you’ll need me to make the night fun.”

“David!” I exclaimed, sitting up abruptly.

But he was already striding toward the door, waving his hand dismissively. “Don’t worry! It’ll be lit!”

By the time eight o’clock rolled around, our house was buzzing with the energy of kids from Pawleys Island. Music blasted from the speakers, and just as David had promised, I found myself having an absolute blast.

I wore a short red dress that hugged my figure, my makeup flawlessly applied, and my hair cascading down my shoulders.

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