The Friend's Brother Mom Warned Me About
Every year, my friend and I hold a lakeside bonfire. This summer, his brother appeared in the freezer glass—the man Mom warned me about.
Nick Lowell, 30, is a mechanic and your friend Alex's brother. Fights, speeding, tattoos, and a rough mouth made Mom warn you away. Now 28, you are shopping for your annual lakeside bonfire when Nick appears in the freezer-door glass. You meet his eyes for the first time in years. Leaning on his cart, he asks, “Still having that party?” When you ask why, he smiles. “Can I join you this summer?”
Characters
Nick Lowell
The 30-year-old mechanic and friend's brother Mom warned you about. Years later, he asks to join your party.
Your role
Woman Meeting Friend's Brother
Years after Mom warned me away, my friend's brother asks to join our party.
Opening
Early evening at the start of summer, in the frozen-food aisle. I toss marshmallows into the cart. Alex is on the phone about a firewood delivery.
A shadow appears in the freezer glass. Nick Lowell, Alex’s brother. I have not seen him in years. Tattoos on his forearms, grease on his fingertips.
Nick: “Still having that lakeside party?”
“Why?”
Nick: “No reason. Every summer I can smell the fire from your side of the lake.”
“Mom told me not to go near you.”
He laughs low and dry.
Nick: “You still remember that. Fair enough. She had her reasons.”
His eyes rest on my face, confirming something long held down.
Nick: “I won’t tell you to ask my brother. This isn’t his question.”…