“So, I move all my stuff in and wait for you,” Reed says.
I grab the water in front of me and take a sip to wet my dry mouth. “Maybe I can sneak my furniture out and then just not tell him I moved out.”
“And do you plan on paying twice the rent forever, Mr. Money Bags? I mean, my inheritance is still there if we need it, but—”
“We’re not touching that money,” I say. He confessed to me once when I accidently saw his bank statement that he’s saving that money for when he goes to have kids. It’s something he’s always wanted. It came as no surprise after the way he is with his students. He’ll make a great dad one day.
I hope to be the guy who goes on that journey with him, but it’s only been six months. An awesome six months, sure, but still way too premature to think about kids seriously. I’m still thinking about what dates I can take him on next week, next month, next year. I still have to meet his sister.
This is by far the easiest and best relationship I’ve ever had, and the first time where I’ve actually looked forward to a possible future. I don’t care what that future is, so long as Reed’s in it.
“Maybe we need to rip it off like a Band-Aid,” I say, glancing back at my brother.
“That might not be the best idea.”
“Do you think it’s too soon?” I ask.
“When it comes to Anders, I think it’s overdue,” Reed says. “You guys are extremely co-dependent. But that’s the issue. Are you guys ready? Doesn’t matter if it should be done, you both need to be comfortable with it.”
“I’m so ready to live with you.” More than ready.
“Not what I’m asking,” Reed says.
“I know,” I whisper. I’ve been protecting my brother for so long now, it seems wrong to be leaving him. Reed thinks it’s a twin thing. I think it’s that a tragic event occurred, and instead of dealing with it, we both buried our heads in the same sandbox. But we’re both getting help, and we need to take this next step. It’s hard to admit that it’s terrifying, but at the same time, I look at Reed and can’t wait to do it.
Reed’s been more than patient with us, and it doesn’t feel like I’m choosing between him and my brother. I’m choosing to spend my life with Reed. Anders is just going to have to deal with it.
If he can.
Shit. It doesn’t take much for the doubt to creep back in.
“We’ll see how he handles this and go from there.” Reed tips his head in Anders’ direction. “I know you’re dying to step in there and finish this for him.”
“That’s because I already know how it’s going to end,” I say.
“How?”
“I’ve broken up with a lot of guys for Anders, and it nearly always goes the same.”
“Which is?”
“This one’s got drama written all over him. Actually, nearly all his dates do. But I’m going to go with high-pitched hissy fit tonight. He doesn’t look like the type to throw stuff.”
“I dunno,” Reed says. “I think he’ll take it easily. Young guys like him aren’t looking for anything serious anyway.”
I want to say this guy’s only three years younger than Reed, but I don’t. I also want to tell him my theory about the young pretty ones having big egos that don’t like to be crushed. “Okay, newbie. What’s the wager? I predict we have about a minute to settle the terms.”
Reed’s lips quirk. “Whoever loses bottoms tonight?”
“How is that losing?”
Reed laughs. “Good point. Okay. Loser has to unpack all the moving boxes on their own.”
“And break up before we even live together for a whole day? You totally suck at making bets.” I lean forward and rest my elbows on the table in front of me. “Loser has to be the one to tell Anders I’m moving out.”
Reed clicks his tongue as he thinks about it. “Deal. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go to the bathroom.”
“But you’re about to miss the important part. He’s going to do it any second now.”
“I’ll be super quick.”
But my boyfriend is a liar. Instead of heading towards the bathrooms, he interrupts Anders and his date. Reed’s hand goes to Anders’ shoulder, he says something I can’t hear, and then the other guy’s mouth drops open, he immediately stands, tips his head in Anders’ direction, and walks out the front of the restaurant.
Anders stands and hugs Reed, blowing out a loud breath I can practically hear across the room.
I glare at Reed as they make their way to our table and take their seats. “That was cheating. And you’ve just fallen into the hole of helping Anders break up with people. Also, how the hell did you get that guy to walk away so easily?”