My surprise, I’m unable to hide, and Dylan and Jaxon seem to be having the same trouble. Dylan frowns and gives Paige a dark look while Jaxon makes himself busy flicking between cable channels, and Seth just glances between us all trying to figure out what’s going on.
I give a heavy sigh and face Brad who has blushed to the roots of his hair. “My sister has no manners,” I say, ignoring Paige. “Perhaps, we can talk later?”
“I’d like that.” He smiles and my heart sinks.
I really don’t want to encourage him, but at the same time I’m not prepared to embarrass him in front of the others.
Forcing a smile, I sit between Jaxon and Dylan at the table and leave Paige to settle between Seth and Brad. I’m so annoyed with her right now.
Dinner is eaten with an uncomfortable silence, and afterwards, I lead Brad outside the apartment and tell him the truth: my heart belongs to someone else whom I’m going to be moving in with. I apologize for my sister who is about to get a piece of my mind.
Brad is a good sport about everything, and I watch him leave as I head back into the apartment.
All eyes focus on me while mine find my sisters. “You had no right to encourage Brad to be here for me!” I slam the front door closed. “You know my heart belongs to someone else. Brad is a nice guy and doesn’t deserve to be used by you. How could you be so cruel Paige?”
“Do I have this right?” Seth asks. “Paige knew you belonged to someone else but she encouraged Brad to go after you?”
“That about sums it up,” I admit and turn my gaze back to my sister. “I know you’re angry with me, but that doesn’t give you the right to hurt others.” I wrap an arm around my stomach, and add sadly, “I don’t even know who you are anymore, Paige.”
Turning to Jaxon who is the closest to me, I accept his hug, and then Dylan’s, who says, “Call if you need anything, and I mean that Rachel.” He kisses my cheek again.
“I’ll see you around Seth.” I shrug. “Sorry you had to see this.”
He sh
akes his head. “No worries. Shit happens.” I don’t miss the look of disappointment that crosses his face when he glances at Paige.
I lock myself in my room for the rest of the night.
17
Alexander
Elias is asleep upstairs while I spread out on Sirena and Garrett’s couch, my sister Olivia, comfortable in the armchair with a book in her hands. It’s been a while since I’ve babysat for my cousin and her husband, but on this occasion, I welcome the break from wallowing in self-pity because I’m not with Rachel.
“Do you think Sirena has had the baby yet?” Olivia interrupts my woolgathering with a question she has on repeat.
I cast a glance in her direction and stay silent.
“I guess that’s a no.” She sighs.
“Look, we’re all on the family chat, so we won’t miss the announcement … can’t you just read or something.”
“I can’t concentrate.” She puts the book down. “So, are you really doing—” she coughs “—things with Rachel?”
Glancing at my younger sister, I move into a sitting position and slouch forward. I put my head into my hands and then hold my sisters gaze. “Yes.” I offer her a wry smile. “Rachel has always been special to me, even when we were kids. It wasn’t until I grew up that I realized what it was: love. We’ve both tried to stay apart for our family’s sake, but it hasn’t worked for either of us.”
Finishing the coffee in my ‘I love Lexington’ mug, I continue, “I love her, Olivia. It hurt too much keeping my distance, which didn’t work too well either. We always ended up together.” I smile. “I actually want to shout it from the rooftops—I’m in love with Rachel McKenzie.”
I shake my head and admit, “Dad, Ramon and Noah, are aware of my relationship with Rachel. I’m not sure about Mom.”
Olivia throws her head back and laughs. “You’re kidding, right? If Dad knows then you can be assured Mom does. In fact it was probably Mom who directed Dad to look more closely.” She grins. “Nothing gets passed Mom.”
At that moment we both grab our buzzing phones, which indicates a message on the family news channel—Whatsapp group.
“She’s had a girl!” Olivia bounces up. “A baby girl,” she mumbles.
I glance at my own message and find I’m looking at my new … cousin? Second cousin? Oh, who cares, Elias calls me Uncle Alex, and so will McKenna Lily Hudson. I hope Elias isn’t too disappointed that he doesn’t have a brother.