“Fine.”
“No, I mean . . . I mean, I know, Alex. I know about her sister.”
“She’s better than what she was,” he sighed, not bothering to ask me how I knew. “It’s going to take her a while to work though things. I’ve talked her into seeing a psychiatrist. I don’t think it’s ethical for me to be counselling her, all things considered.”
All things considered. That translated to “the fact that I’m in love with her.” Even though he had denied he was in love with her, part of me still didn’t buy it.
I nodded. “That’s probably wise.”
“What did you want to talk to me about?”
I struggled to hide my surprise. “What?”
Alex laughed. “Come on, Jack. I know you better than anyone. You won’t meet my eyes. You’re tense. You’re doing that twitchy thing you do with your thumb when you get nervous.” I glanced down at my hand. Sure enough, my right thumb was moving back and forth rapidly. I laughed. I couldn’t fool my brother.
“I decided something last night. About Rose.”
Alex tensed, his shoulders freezing. “Oh yeah?”
I cleared my throat, which was suddenly very dry. “Decided probably isn’t the right word . . . I admitted something. You were right. I am in love with her.”
“That’s great,” he said, even managing a smile. Only, his eyes weren’t smiling. I couldn’t pretend not to notice the pain hiding there.
“Jack. If you’re trying to tell me you want to be with her, I’m happy for you.” He spoke so softly I could barely hear him. How could he be so relaxed about all this?
“It’s not that easy. I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Me?” Alex laughed. “Trust me, I’ll be fine.” He eyed me curiously. “You’d really give up a chance at happiness for me?”
“Of course I would. You’re my family. I’d never do anything to intentionally hurt you.”
Alex sighed, and leaned across the table. “It doesn’t matter how I feel. She loves you, Jack. Anyone can see how strongly she feels about you.”
“But—”
“No buts,” he interrupted. “After all you’ve been through, you deserve to be happy. And the same goes for her. I knew from the first time you met there was some sort of a connection between you two.” He raised his eyebrows and smiled. “That may have been part of the reason you ended up with her as your waitress.”
I hesitated. I wasn’t ready to buy into his act just yet. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. Honestly, it was nothing more than a crush. I’m done, honest,” he assured me. “There is already someone else I have my eye on,” he added. Now I was completely suspicious.
“Really?” I asked, arching my eyebrow. “Funny that you’ve never mentioned her.”
Alex shrugged. “I only met her last week. She’s my newest colleague at work.”
“What’s her name?”
“Amber,” he replied smoothly. “Anyway, the point is, you and Rose should go for it. Honestly, I’m happy for you.”
“Come here.” I stood up and motioned for him to hug me. He laughed, but stood and hugged me. Of course, right at that moment, the guys arrived back, coffees in tow.
“Do you boys need a few more moments to hug it out?” mocked Ash, handing over our coffees and a brown paper bag. I laughed as I peeked inside. The smell of croissant hit my senses. My hand dove into the bag and pulled one of them out. Fuck, I was hungry. I glared at Ash as I shoved the pastry into my mouth.
#
“I can’t believe we did it,” Rose murmured. She twirled around, taking in the whole place. Clean. Apart from the paint peeling off the walls near the bar, and the stairs—the bottom four of which were almost entirely burnt through—you’d never have known anything had happened.
“Thank you so much guys,” I mumbled. My voice choked up. God, I was getting emotional again. “Pizza at Alex’s tonight, for all of you. My way of saying thanks.”