The Better Brother

“No.” Julie shook her head. “I guess we haven’t.”

“So,” I said, leaning back in my chair and spreading my arms wide. “Ask me anything.”

“What?” Julie laughed nervously.

“Anything you want to know,” I said. “I’m serious.”

Julie hesitated for barely a second, then a wicked smile crossed her face as she leaned forward. I knew she was going to have fun with this.

“How many women have you slept with?” she asked boldly.

“I don’t keep a running tally.” I laughed. “Same question.”

She blinked. “What?”

“Oh, come on,” I said, laughing again. “You didn’t think this was a one-way street, did you?”

“I haven’t slept with any women,” she said playfully.

I rolled my eyes. “You know what I mean.”

“Three,” she said simply. “Including you.”

I nodded and gestured for her to continue with her questions.

“When was your last serious relationship?” she asked.

I sighed. I knew this question was coming, but that didn’t mean I was ready for it. My last relationship wasn’t something I enjoyed talking about. Still, I promised Julie she could ask whatever she wanted.

“Four years ago,” I said. “Her name was Amy.”

“What happened?” Julie asked.

“Well…” I sighed. “It’s a long story.”

“Good thing we have four courses to get through,” Julie said with a grin.

I shook my head and chuckled. Julie kept me on my toes more than anyone ever had. Just a simple conversation felt like I was being challenged in the best way.

“We dated for a long time,” I said. “On and off for three years. But about four years ago now, we ended things for good after I found out she was cheating on me.”

“Oh.” Julie’s eyes widened. “Wow. I’m sorry.”

“I’m over it.” I shrugged. “At the time, it was devastating, to say the least. I really loved her, but when I saw that she was using my credit card to buy things for her boy toy, I knew it was time to cut bait and run.”

“She used your card?” Julie asked, shock filling her voice.

I nodded. “Classy, huh?”

“What a bitch.” Julie shook her head.

I laughed and nodded in agreement. “I didn’t realize it at the time,” I said. “But she was always wrong for me.”

“I can understand that,” Julie said. A dark look crossed her face.

“Your ex?” I asked.

“Yeah.” Julie nodded and grabbed her champagne glass. She took a long sip and looked away. As much as I wanted to hear her story, I didn’t want to force anything.