The Better Brother

“You are.”

“So,” I said. “Is this your adopted brother? You never said.”

“My biological brother,” Michael said simply. “My adopted parents never had any other kids. Just me.”

“Oh wow.” My eyes widened. “When did you and your brother meet, then?”

“A little while ago,” Michael said without looking at me. He was staring intently at the road ahead of us. “I don’t remember exactly.”

“That’s crazy,” I said under my breath.

“What?” Michael asked. “What is?”

“Nothing.” I shook my head. Now wasn’t the time to talk about Joshua.

We pulled up to the restaurant, and Michael parked quickly. My head was spinning as we walked toward the entrance. Michael slid his hand into mine gently. I smiled at him, but I was still thinking about our conversation.

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; How weird was it that both Joshua and Michael had biological brothers they didn’t meet until they were adults?

We stepped inside, and a rush of warm air brushed my face. I shivered slightly at the temperature change. Michael wrapped his arm around my shoulders and kissed my temple. I grinned up at him, all thoughts of Joshua driven from my mind.

“He’s probably already here,” Michael said. He looked around the dining area. “He’s always early.”

I imitated Michael, my eyes scanning the room slowly. I didn’t know what his brother looked like, but I felt like I should help.

As I looked around, my gaze fell on a familiar face in the center of the room. His head had been bent down, examining a menu. When he looked up, my eyes fell on his face, and my stomach clenched painfully. I would recognize that face anywhere.

“What the hell is he doing here?” I asked out loud.

Michael jerked and looked at me. Following my gaze, he saw who I was looking at. I stared up at him as an odd expression crossed over his face.

“Who?” he asked nervously.

“Right there.” I pointed at Joshua boldly, not caring that he could see me.

Michael looked from Joshua to me, an unsettled look crossing his face. “Uh, that’s my brother,” she said quietly.

“You have got to be fucking kidding me?” I asked him, turning to storm out into the parking lot.

Michael followed close behind me, calling my name.

“Julie wait,” he called.

When I pivoted to face him, I saw Josh had followed as well, a dark look of anger on his face.

“This is the girl you’re seeing?”

Michael nodded. I just stood there, my tongue frozen to the roof of my mouth, my heart pounding in my ears.

“Yes,” Michael said.

“Julie?.” Joshua asked, a slight snap to his voice.

“ I stood looking between the two brothers. Joshua’s stance was angry and confrontational, while Michael’s was more relaxed. How could he be so calm?

“So,” Joshua said after a minute. “How did you two meet?”