“Yeah?” I yell in response.
It’s a reflex.
But it’s too late.
Ben takes several steps back, tilting his head at me. Then he looks closer as if finally remembering who I am.
“You’re Becca,” he whispers.
“I…uh, yeah.”
“Then why did you tell me your name was June?” he snaps.
His fists are clenched, his jaw jutting from his hard face. His temples pulse. He looks ready to explode.
“I don’t know.” I bow my head. “I’m sorry.”
“You don’t have to apologize, but….”
“Ah, there you are.”
We both turn as Alex rounds the corner. At least Ben and I aren’t pressed right up together like we just were. And yet my mouth tingles with anticipation for the kiss that never came. My body longs for him to return.
Alex pauses, looking from me to Ben, his eyebrow arched in a question.
I open my mouth, but the lie won’t come out. I can’t lie to Alex.
Sure, there’s a decade and a half between us. We’ve lived in different countries for seven years. But he’s still my brother. We still talk often. He supports me in every way a brother should.
We’re not super close, but he’s loyal to me, and I’m supposed to be loyal to him.
“Alex,” Tiffany’s voice cuts in. “Have you found her?”
Alex grins, settling his gaze on me and accepting Ben’s presence. Maybe he finds it unthinkable that he’d ever want to kiss me.
Ifound it unthinkable until a few moments ago.
“Would you mind snapping a few pics, sis?” Alex says.
I smile, nodding. “Sure, no problem.”
“You coming, Ben?” Alex says, already turning away.
“I’ll stay here awhile,” he says, his tone even darker than before.
I walk with Alex away from the pond, away from Ben, away from the almost kiss.
“Probably wanted to be alone,” Alex quietly says as we walk down the passageway toward the main party area.
“He doesn’t like parties?” I probe.
Alex sighs. “He’s a workaholic, sis. I…well, it’s not my place. But there’s a reason for it. Sometimes, though, I wish he could relax. I wish he didn’t have to think so much.”
“Maybe he needs a wedding to plan,” I say, trying to make my tone joking. “It’s kept you and Tiffany pretty busy.”
He chuckles, glancing at me. “Ben, find a woman? I’ve known him for twenty years, and I’ve never once seen him in a serious relationship. Or any kind of relationship, really. I’m starting to wonder if he’ll ever settle down.”
“Maybe he needs to find the right person.”