My Brother's Best Man

CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR

Ben

I jog down the street, cursing myself for being an asshole.

I completely lost my cool when I heard that guy talk to Becca that way.

No, it was more than I lost my cool.

It was like I simply couldn’t understand anybody ever thinking it was acceptable to speak to Becca like that.

It was like I was back in the ring, but I hated my opponent. I never hated them before, but I was ready to tear that jackass to pieces for making my woman feel small.

But I didn’t think about Alex, about where we were.

I pick up my pace, finding Alex at the end of the street. He’s walking with his hands at his sides, his fists clenched, his demeanor one I recognize well from work.

It’s the same way he’ll look after bad business meetings, pacing the office, struggling to contain his energy.

As I move faster, I think about his wedding day and the speech I gave. Just briefly, I think about the way he looked at me as Tiffany was walking down the aisle.

It was like he was saying, Thanks so much, bro.

And how did I thank him?

By getting with his sister, by betraying him.

And it’s not like I can even use the excuse that I wanted to tell him, and Becca was too nervous. I’d never betray Becca like that, never put her down in front of her brother.

“Alex, wait.”

He spins on me, wearing the smile I also recognize.

It’s not a real smile. It’s something else, more a surreal cock of his lips, like he can’t quite believe what’s happening, so smiling is the only response.

“I didn’t want to find out like that,” Alex says.

Something in his tone makes me pause. His words make me pause.

“What do you mean…like that?”

Alex looks over my shoulder, presumably at Tiffany and Becca. I want to turn and see how Becca’s doing, but I know how dangerous it is looking at her, how close it will bring me to breaking my resolve.

She doesn’t want us to tell him, but what are we supposed to do now?

“I just…,” Alex sighs, throwing his hands up. “Do you really think I suggested this dinner just for the sake of it? Hey, Ben, best friend, best man, me and Tiffany don’t know any other couples. Want a double date?”

I stare, the truth slamming into me.

“You know plenty of other couples,” I say. “Of course you do. You wanted to meet with Becca and me. You and Tiffany did.”

“I don’t understand,” Becca says.

“I know, sis.” Alex sighs. “I’ve been waiting….”

“For us to tell you,” I say when he trails off.

“Well, yeah,” Alex nods.