“I assume this means that last night wasn’t just a one-night stand?”
Judging from her bright blush, I know something must be going on. And, being that I’m the closest thing to a brother she has, it’s my duty to exploit and teaser her as much as possible about this burgeoning relationship.
I give her another nudge with my shoulder and swing my arm around her neck, pulling her into my side.
“Come on...spill it...otherwise I’ll tickle you til you pee.” I find a rib on her side and give it a little wiggle and she tries to scramble away from me with no luck. “You know I have my ways and I will get it out of you.”
Addie screeches in laughter, trying unsuccessfully to move out from my hold and keep the phone out of my reach, but I drag her back to my side and continue my attack. She’s shaking with laughter and finally gives a deep, heavy sigh.
“Stop, please...” she pants, putting the phone down on her lap and laying her head on my shoulder. “I don’t know what to say, E. It’s complicated.”
I know the feeling, sister.
“Yeah? What’s so complicated about it? You like him, he likes you. He’s a good lay...” My eyebrows raise skyward as I turn my head to stare at her. Addie’s eyes dart in the opposite direction, thereby already implicating herself.
That makes two of us who got lucky this weekend. Only, she didn’t chase the guy off while riding her high-horse the way I did with Mark. My fucking mouth always seems to land me in trouble. This time, however, it could affect my job and not just my personal life.
Addie sags against me and there’s a pause while we hear Wyatt babbling from the other room, talking to his Transformers.
“Jason’s recently divorced, E. He has two daughters and the split wasn’t amicable. It sounds like it’s pretty ugly. And as for me...well, I’m still a mess and jumping into something with this guy when I’m not over Thad just sounds wrong.”
She practically chokes out her dead husband’s name as I squeeze her tight. She’s been through so much and it still breaks my heart that she hasn’t moved on yet. That’s why I moved to Boston. To be here for her whenever she needs me. To be her rock until she’s steady on her own two feet.
“Addie, angel,” my tone is serious, anchored in an empathetic understanding. “I know your heart is still broken. How could it not be? You went through something so awful and so young, it’s truly unfair. But you needthis. Whether Jason’s the real deal or not, at least give him the chance to show you that you’re still alive. Let him woo you and just enjoy it. Things don’t have to get serious, you know. You’ve already had that and maybe now is time for just having some fun. And you know I’ll be here anytime you need me to watch Wyatt.”
She nods, whether in acceptance or something else. Then she suddenly flips the table on me.
“E, I appreciate your offer, you know I do. But Wyatt isn’t your responsibility. You have a life too,” she emphasizes with a jab of her finger into my chest. “I want you to be happy here in Boston, too. You need to get out there and find someone for yourself, too.”
I glance away but not before she catches the look in my eyes.
Shit, too late. She caught me.
Addie gasps, her hand hovering over her mouth in realization. “Wait a minute...did something happen this weekend that you haven’t told me about yet, E? Did you meet someone?”
Busted.
I unravel my arm from behind her and lean forward, my elbows resting on my knees, clasping my head in my hands.
Addie’s hand strokes my back in soothing circles, recognizing the conflict brewing in my mind.
“Eli, what is it?”
I shake my head. “My stupid-ass mouth did it again. What I may have found is complicated, too, Ad. And it’s only going to get trickier come Monday.”
She tilts her head in question. “Why? What does Monday have to do with it? I’m confused.”
My laugh is harsh and not at all funny.
“You and he both,” I mutter, shaking my head with a frustrated huff. “I work with him at the hospital. And he’s...well, I think he’s bi, even though he hasn’t said it. Regardless of what he identifies with, he’s definitely not out and doesn’t want anyone to know, either. Just like-”
“Cody.” We both say at the same time.
Leaning back against the couch cushions with a thud of my head, I close my eyes, trying to forget what I said to him as I left his apartment. I’m such an idiot.
“Oh babe, I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to have to suppress your feelings for someone and not be able to openly express love the way everyone else can without facing the judgments from ignorant people.” She pats my hand with a gentle and motherly caress.
“So, you met him at work? Is he another nurse?”
