We’d gone to the pub round the corner from where he worked, a huge wreath on the door welcoming us. The food wasn’t bad, but it was busier than I generally liked.
I took a sip of my pint, wondering how best to answer that. Cole and I had always been brutally honest with one another, no matter what. He was more like a brother than my best mate, but this was his actual brother we were talking about. “It’s only been about three days.”
He paused with a chip halfway to his mouth, eyes narrowing. “That’s not an answer.”
Yeah, he knew me far too well for me to try and deflect like that. “It’s good.” I reached for my pint again, all the while wondering how much honesty was too much. But I really wanted to talk to someone about it. Figuring he’d soon tell me if he didn’t want to hear it, I bit my lip and met his gaze. “What would you say if I told you I thought Finn was hot?”
I held my breath, hoping he wasn’t about to walk out or be disappointed with me.
What I wasn’t expecting was for him to roll his eyes and laugh. “Please. I’ve known that for the past few years.”
“What?” I’d never told him, had I? Even drunk I was sure I’d kept that secret. And it had only ever been an appreciation of his hotness. I hadn’t pined over him or anything.
“Oh come on, Jasper. You used to watch him practising his golf swing with your tongue practically hanging out.”
In my defence, those trousers were super snug round his arse. “I was admiring his form.”
Cole barked out a laugh. “I’m sure you were. And also,eww, that’s my brother we’re talking about.”
It was, and now was as good a time as any to have this chat. I waited for him to swallow the bite of burger he’d just taken. “You don’t mind?”
“That you fancy my brother?”
I nodded.
“Nope.” His eyes narrowed as he studied me, mouth curving into a smirk. “Is it reciprocated? Should I be giving you an hour’s notice before I pop round? I don’t need to walk in on the two of you going at it.” He shuddered and I reached over the table to smack him on the arm.
“Fuck off.” I sighed. “And no, it’s not reciprocated. Well. Not really.”
“What does that mean?”
I told him about that night in the pub, how I thought Finn had definitely been chatting me up until he realised who I was.
Cole shook his head. “I thought he rushed off pretty sharpish,” he said, then finished the rest of his Coke and sat back in his chair. He had his thinking face on, and I wondered if I was going to like what he said next. “Did you talk about it?”
“Yeah, I mean it would’ve been awkward otherwise.”
“And?”
I slumped in my seat. “He said nothing was ever going to happen. I was your best mate and too young, blah blah blah.” Yeah, that still stung a bit.
“Sorry, mate, that must have been a bit shit.” He gave me a commiserating smile.
“I’ve got to say, this isn’t how I thought you’d react.”
“Why?” He gestured to me. “You’re one of the best people I know. Finn would be lucky to have you.” His expression darkened. “And after that wanker Evan did a number on him, you’d be just what he needs.” He smiled, looking serious though. “Honestly, mate. If you need any help getting him to come round, just ask.”
“Nope, no way.” I shook my head. “Please, no attempts at matchmaking.” I thought about some of the moments I’d shared with Finn since I’d moved in, contemplated sharing them with Cole to see what he thought, but by the looks of him, he needed no encouragement where me and Finn were concerned. “Anyway, enough about me. What’s happening with you and that girl at work?”
I settled back in my chair and listened to him talk excitedly about his latest crush. Cole’s reaction to what I’d thought was a big confession had kind of floored me, if I was honest, not that I should’ve been surprised. Cole was such a lovely bloke, it would never occur to him to be pissed off.
Not that it changed anything.
Finn had said no, and I had to respect that.
And I did.
Just sometimes I got mixed messages from him, intentional or not.
