There it is. I laugh under my breath, feeling my cheeks heat. “Of course you’d ask that.”
“I’m your sister,” she chides. “It’s literally my job.”
“He doesn’t factor into my decision to move here,” I state, and then admit more. “But I’m definitely curious about a few things.”
She tilts her head. “Meaning?”
“Meaning I’m attracted to him,” I admit. “But also, highly aware that he’s complicated.”
Sadie grins. “Ah, well yes. Mikey is definitely complicated.”
I roll my eyes, but I smile too. “For sure. Complicated. Charismatic. Avoidant. Probably an alcoholic. Possible fuck boy. Not exactly low risk.” I shrug. “Plus, what if we did hook up and things got weird? I’d still see him when I visit you and Dean if the band’s around.”
“And yet.”
“And yet,” I echo, “there’s something real underneath it all. I guess I want to get to know him better, make sure I’d be more than just a diversion. I’ve sowed enough oats in New York. Kind of done with that phase of my life.”
Sadie leans back on her hands. “You don’t tend to be wrong about people.”
“Time will tell, I guess. Especially now that I’m going to move here.”
She squeezes my fingers and then let’s go. “I’m behind you every step of the way.”
“Do you think you’re going to stay?” I dare to ask, putting her on the spot this time.
“I don’t know.” She takes a sip of her coffee, her gaze drifting out ahead of us. “I love Dean. There’s no question about that.”
“But?”
“But, I’m only twenty-nine. I have a whole career still in front of me. One that includes me traveling all over the world, which means, being apart from him.” She swings her attention back to me. “He’s asked me to stay. Numerous times.” She shrugs. “We’ll figure it out. For now, at least for the next few months, I’ll be here.”
The afternoon slips by easily after that. We talk about lighter things; Luc and Lily’s engagement, family gossip, friends back home. By the time evening rolls around, the city feels softer. Golden light bounces off of brick buildings, and traffic hums like a distant ocean.
Sadie’s phone buzzes with a text from Dean that she shows me:Dinner in the city tonight? I can meet you.
“Sure, I’m cool with that.” I nod. “Where do you want to go?”
She suggests a place called Girl & the Goat, explaining it’s a warm and communal, not chaotic, and I agree immediately. “Please, I need a break from loud.” I laugh. “I’m not sure how you spent so many nights on tour.”
“I’ve been doing it forever, that’s how.” She flashes me a grin. “I love it.” I watch as she texts Dean back, and then we grab an Uber.
When we arrive, the restaurant is buzzing but manageable, the kind of place where conversation still matters. Dean is already there, relaxed and leaning back in a booth like he doesn’t need to dominate a space to own it.
And what the hell? Mikey is seated across from him. My step falters for just a second when he stands as we approach the table, my stomach doing an annoying little flip. Good surprise. Bad surprise.Both?
“Hey.” He smiles easily. No swagger. No tequila. He just seemsnormal.
“Hi,” I smile back, hoping my voice sounds steadier than I feel.
We slide into the booth. Sadie and Dean on one side, already leaned into each other like gravity does the work for them. Mikey and I on the other, knees almost brushing beneath the table. I notice. I don’t move.
Conversation flows awkwardly at first, then smooths out. Sadie and Dean fall into their own orbit quickly with inside jokes, soft laughter, his hand resting on her knee like it belongs there. Which leaves Mikey and me with no choice but to talk.
“So,” he glances around, then back at me. “Chicago treating you okay?”
“It is,” I chirp a little too brightly. “I really like it here.”
“It’s a great town.” He takes a sip of the beer in front of him. “I love being back. I could get lost in the city all day and not mind it a single bit.”
