I stared at the name as if it might disappear.
“Hi,” I answered finally. “What a pleasant surprise! How are you?”
“I’m good,” Liam said, clearing his throat. “I was wondering whether you would be free to catch up for lunch this afternoon.”
My head jerked back in surprise. “Yes, of course.”
After we confirmed a time and location in Downtown Victoria, I quickly changed my clothes and headed out the door. I could not help the anticipation building inside me during the drive. This meeting meant more to me than I could explain. I had been waiting for something like this ever since our last conversation. I still did not know what to expect, but the idea of seeing my little brother again made everything else feel worthwhile.
It had been two years since I had last seen Liam.
Two long years.
I could not wait to apologize properly and try to reconnect with him.
My brother.
My family.
When I arrivedat the restaurant where we were meeting, I sat down and waited patiently. The seconds stretched uncomfortably as my mind began racing.What should I say? How do I even begin?Should I tell him about my addiction first? Or should I start with the rehab?
I folded my arms across my chest as my heartbeat turned heavy and sluggish.
Liam had sounded serious on the phone, and his tone had given away nothing about what he wanted to talk about. A sour taste filled my mouth.Did he ask me to lunch just to tell me to stay away?Maybe he doesn’t want to keep in touch. Would he forgive me if I apologized again?
My thoughts spiralled until Liam finally walked in, right on time, dressed in his business suit. I stood up immediately, feeling awkward and unsure whether I should shake his hand or hug him. I scratched my beard nervously as a hollow feeling formed in my stomach.
Liam walked right up to me and embraced me tightly.
Warmth spread through my body, softening the hollow ache in my stomach. I found myself holding on, letting the comfort settle after two years of distance.
I was grateful for it.
Reluctantly, we pulled apart and sat down just as the server approached.
Liam told him we would let him know when we were ready to order. Then he leaned forward slightly in his chair. His face lowered for a moment before he looked back up at me.
“I’m sorry for the way I treated you, Cole.”
I shook my head quickly.
“No, I’m sorry. It was my fault. I pushed you away and said all those awful things to you.”
“Still, we are family, and I should have been there for you no matter what,” Liam said, swallowing hard. “I might be younger, but you are still my brother. You’re all I have.”
I reached across the table and held his hand. “And you’re all I have.”
A mixture of remorse, regret, and relief rolled through me like a tide finally turning.
“I didn’t know you had checked yourself into rehab,” Liam said quietly.
“How do you know about the rehab centre?”
“Didn’t she tell you?”
“Who?” I asked, tilting my head slightly.
“Jiya,” Liam replied. “She paid me a visit at the office about a week ago.”
