Page 61 of Loverboy

“Really?” He arched a brow, glancing at the waitress as she set out menus. “You’re going to threaten me in public?”

“Uh, yeah?” I countered, leaning back in the chair to assert dominance.

I knew it wasn’t working because in reality, I was pouting, my brows drawn together and lifted in a way I imagine resembled a kicked puppy more than anything else. Awareness prickled at the back of my neck, but when I glanced at the rest of the table, it was clear the exchange went unnoticed as they chatted away.

“Fine.” He rolled his eyes and pulled out the chair next to me.

The tension in my shoulders dissipated as he sat. I shot him a smug grin that declared my victory. The corner of his mouth twitched, and I thought it might turn into a smile, but it vanished as quickly as it had appeared. His face smoothed into neutrality as he picked up the menu.

“We’ll bring out some complimentary glasses of wine as an apology for the wait on seating,” the waitress announced over the chatter before ducking back to the bar and leaving us all to mingle.

“Happy birthday, Blane.” I leaned over the table, flashing him an awkward smile.

“Thanks, bro, I’m glad you made it,” Blane answered warmly, traces of concern etched into his smile.

I was grateful for the cover a crowded dinner provided. It wasn’t the time or place to talk about my suicide attempt. If we were somewhere else, he might smother me to death like Oliver had done after I got back from the hospital. His broad frame shook with laughter as the table buzzed with light-hearted conversation, biceps straining against a dress shirt covered in little cartoon cats.

We didn’t look anything alike, aside from our shared love of piercings, but the sibling energy was unmistakable whenever the three of us were in a room.

“These are my brothers, Milo and Jasper,” Blane said once everyone was settled, one hand reaching up to absently play with his colourful beaded earrings.

He went on to introduce the unfamiliar faces in our group, names that I would inevitably forget by the time dinner was over—all except one. The one Jasper had been talking to when I walked in, and whom I swiftly and silently declared my loathing for.

“This is Anthony.”

“Hi.” I forced a smile, seething internally.

“Nice to meet you.” Anthony grinned, relaxed in a way that made me hate him even more for no reason at all.

I couldn’t help but feel threatened when my brothers introduced me to new people. It meant that our lives were drifting apart, that adulthood was pulling us in different directions. It made my stomach churn.

I didn’t want things to change. I needed us to stay inseparable, the way we’d always been.

“Can you guess which one of us is the oldest?” Blane asked the table.

“You know, I can’t actually remember which one of you is the oldest,” Allison admitted sheepishly.

The unfamiliar faces with names that didn’t stick began debating among themselves.

“I’m gonna guess you’re the oldest, Blane,” a brunette with glasses said, the man next to her in agreement.

Blane beamed with pleasure, knowing that he was indeed the oldest out of the three of us. He nodded, pointing his wine glass in my and Jasper’s direction. “And the youngest?”

“Yeah, which one of us is the youngest?” Jasper’s voice had a teasing lilt, like the choice was obvious.

“Maybe Milo?”

“Seriously?” I muttered, indignation hot on my cheeks. “I’m older.”

“Only in numbers,” Jasper popped off, thoroughly pleased with himself.

I had a love-hate relationship with the constant teasing. I wanted to smack him upside the head, but even so, warmth pooled in my stomach, and I couldn’t stop myself from smiling as the dinner conversation went on.

“Salmon?” Jasper suggested, leaning in and tapping his index finger on the laminated menu I’d been staring at.

It was the safest option. The unique options like bison cheek and raw elk sounded interesting, but I wasn’t sure I was brave enough to try something outside of my comfort zone.

“You think I won’t try something new?” I grumbled, refusing to look at him.