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Sutton sighed. As if she already knew exactly who I’d been out all night with. Annie was her best friend. Of course she knew.
“Hey, Jordan,” she said, drawing everyone else’s attention as well.
Seven sets of eyes turned to me at once. Austin smirked, and Landon smacked him when he started to make some comment about my appearance. Jensen and Morgan exchanged a look. Both had been my boss in the past. I knew what that looked like from a boss’s perspective. I didn’t know what it meant from my cousins.
It was my mom who broke the silence. “Jordan, so glad that you came back from getting coffee, but didn’t you forget our drinks?”
I stared at her, comprehension dawning. They’d spun a story as to why I was gone. Likely why I’d missed the final Wright party thing last night. Apparently, I should have checked my messages in the ride over, or I might have known to bring coffee.
Julian clapped me on the shoulder. “So selfish. You only got yourself coffee.”
“Completely slipped my mind,” I said. Not that anyone seemed to believe the lie my family was spinning.
“It’s fine. I’ll drink the cheap stuff,” Julian said, gesturing to the counter with a small coffeepot.
“Cool. I’m going to go finish packing.”
Then I hastened out of the suite living space. Luckily, I’d packed almost everything last night before meeting Annie, but I’d use anything as an excuse to change.
After a quick shower and fresh clothes, I returned to the suite to talk with my cousins. They’d come over to say good-bye and once again let Julian and my mom know that they’d be happy to help with anything they needed for the move. It was an exhausting half hour before they left, except for Jensen, who had offered to drive us to the airport.
Sutton shot me an incredulous look over her shoulder before leaving. She looked like she wanted to say more, but then she left without a word. I could only guess that she was heading to Annie’s place after this. Wonderful.
“So,” Julian said, coming to stand at my side, “did you have a nice night?”
I knew that he was being a sarcastic shit, who didn’t care about my night. He sounded irritated that I’d chosen to hang out with a random stranger rather than with him on our last night in town. I couldn’t seem to care, because, yeah, I’d had a great fucking night.
I put a smile on my face. “It was amazing, actually. Thanks for asking.”
Julian startled at my genuine response. He just stared at me in surprise.
Jensen broke the tension by offering his hand. “I’m glad that you came out this week, Jordan.”
“So am I.”
We shook.
Julian sighed. “I’m going to help Mom down to the car.”
“She’s not infirm,” I said quickly.
Julian shot me a glare. “No, she’s not. She’s a fighter, but that doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t take care of her.”
“Of course not, but…”
Julian didn’t let me respond. He just stalked away.
I watched his retreating back with frustration. All the good feels I’d had this morning disappearing.
“He’s still mad that I’m not moving with them,” I told Jensen to add context to Julian’s outburst.
“Yeah, he mentioned something about that. I can’t blame him. I still sometimes get mad when I think about Landon living across the country, but it’s irrational. He’ll adjust.”
“I know. We’ve just never been apart. It’s always been me and Julian against the world.”
Jensen nodded his head in complete understanding. He was also an older sibling. He knew what it was like to take care of others. And how hard it was to watch them live their own lives.
“Well, now you’re not alone anymore.”
I turned to look him in his face. One that was so similar to my own. “I’m not sure I’m used to having other family.”
“Me either. When our parents died, it was just me taking care of the five younger ones. I never knew if I was doing it right or being enough for them. But it’s family that gets us through, and you’re family, Jordan.”
“Thanks,” I said with a hand back through my hair.
“I understand your decision to stay in Vancouver, but I would like to let you know that you are welcome here, just like your brother and your mom.”
I nodded. I had known that. At least, I’d sort of known that.
“My life is there,” I said automatically. The same argument I was giving everyone. “And I’m heading the company up there. Morgan has it handled here as far as I can tell. There wouldn’t be a spot for me.”
“Let me assure you that you shouldn’t worry about work. I already talked to Morgan, and we both agreed that we could make room for you. You wouldn’t have to trade the work that you’re doing, and we wouldn’t reduce your pay. We want you here. We want you to be happy here.”
