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“Oh, I didn’t realize he was seeing someone. Good for him.”
She turns to look at me with a knowing grin. “Uh, really? Considering he’s your nephew, I’d have thought you knew all the dirty secrets.”
What did she just say?
“Excuse me? What does Tristan have to do with this?”
This time she places her hand on my arm. “Oh, Julian. You can’t be that blind?”
“Maybe I am. Or maybe I’ve been too absorbed in my problems to see what was happening around me. I mean… I had an inkling at one point, but I thought the idea was ridiculous. He was fuck… I mean sleeping with a woman.”
“Who would’ve thought, right? And look at how they came together because of you. It could be wedding bells before you know it.”
Josie will fucking kill me, I think. Surely, she would know if her son is gay?
“Does it bother you?” she probes.
“No, not if it makes him happy. I miss him. Well, I miss hanging out with him. Sometimes it gets really lonely.”
She nods, then withdraws. “The loneliness is palpable. Try being with couples all the time. It’s like a hand constantly slapping you in the face. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for them, it just reminds me of what I don’t have.”
“So, I guess you’re referring to Charlie and Lex.”
I glance aside. Why did I bring this up?
“Yeah… sorry. I can see it in your face. It hurts you to talk about them.”
“No, Adriana… I just don’t want to think about them anymore. Besides, one day you’ll be in that place again. Look at Hazel.”
Her eyes dart around the room, then focus on mine. “I don’t want to. I want to remember him for the rest of my life. I’m scared someone else will erase my memories.”
With a gentle smile, I wait for her full attention. “Adriana, impossible. No one can replace him or the memories.”
Quick to change the subject, her face lights up, and she swiftly jumps to her feet. “I’ve got an idea. It’s crazy and spontaneous, but it’s just what we both need right now,” she says excitedly.
It can’t be sex. Really, Julian? Why the fuck would you think that about her? Don’t be a shallow asshole.
I grin and say, “I’m all ears.”
“I’ll call you later with the details.”
“Wait, you tell me we’re about to do something crazy and spontaneous, then tell me you’ll call me later with the details?”
She laughs, placing her hand on my arm reassuringly. “Okay, so perhaps spontaneous is the wrong word. I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning.”
“That’s all? No clue?”
Adriana shakes her head, and despite my curiosity getting the better of me, it’s nice to finally see her somewhat happy with a purpose.
“I promise, Julian, you’ll have no regrets.” She rests both her hands on my shoulders, her small stature only reaching my chin. “Do you trust me?”
I have every reason not to trust her.
Her bond to her brother can run deeper than I’m led to believe.
But what do I have to lose?
Absolutely nothing.
