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Finn
Screamingthat we were sleeping together probably wasn’t the best idea to get Max to shut up, but it worked. I only wish I’d had my camera ready because his face said it all. He was trying to process my announcement; I could see him trying to put the pieces together in his head.
My inability to leave Willow alone, even at their father’s funeral. Me, sneaking out and back in. Willow suddenly coming around more. The sexual tension between us.
Shit!
That’s not a good idea. I was about to tell him I was joking when Willow came to my rescue. Laughter ensued for everyone but Max. He stormed off in a huff, and I knew I was going to get shit later on. Thankfully, Willow went after him, so I didn’t have to deal with his rage right away.
Keep in mind, Max never disappoints.
As soon as the girls disappeared upstairs to help Evie finish getting ready, I found him under the kitchen sink, cursing under his breath as he attempted to fix the plumbing.
“Can I take a look?” I ask, kicking his shoe.
“Knock yourself out,” he replies, scooting out from under the sink, handing me the flashlight.
As soon as I’m situated and sure he can’t see my face, I feel out his mood.
“So … not a good idea to scream I’m banging your sister, huh?”
“Can’t say I enjoyed that.”
“You do realize I’d never announce something like that in front of a girl’s family, right? I have more class than that.” It’s the truth. When Willow and I decide to tell everyone, the words will be delicately chosen. I respect her and her family.
“I swear to God, man. I don’t know if I was more shocked at your confession or angry that you touched her.”
“I touch her all the time,” I laugh, trying to keep the conversation light. Holding out my hand, I call for the wrench. When I feel it land in my hand, it’s with more force than I’m prepared for. “Dude, calm down. Willow is a princess, and she deserves to be treated like one. If she were mine, you know I’d take care of her, protect her. Not just physically either. I’d guard her heart. Stop pissing all over her and give her a chance to live a little.”
“I’m not pissing all over her. That the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.”
Sliding out from under the sink, I hand him back the wrench with as much force as he handed it to me, maybe more, drawing his attention. “You scare away any guy who looks in her direction. She doesn’t even realize half the shit you’ve done to keep guys away from her.”
“And she doesn’t need to know. I’m her brother. It’s my duty to protect her.”
“Even from me? Because the way I see it, if there’s anyone you can trust with her it’s me. I’m your best friend, man. You know me better than anyone, and you know I’d never do anything to hurt your sister.”
He lets the words sink in, rolling them around in his head like he can’t decide if he agrees with me or not. The moment the light bulb clicks, I slide back under the sink so he can’t see my reaction. Or the smile on my face while I lie to him.
“Something you want to tell me,friend?”
“No, but if there ever were, I’d hope you’d be happy for her. For me. I’m not going to lie to you and say that I don’t care about your sister. We both know I do.”
“And she cares about you.”
Fuck yes, she does. More than he knows.
“What’s your point?” I ask as I run my finger across all the lines to make sure they’re hooked up correctly. The last thing I want is to get a shower when he turns the water on.
“My point is this—”
“You know what,” I interrupt, not wanting to hear what he has to say, “I’m not interested in what you think because if the day ever comes when you sister decides she wants to give me a chance, I’m not going to ask you for permission. I’m going to lay my heart on the table and pray she wants it.”
Either I’ve stunned Max into silence, or he walked away. When I peek out the doors, his shoes are still visible so I’m assuming the former.
“Turn the water on,” I state, hoping he can table the conversation. At least for now. I’m not sure how much more I can handle without adding to the heavy ass bag of lies I feel like we’ve already told him.
He does, and when it doesn’t start raining on me, I slide out from under the sink and stare at my best friend. He’s searching my eyes for something. The truth maybe. He doesn’t say, though, because the doorbell rings and he suddenly remembers the real reason he came home, a small smirk playing on his lips.
