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"I feel the same," Reese said.
I always felt left out in conversations like these. Tyler was the only one who shared this sentiment because he'd also chosen to do something that was completely unrelated to the family businesses. I was always on the outskirts unless someone was a patient at the hospital.
We received our food shortly after, and all three of us dug in.
"This place is a great find," I said. The steak was probably one of the best I’d had.
"Yeah, it's a great mix between American comfort food and some French accents. If there’s one thing I do miss from France, it’s the food. And being so close to London and our sister.”
Growing up, their father, my uncle, wasn’t around them much. He’d taken my aunt’s death very hard and was distant for years. After he moved to London, they had even less contact with him. It was a shock to Gran and everyone else that Uncle Harvey had recently gotten married and had a daughter without telling anyone. Still, Reese and Kimberly had taken it in stride. My cousins were strong women.
I was happy Kimberly was back and that I was here too. Luke had always been the closest to our cousins, and I knew he was also happier now that she was back home. Obviously everyone was grown now, so protecting them didn't work the same way it had when we were kids. But just knowing we could meet up at any time and that I could warn in person any asshole not to mess with them was giving me some peace of mind.
"Say, about Avery," Kimberly said suddenly. "She seems different than when we were in high school."
"We're all grown-ups, Kim," I replied.
"How is it, living with her?"
"Fucking torture," I admitted.
Reese started laughing, and Kim followed her lead a few seconds later. They weren't giggles either; they were loud, unrestrained laughs.
"Oh my God," Reese said between breathing in and out. "I was waiting for you to fess up about that ever since the guys helped you move in."
"Really? How come?"
"Travis snatched a picture of you when you weren’t looking. You looked very possessive. Like you were secretly thinking, 'Mine.Mine.'"
"You’re insane," I said.
"Yes, but I also have a sixth sense."
"I think you’re treading in dangerous territory just by living together," Kimberly said.
"Why are you so adamant about not getting back together?” Reese added.
"Doesn't seem to be what she wants," I replied carefully.
During our time-out, she’d repeatedly brought up what would happen afterward. She'd set the boundary, and I was respecting it, even though I was walking around with a fucking hard-on every time I was at home. This wasn't just about sexual attraction though. Avery and I had a deep bond once, and living with her now had only reminded me of how strong it had been.
"Oh, but you want it," Kimberly said, correctly interpreting my expression.
Reese laughed. "The more things change, the more they stay the same, don't they?"
I shook my head, smiling to myself. They were both right. And it was high time I proved it to Avery.
