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“Well, Ingrid is here… at the clubhouse… in NOLA.”
“Oh, that’s nice, it’s good for you to know someone there. It’ll make it easier for you to have someone you can lean on, right?”
Exhaling, I rub the back of my neck to ease the tension. “It’s complicated.”
“What do you mean?”
“When I first got here, her stepson, my president, put me on her as detail to take her to an appointment. I went with her, and when she came out, she told me they found a lump in her breast, and they did a biopsy.”
“Jesus, is it bad? What did her family say?” she asks.
“That’s the thing. Ingrid begged me not to say anything to her family. And in that moment, I became the only person who knew her diagnosis. I’ve been hiding it from the rest of the club.”
“Oh shit, Romeo. That’s bad, isn’t it? What will they do to you when they find out you’re keeping shit from them?”
“I don’t know. I honestly don’t know. But at least the prognosis for Ingrid is a good one. But they still have to go in and do a lumpectomy to remove the cells. I told the doctor I would come after him myself if he didn’t get it right.”
Bella is quiet for a moment. “Hmm… Romeo, how much time have you been spending with Ingrid?”
“A lot. I have to because I’m the only one who knows about her diagnosis. So I’m the only one who can help her. I want to protect and keep her safe.”
“Mm-hmm… and how long have you been fucking her during this time?” she flat out asks.
“W-what?”
She chuckles. “The way you’re so protective over her? C’mon, Romeo. I know you better than you think I do.You like her! So I’m not surprised now you’re both consenting adults that there’s something there. Thereissomething there, right?”
I can try to deny it to my sister all I want, but she will see right through me. And maybe this is the reason I called her, so I could finally tell someone what’s going on.
So I let it out. “Yeah… there’s something, and it’s so fucking good, Bells. I’ve never felt like this about anyone.”
She sighs, and I can’t tell whether it’s dejected or contented.
“I’m so fucking happy for you, little brother. It’s nice to see you finally settling into something that you were always destined for. And an older woman will be good for you. I know she’ll keep you in line. You fucking need that!”
I snort out a laugh. I could have sworn it would have gone the other way by the sound of her sigh. “I had no idea how you would react to this.”
“I’m the easy one to talk to. I willalwayssupport you. Growing up, we may have fought like hell, but don’t all siblings? I love you, Romeo. You are the best brother in the world, and Iwillstand by you no matter what you do. Mom and Dad, on the other hand…” She giggles. “Oh, they’re going to have afield daywhen they hear about this.”
“Fuck… I know. The fact Ingrid was married to Dad’s best friend doesn’t get past me. It’s complicated. The fact I am a year younger than her youngest child is fucking strange too. I would never normally be the type of guy to go for something like this, but there’s something about her I can’t seem to stay away from. Ingrid makes everything…so… much…better.”
“Sounds like you’re falling for her,” Bella suggests.
“No, I can’t be. It’s too fucking soon.”
Bella exhales. “It might feel like it’s soon, but this woman has greatly impacted your life. She gave you the strength to stand up to our shitty parents. To become the man you are today. Without her, you wouldn’t be where you are right now. You started falling for her the moment she saved you that day. You were just too young to realize it. So that’s why this feels fast because the intensity is escalating now, but honestly, Romeo, it’s been there all along. I know because of how often you would talk about her growing up. Never in a way that made me think you liked her, but just that you admired her for what she did for you. The fact she’s reciprocating is unexpected, but you can charm the pants off anyone. So I guess she’s just a victim to the good old South spell.”
“You’resurprised she’s reciprocating? You should see this frommyangle.” I chuckle along with her.
“Are you happy, Romeo?” she asks, and a light smile crosses my face.
“Fuck, yeah. I mean… it’s tough, there’s no doubt. I hate that Ingrid’s going through all this, and seeing her doubt herself and how amazing she is and how beautiful I see her… goddamn, it fucking kills me. But spending time with her is all I need. The rest is a bonus.”
Bella giggles like a schoolgirl. “Oh yeah, you’re definitely falling for her.”
I swing my legs over the edge of the bed and sit taller. “Don’t tell Mom and Dad… I need to find a way to tell them that won’t end in Dad having heart failure.”
Bella giggles. “Good luck with that. And before you get any bright ideas… there isno way inhellI am telling them. That’s one hundred percent your job, but can I be there whenyoutell them?”
