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“Yeah, Ethan texted him too.”I suspect Bradford was more disappointed than he let on.But he and Hayden are the experts at making allowances for Ethan’s choices in life, so he just carried on like it was a reasonable decision.
Hayden frowns.“Why isn’t he coming?”
“He’s off on some fucking pilgrimage or something.Walking the Camino de Santiago, which is obviously more important than coming home for his brother’s wedding.”
Olivia places her hand on my arm.“Callan,” she murmurs.
I cut her off before she can stick up for Ethan.“No, Liv, he’s being a selfish asshole and even you can’t find a way to make a decent excuse for this choice of his.”
Olivia finds compassion for everyone, even when I’m not convinced they deserve it.She’s able to compartmentalize aspects of people, letting go of whatever she doesn’t think matters in certain moments.Me?I can’t separate shit like that.It all matters.
Ethan left New York eleven months ago after we argued over the woman he was dating.The woman who broke his heart and stole a chunk of cash from him.I’d always been suspicious of her and he never liked hearing any of my thoughts.It didn’t surprise me when she betrayed him.What did surprise me was his willingness to overlook it and go after her.I said things I regret during our argument.It was all true, but saying it cost me my brother.He hasn’t been home since.
Out of all my brothers, I’m closest to Ethan.I never imagined he’d cut and run.I’m angry that he won’t take my calls or reply to my texts, but more than that, I’m fucking disappointed in him, especially today.Our brother is getting married.Ethan should be here for this.That’s what you do for family: you put shit aside for the big moments.
“You’re right,” Olivia says, “I can’t make an excuse, but we don’t know what’s happening in his life right now.Ethan wouldn’t blow off Bradford’s wedding unless he had a good reason.”
I love her way of caring for those who are important to her.However, it’s the bane of my existence at times because I can also be a selfish asshole, and there are times I only want to think of myself.Olivia often helps me shift perspective when I need to, but on this, not even she can make me change my mind.
Hayden reads the room like he always does.“Okay, let’s get these rings.We can discuss Ethan later.”
That’s code for: let’s get into this at a scheduled time later, which is always Hayden’s preference.He doesn’t shy away from discussing hard things, but he always has a timeline for when those discussions will take place.I’m the brother who challenges him on his schedules, but today I’ll go along with it because I don’t want to ruin Bradford’s big day.
With one last glance at Olivia who’s watching me like she knows this could go either way, I nod and follow Hayden into Bradford’s bedroom to locate the rings.
Ten minutes later, the rings are where they should be and I’m seated next to Penny, my date for the wedding.Olivia is on my other side deep in conversation with Slade while we wait for the ceremony to begin.
I’mdeep in conversation with myself over both Ethan and Slade.
I’m only just managing to hold myself back from texting Ethan and telling him exactly what I think of his decision.I’m also working overtime on not leaning across Olivia and telling Slade that he’ll have me to answer to if he hurts her.
Penny provides the intrusion into my thoughts I need when she places her hand on my thigh and brings her mouth to my ear.“FYI, this suit you’re wearing today would look so much better on my bedroom floor.”
I meet her gaze.“And ruin the good thing we’ve got going?Not a fucking chance.”
She rolls her eyes while keeping her hand on my leg.“You’re so boring, Callan.There is such a thing as friends with benefits.I’m sure you of all men have heard of that.”
“Me of all men?Should I be offended by that?”
“You’ve never met offended.Don’t pretend you have now.You’re happy to sleep with every other woman you meet.Why won’t you fuck me?”
“I don’t sleep with every woman I meet.”
“Okay, so maybe I exaggerated, but only just.The least you could do in return for me being your plus-one is give me some orgasms.”
I’ve known Penny for five years and she’s been my plus-one at many social events for the last two years.It’s easy with her and neither of us have any strings attached, which is how I prefer it.Sex has never been on the table as far as I’ve been concerned.I don’t fuck women who are friends.Not after I did that once years ago.It’s the fastest way to ruin a friendship in my opinion.Penny doesn’t share my belief and has brought it up the last few times I’ve seen her.
“I’ll introduce you to Slade.I have no doubt he’ll provide what you need.”
With one last eye roll, she removes her hand from my thigh and sits back in her seat.“For a guy who doesn’t follow rules, you’re good at following that rule of no sex.I can totally see why you and Olivia are still friends after all these years.”She gives me a questioning look.“Have you two seriously never had sex?”
Penny knows the answer to this.She’s asked me this before.“Why is it so hard to believe a man and a woman can be friends who’ve never contemplated having sex?”
“Because it never happens.”
“It does.Olivia and I are proof.”
“You’ve really never thought about it?”
