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“So could I,” Jonathan calls from the living room.
I didn’t even know he was in there.
I also don’t know what the boys like to eat. “Now that I’m living here, you guys are going to have to give me a rundown on which foods you like and don’t like.”
“We’re not terribly picky,” Jet says. “Meatloaf is a resounding no and we aren’t big on Brussels sprouts, but I think that’s about it.”
“No allergies?”
“Nope.”
“Eggplant’s gross, and I’m not a fan of cantaloupe,” Jonathan adds, sauntering into the room and glancing at me. “What are you making me?”
“You should learn to cook,” I tell him. “What will you do if you ever have to take care of yourself?”
“I know how. I just choose not to.”
“How about toasted Italian sliders?”
“Mm, yes,” Jet says.
“I’m sure glad we took in a stray that can cook.”
I go to the pantry for some Hawaiian rolls, then hit the refrigerator for lunch meat and provolone cheese. Jonathan watches me ready the sandwiches to go into the oven. I feel his gaze, but I don’t look up since he’s not saying anything.
“How was school?” he finally asks.
“Long. Stupid. Annoying. Exhausting.” Remembering he also had school today, I flick a glance at him and return, “How were your classes?”
“Better than that,” he says with a smirk. “This Kimberly girl in my first class of the day has a massive crush on me, so she tends to bring me goodies. Today, she brought me coffee and a breakfast sandwich.”
I can’t tell if he’s looking for a reaction out of me or not bringing up some girl that likes him. “Did you tell Kimberly if she wants your attention, she better get herself a boyfriend first?”
He smirks. “No. That could easily be misinterpreted.”
I smile faintly, looking down the island at his younger brother. “Jet knows all about that. Howarethings with Brylee? I haven’t asked lately.”
“You’ve been a little preoccupied,” he acknowledges. “I don’t think it’s going to work out with Brylee. I’m focused on another project right now, and she wasn’t really biting. I’m also reevaluating the long-term ramifications of getting her attention this way. Even if Igother attention, could I keep it? I’m not sure we’re compatible, and that’s vital for a happy, enduring relationship.”
I nod, slathering garlic butter over the tops of the sandwiches. “I think that’s a mature way of looking at it. I never really understood what you saw in her, anyway.”
“I approached it pretty simply. I haven’t had much exposure to serious romantic relationships since I was young. I’m embarrassed to say I thought attraction was enough, and if I manipulated the circumstances to capture her interest, the rest would fall into place. This weekend has been an eye-opener.”
I pause with my brush suspended over the last slider. It’s hard not to feel like my life is a sample in his Petri dish when he words it that way.
“Glad I could be of service, I guess.”
“You’ve certainly awoken my interest in the behavioral sciences. I had a cursory knowledge before, of course, but I want to do a thorough analysis and learn more about the dynamics. If you wouldn’t mind, I’d love to ask you a few personal questions when you’re feeling up to it.”
“What kind of questions?” I ask warily.
Seeing where this is going and apparently not approving of the destination, Jonathan cuts in. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Jet.”
Jet doesn’t pay his brother a bit of attention. Gaze locked on me, he answers, “A few things. First, I’m wondering about your stance on forgiveness.”
My hackles rise. “Forgiveness?” He nods. “Unless you’re looking to have your sliders poisoned, I would be very careful about who you’re about to tell me I need to forgive.”
Jet cracks a smile. “No, that’s not what I meant. I’m not trying to influence you one way or another. I just want your opinion. Parent-child relationships are complex and often endure far past the point of toxicity. It’s illogical, but people are emotional creatures before they learn to be rational, and many never develop that far. Do you think you’d ever forgive your mom or want to fix your relationship with her?”
