AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I rap against the door, a steady thrum of knuckles on wood. It swings open, and there’s Nina, less of the night’s shadows beneath her eyes, face not as marred by bruises and swelling. She leans heavily on crutches, but the ghost of her usual fire flickers in her smile.
“Conrad,” she greets, her voice a mix of surprise and relief.
“Hey, sis.” I take in her steadier stance, the healing that’s begun to erase the worst of it. She moves aside, making room for me to enter.
“Be careful with the steps,” warns a stern voice behind her. A nurse, hired hands meant to mend what’s been broken, hovers like a protective shadow. The woman’s gaze is all clinical concern, her posture rigid with responsibility.
Nina rolls her eyes, a flash of her old rebellious spirit. “She won’t let me do anything,” she grumbles, gesturing to the hovering nurse with a tilt of her head. “Not even make my own tea.”
“Maybe that’s for the best,” I say, keeping my tone light, teasing. “You do tend to burn water.”
“Ha-ha.” Nina’s retort is dry, but her lips twitch. “Very funny.”
The nurse offers me a nod, a silent plea to keep an eye on my sister. I return it with a subtle thumbs-up, understanding the unspoken language of caretakers.
“Let me hang on to those crutches for a sec,” I suggest, reaching out. “You need a break.”
“Finally, an ally.” Nina sighs theatrically as she relinquishes the crutches and collapses onto the couch with an exaggerated oof.
I place the crutches safely out of the way and settle into an armchair across from her. We share a look, one that says we’re both navigating this new normal, finding our footing in the aftermath of chaos.
The plush leather cushion sinks beneath me, contrasting with the tension that’s been building up in my shoulders. Nina’s place smells like disinfectant and something floral—probably one of those air fresheners she loves.
“Been doing okay?” I ask, leaning forward, elbows on knees, hands clasped together.
“Better.” She shifts, a grimace fleeting across her features. “Cooped up, but healing.”
“Good to hear,” I murmur, watching how the light filters through her curtains, casting shadows that dance across the floor.
“Conrad,” she says suddenly, her tone teasing, “you’ve got that look.”
I blink, confused. “What look?”
“The one you get when you’re into someone.” A knowing smile plays on her lips. “Let me guess…Brielle?”
A chuckle escapes me before I can stop it. It’s a sound that feels out of place in the quiet room, yet it eases some of the tightness around my chest. “Are you moonlighting as a mind reader now?”
“Only for you, big brother.” Her eyes sparkle with mischief, and it’s like I’m glimpsing the old Nina again, the one who thrives on intuition and insight.
“Seems you’re getting better at it,” I say, shaking my head but unable to wipe the grin off my face.
A sigh escapes me; it’s a confession waiting to spill. “Yeah, Brielle and I…we’re seeing each other. Grayson too, and Levi might be in the mix.”
Nina’s eyebrows shoot up, her curiosity piqued. “All three of you? Is she happy with that?”
“Seems so,” I say and shrug, though my chest swells with the truth I hold. “She smiles a lot. Laughs. Her eyes light up when?—”
“Okay, I get it,” Nina cuts in, but there’s warmth in her voice, not judgment.
I lean back, the leather of the chair creaking under my weight. “It’s unconventional, sure. But it works for us. For now.”
She nods, her gaze softening. “And you’re okay with sharing her?”
“More than okay.” I meet her eyes, steady and sure. “It’s about what makes her happy. And if that’s us…all of us together, then I’m in.”
“Sounds complicated.”
“Maybe.” I pause, considering. “But I’m not ruling out anything. Marriage, kids, whatever the future holds.”
