Handsyguy37:Is that a problem? Didn’t you see my age on my profile?
A part of me hopes it is a problem, because I’m only twenty-seven and I would love to be able to step in if Sebastian is too old for her. Of course, then I’d have to explain that I’ve been lying to her, at least about my age and most of the interests listed on my profile.
She’d understand that, right? Maybe even appreciate what a good brother I am.
DogPerson158:Age is just a number, right? It’s not a problem for me. I’d just forgotten. You were actually alive before the internet? Before everyone had a cell phone?
Handsyguy37:I’m very worldly and experienced. I know how to survive without technology.
DogPerson158:Really? I’m so reliant on it, I don’t think I could get anywhere without a GPS or the ability to check in with my family from anywhere.
Neither can I, and I feel like shit for having to lie to her. Even though if I do this right, she’ll never know she was talking to me and not Sebastian.
Handsyguy37:Honestly, we got some of that stuff around the time I started driving. But I did learn to read a map. Or at least print directions from the Internet. I’d be good to have on your team during the apocalypse.
I shove my plate away, my meal finished. Sebastian would be amazing in an apocalypse. I’d be terrible. The first one eaten by zombies, because I can’t find my way anywhere without a robot voice telling me where to turn.
DogPerson158:You seem pretty confident there’s going to be an apocalypse.
Sebastian is sure. Levi likes to be prepared for every eventuality. The two of them stockpile canned goods and do things like learning to start fires with rocks and twigs.
I’m more optimistic about the future than my brothers. But DogPerson isn’t talking to me. She’s talking to Sebastian.
I don’t want to think about why that makes me sad.
Handsyguy37:Not going to happen this week or anything…
DogPerson158:Why? What makes it seem so likely?
Shit. I’ve never asked Sebastian why he believes in the end of the world so completely. I try to get into his head.
Handsyguy37:Bad stuff happens every day. Better to be prepared, to make sure I can protect the people I love, than to take a chance of failing them.
That actually fits. Not that Sebastian would ever admit it, but he’s always looking out for us, even if he’s an asshole about it.
DogPerson158:Believe me, I get it. But one thing I’ve learned the hard way is that holding on too tight is a good way to get scratched.
I laugh, picturing her squeezing that new cat of hers and winding up with scratches. I agree with her, but Sebastian wouldn’t.
Handsyguy37:I’ll take that under advisement. Sorry to cut this short, but I’ve got to get home. I see several customers eying up my table.
DogPerson158:You’re at a restaurant? Which one?
DogPerson158:Don’t answer that. No personal details. Have a good night.
I chuckle as I drop cash on the table. Handsyguy37:You too, sweetheart.
I’ve sent the message before it’s really registered that I called her sweetheart. I have a fondness for this woman that isn’t at all appropriate or safe.
***
For once, I walk into Levi’s house and no one is fighting. It’s a nice change, but it sets me on edge. Did my brothers finally just kill each other?
A shout from the den has me heading in that direction, and my shoulders drop as laughter explodes. It’s been way too long since we’ve all hung out and had fun together, and I am so here for it.
Except, there’s only Cash in the den. He’s playing a video game with a headset on, talking and laughing with whoever’s on the other end. My brothers aren’t with him. They aren’t having fun together.
Cash sees me, asks whoever he’s playing with to hold on, and pushes back his headset while pausing his game. That’s how much he loves me. He pauses his video game for me.
