“Hey! Women like men with glasses.”
“Ohh, I’ll confirm that one,” Lex says as she walks back into the room with Dad, carrying extra drinks for the table.
I watch as she places a beer in front of Mason, then puts two more in front of Caleb. He’s got a dopey grin on his face, and his glasses are crooked on his nose. Lex laughs as she adjusts themand pops a quick kiss on his lips, only for Caleb to haul her back in.Gross.Could do without that at the dinner table.
Mum and Grams walk into the room carrying a huge pot of pasta and a bowl of salad.
“Is the garlic bread ready, Queenie?” Grandpa asks, pushing out his chair already.
“Yes, my love, it’s just on the bench if you wouldn’t mind.” Grams smiles, then raises her cheek for him to kiss on his way past.
We grew up with the way Grams and Grandpa bantered back and forth with sass and sweetness. Mum and Dad have been best friends from the start. They move together as one, always leaning on the other. Their love is built on solidarity and open communication. Now, Caleb has Lex. She’s not been around the family long, but she’s integrated seamlessly because her foundation is the same as Caleb’s. They’re both loyal and family-orientated. Determined and savvy, they appreciate all the little layers underneath.
As I watch Caleb and Lex from over the table, I wonder how my brother got to where he is. Lex is beautiful and kind, I can see that easily enough, but how did Caleb let himself fall in love? Wasn’t he scared? Was there a shred of doubt along the way? I know he lost his mind a bit before they got together. The guy couldn’t focus on anything but her. Is that the point? Falling in love is like the world out of focus. Thoughts and feelings are nothing but a blur, and when you finally make it to the other side, it all becomes clear.
Caleb links their hands on the table, while his other hand picks up the ladle and starts serving food onto their plates. It looks infinitely harder to do one-handed, but he doesn’t seem to mind. It’s like he has to touch her.
My phone buzzes in my pocket again. The table is engrossed in various discussions, so I pull my phone out, keeping it hidden under thetable.
BUTTERCUP:
Did you do this?
She sends through a photo of a pizza box with a receipt stuck on top with the order name as Buttercup.
ME:
In answer to your question, no, ice cream is not an acceptable dinner.
I’m about to put my phone back when an arresting thought hits me. I just sent her dinner. I’m not even there with her. It was like second nature to take care of her. Another message comes through, and I taper the smile threatening to burst free as I scan the text.
BUTTERCUP:
Thank you <3 That’s so sweet! Perfect timing, I was just about to get in the bath. The pizza guy got a good look at my fuzzy yellow bathrobe and bunny slippers.*laughing-face-emoji*
He fucking what? My leg starts bouncing, jaw ticking as I work through the tidal wave of possessive thoughts that just hit me. Only I should get to see my Buttercup like that. Oh god, I hope she wasn’t naked underneath, like the time I knocked on her door to find her only wearing that.
I don’t know how to respond to her, but a new photo has popped into our chat, and my heart stops. Isabelle is in the bath, bubbles up to her neck, and her hair gathered on top of her head. Her eyes are squeezed shut as she smiles around a bite of pizza.
Like a down bad creep, I save the photo to my camera roll before giving her my honest thoughts.
ME:
You’re beautiful.
BUTTERCUP:
You make me feel beautiful.
BUTTERCUP:
You make me feel alive. Empowered. I’ve never felt so wanted in my life.
I’m starting to feel like Isabelle was brought into my life for a reason. Is my friend trying to tell me it’s time to start living? To stop closing myself off from life? Everything feels so easy with her.
A bowl of pasta is placed in front of me, followed by the touch of Grams’s hand as she runs it over my head.
I meet her eyes, and she looks down at me with a soft smile. “Are you okay, angel?”
