“I took care of the balance, Kaya,” Brick admits.
“Why?” I put a hand on my hip.
“I’ll let you two have the room,” Renee says, walking toward the back.
“I was paying for mine anyway and it was just easier to pay for both at the same time. You can pay me back later.”
The shop is small and I don’t want to continue this conversation inside where Rene and the tailor can hear, so I fake a smile, grab my tux, and make my way back out to the parking lot–my heart pounding.
“Why are you so pissed?” Brick asks as he automatically opens the trunk with his key fob.
“I just don’t understand what you’re doing. I’m not the one you have to impress.”
“What’s that supposed to mean, Kaya?” He sighs.
“You’re supposed to be here for Kyle.”
“I am here for him.”
We both get inside the truck and I turn to face him to make my point.
“Kyle was messed up for a long time when he blew out his knee. He couldn’t play ball in college like you did. He was lost.”
“I realize that, but he caught a bad break senior year. Injuries are part of the game. I could tear my ACL tomorrow and be out an entire season.”
“I understand that, but it would have been nice if you had been there for him a little more than you were. You were his best friend, and it feels like you disappeared on him.”
“Kaya–“
“I’m not trying to start an argument. You claim to be my brother's dearest friend. I mean, you both wear it like a badge. It just would be nice to see you actually live up to the pedestal Kyle puts you on, and playing games with me is not you starting off on the right foot.”
“You really don’t mince words, do you?”
“Only in certain situations or with certain people. Other times, I’m like a mute.”
“I’m sorry that you feel like I haven’t been a good friend to Kyle, but your brother understands me in a way that you don’t. Me and him are cool. Me and Dee Dee are cool. It’s just you and me who have a problem.”
“Yeah, well–”
“Should we just discuss the elephant in the room?”
“Which is?”
“I kissed you in the middle of Maple Street ten years ago.”
“Yes, you did.” I look down at my lap because I can no longer look him in the face. I’m shocked that he remembers.
“Did you like it?”
I snap my eyes back up.
“Did I what?”
“Did you like it when I kissed you?”
“I was furious with you that night. I hated you.”
“But did you like the kiss?”
