That’s the story I’m going with, anyway.
“I feel stupid even talking about it,” I start as Sandy replaces my spent Topo Chico.
“You know my thoughts on that, Ignacio.”
I let out a dramatically long breath and imitate his stoic response. “If it makes you feel stupid, then that’s the thing you need to talk about the most.”
“Ah. You were paying attention.”
As if I could ever ignore him.
“Okay, but you’re not allowed to make fun of me for being stupid.”
“I’m notallowed?” he asks with a knowing brow.
More shivers down my spine.
“Fine. This thing with Charlie and Justin getting married bothers me more than I’d like.”
He bobs his head. “Doesn’t surprise me. I could tell you felt off about it the other day.”
I scratch at the label on my drink. “I know they don’t owe me anything. Hell, Jason and Justin took a big chance with me when they gave me this job. They’ve promoted me and paid me a good wage, and I like what I do. But…still.”
“Just because you’ve been on the receiving end of a well-deserved acknowledgment doesn’t mean you can’t also feel some kind of way about not being included in an important family event.”
“Exactly,” I say, my gesture nearly taking out my bottle. “That’s what Ant and I were talking about. They’ve made us feel like we’re part of the family and that the work we do for their business is appreciated, but—”
I cut myself off with an annoyed grunt.
“Whatever comes after thatbutis the important part. Tell me what comes next.”
Something about the soft command in his voice has me straightening my posture.
God, I’m an idiot.
“But…they don’t involve us in therealfamily stuff.”
“The real family stuff?”
“Like that Sunday dinner they go to. Me and Ant have never been invited. So, like, maybe we’re one kind of family, and everyone else is another kind of family who gets to take part in the big family traditions.”
I swallow quickly, annoyed that I’m actually getting emotional about this. His warm hand lands on my elbow, grounding me.
“Hey, now. You’re not stupid for feeling that way. You already know they can invite whoever they want to dinner. Right?”
I nod.
“But when you’re so included in other ways and not included in this one way, it can be painful and confusing. In fact, I bet if you said something to them, they would be horrified to find they’ve overlooked you and Ant in some of the more important family events.”
“I agree. But then, telling them I feel left out sounds ungrateful and needy.”
Bram is usually good at not reacting before hearing me out, but he’s already shaking his head before I finish.
“It takes courage to point out when someone you love has been inconsistent in their behavior. Especially when you know their reaction will almost certainly be positive, save for the fact that they will feel bad for having missed the mark.”
I wince, and he points at my expression. “This is the real issue. You don’t want them to feel bad about it.”
“Who would want to make the Goodnights, of all people, feel bad? As for Charlie and Justin…they’ve done so much for me, and getting married is a good thing.”
